When you think of Hawaiian cuisine, dishes like poke bowls and kalua pork may come to mind—but there’s another island favorite that deserves a spotlight: Hawaiian-Style Chili. Unlike traditional chili, this version blends hearty ground beef, tender beans, and island-inspired sweetness from pineapple to create a flavor profile that’s as unique as it is irresistible. It’s the ultimate comfort food, combining spicy, savory, and sweet in one bowl. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy weekend meal, this chili is guaranteed to impress.
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Ingredients and Their Roles
For the Chili Base
1 lb ground beef – Provides richness and protein, forming the hearty foundation of the dish.
2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps brown the beef and sauté vegetables, adding depth to the flavor.
1 large onion, diced – Brings sweetness and aromatic flavor.
1 green bell pepper, diced – Adds freshness and a slight crunch.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the chili with bold, savory notes.
Seasonings & Flavor Builders
2 tablespoons chili powder – Delivers the classic chili kick and warmth.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness to balance the sweetness.
1 teaspoon cumin – Provides earthiness and depth.
1 teaspoon salt + ½ teaspoon black pepper – Enhances all flavors.
1 tablespoon soy sauce – A Hawaiian twist that boosts umami.
Sweet & Savory Hawaiian Touch
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes – Creates a rich tomato base.
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed – Adds protein, fiber, and hearty texture.
1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks (with juice) – The star ingredient, delivering tropical sweetness that balances the spice.
Optional Garnishes
Chopped green onions – Fresh bite to finish.
Shredded cheddar cheese – Creamy, melty topping.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt – Adds coolness to contrast the heat.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté aromatics: Add onions, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Season well: Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
4. Build the sauce: Add diced tomatoes, soy sauce, kidney beans, and pineapple chunks (with juice). Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to allow flavors to meld together.
6. Taste and adjust: Add more seasoning if desired—extra chili powder for heat or a dash of pineapple juice for sweetness.
7. Serve hot: Ladle into bowls and garnish with cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
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Why This Hawaiian-Style Chili is Loved
Balanced flavors: The contrast of spicy chili spices and sweet pineapple makes every bite exciting.
Comfort food with a twist: It’s familiar enough to please chili lovers, but unique enough to stand out at any gathering.
Versatile: Works as a main dish, party food, or even a topping for rice, hot dogs, or baked potatoes.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Chili
Use fresh pineapple if available for an even brighter flavor.
Let it sit overnight—like all good chilis, it tastes even better the next day.
Make it spicier by adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
Double the batch and freeze half for quick weeknight meals.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve over a bed of steamed white rice for a true Hawaiian-style experience.
Pair with buttery cornbread or garlic bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Turn it into a Hawaiian chili dog by spooning it over hot dogs and topping with cheese.
For a lighter option, serve with a fresh green salad on the side.
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Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian-Style Chili recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be ordinary. By blending traditional chili spices with the unexpected sweetness of pineapple, you get a dish that’s rich, hearty, and unforgettable. It’s simple enough for weeknig
ht cooking, yet impressive enough to bring to a gathering. Try it once, and it just might become your new go-to chili recipe.
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