Hawaiian-Style Chili

Hawaiian-Style Chili combines the warmth of traditional chili with a tropical twist, featuring robust flavors and hearty ingredients. This recipe marries ground beef with vibrant onions and red bell peppers, cooked to tender perfection in a Dutch oven.

The addition of stewed tomatoes, kidney beans, and tomato sauce provides a rich base, while pineapple chunks add a delightful sweetness and unique island flair. Seasoned with chili powder and salt, this chili simmers to a satisfying consistency, perfect for a comforting meal that brings a taste of Hawaii to your table.

Hawaiian-Style Chili

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef

6 onions, chopped

2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped

2 (16 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes, with juice

2 (15.5 ounce) cans kidney beans, with liquid

1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (16 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained

2 tablespoons chili powder

2 teaspoons salt

Instructions:

Step 1:

Heat a large Dutch oven until hot over high heat.

Add the ground beef, and cook until barely pink, stirring constantly to break into small pieces.

Stir in onions and bell pepper, cook until the meat has browned, and the onions have softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes.

Pour meat into a large mesh strainer and press to expel excess fat.

Step 2:

Place meat back into Dutch oven along with stewed tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, and pineapple chunks; season with chili powder and salt.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, or until chili reaches desired consistency.

Notes:

Meat Preparation: Browning the ground beef in a hot Dutch oven ensures a flavorful base. Stirring constantly while cooking helps break the meat into small, even pieces, crucial for a consistent texture in the chili.

Aromatics: Cooking the onions and red bell peppers with the ground beef adds depth to the dish. The onions should soften and become translucent, enhancing their natural sweetness, which complements the savory flavors of the meat.

Fat Reduction: Draining excess fat from the cooked ground beef using a mesh strainer helps reduce the overall fat content of the dish, making it lighter without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients Integration: Adding stewed tomatoes, kidney beans (including their liquid for added flavor and texture), tomato sauce, and pineapple chunks creates a complex flavor profile. The combination of savory tomatoes, hearty beans, and sweet pineapple chunks lends a unique Hawaiian twist to the traditional chili.

Seasoning: The chili powder and salt are essential for enhancing the flavors of the dish. Adjusting these seasonings to taste ensures the chili achieves a balanced and well-rounded flavor profile.

Simmering: Allowing the chili to simmer uncovered over medium-low heat helps meld the flavors together and allows the sauce to thicken to the desired consistency. This step also ensures that all ingredients are thoroughly heated and infused with the seasonings.

Variations: This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to personal preferences. For instance, adjusting the chili powder for more or less heat, or experimenting with different types of beans or additional vegetables can add variety to the dish.

Serving: Serve the Hawaiian-Style Chili hot, garnished with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or a wedge of lime to complement the flavors and add freshness.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.

Adjust cooking times accordingly as ground turkey may cook faster than beef.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned stewed tomatoes?

Absolutely! You can use fresh tomatoes, diced or crushed, instead of canned stewed tomatoes.

Adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe accordingly.

What can I substitute for kidney beans?

If you prefer, you can use black beans or pinto beans instead of kidney beans.

Make sure to adjust cooking times as needed based on the type of beans used.

Is there a vegetarian version of this chili?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and using additional beans or adding meat substitutes like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or tofu.

Can I freeze this chili?

Yes, this chili freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers or freezer bags.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How spicy is this chili with 2 tablespoons of chili powder?

The spiciness will depend on the chili powder you use.

If you prefer a milder chili, you can start with 1 tablespoon of chili powder and adjust to taste.

Can I add other vegetables to this chili?

Yes, feel free to add additional vegetables such as corn, diced zucchini, or diced carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.

What should I serve with Hawaiian-Style Chili?

This chili pairs well with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips.

You can also serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.

How long does this chili need to simmer to reach the desired consistency?

Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes after bringing to a boil, or until the chili thickens to your liking.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker.

Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.