Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Chili: A Bold, Flavorful & Slightly Sweet Dish Will Light Up Your Taste Buds

If you’re looking to spice up your chili game, this Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Chili will be a total game-changer! The combination of sweet pineapple, savory bacon, and ground beef in a spicy, smoky tomato base will have everyone asking for seconds. The sweet and spicy contrast makes this chili an absolute standout, and it’s packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it for a cozy weeknight dinner or bringing it to a gathering, this dish is guaranteed to be the star of the meal.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Chili

Chili is a beloved comfort food, but sometimes it’s fun to add a twist with unexpected ingredients. Enter: pineapple! The juicy sweetness from the pineapple balances the heat of jalapeños and chili powder, creating a perfectly harmonious flavor profile that’s as satisfying as it is surprising. The smokiness of fire-roasted tomatoes and bacon adds depth, while the fresh garlic and bell peppers give it a vibrant, wholesome touch. This chili is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy, all in one bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Chili

What’s not to love about a hearty chili loaded with flavor? The pineapple gives this chili a unique sweetness that pairs beautifully with the heat from jalapeños and red pepper flakes. The bacon adds a smoky, salty bite, while the ground beef brings all the rich, meaty goodness you expect from a chili. Plus, it’s packed with veggies like onions, bell peppers, and garlic, making it both delicious and nutritious. Whether you make it on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot, this chili is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 30g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 4g

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Chili is a bold and flavorful meal on its own, but you can make it even more delicious by adding your favorite toppings. Try it with diced avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a fresh pop of flavor. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, top it with Elote chips or pickled red onions for a fun, crunchy twist. Pair it with a slice of cornbread or some tortilla chips to soak up all the delicious flavors!

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Storage and Reheating Tips

This chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over low heat or pop it in the microwave until heated through. If you’ve frozen the chili, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Fun Fact: Chili’s Global Journey

Chili has traveled the world, with different cultures putting their unique spins on the dish. While chili as we know it today originated in Texas, variations like this sweet and spicy version are popping up everywhere. Pineapple is often used in South American and Hawaiian-inspired dishes, bringing sweetness to savory recipes—proving that chili truly has no borders!

Cooking Tips

1. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder chili, remove the seeds from the jalapeños or skip the red pepper flakes altogether. If you want more heat, keep the seeds in or add extra jalapeños!
2. Customize the Meat: Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a leaner option, while adding shredded pork gives it a hearty twist.
3. Make it Veggie-Friendly: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils or meatless crumbles for a vegetarian version that’s just as tasty.

Optional Variations

• Tropical Twist: Add a little coconut milk to the chili for a tropical-inspired variation that’s rich and creamy with a touch of sweetness.
• Extra Smoky: Stir in some smoked paprika or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to bring an extra smoky depth to the chili.
• Cheesy Goodness: Top your chili with a layer of melted cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a gooey, cheesy topping.

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Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds grass-fed ground beef
• 1 pound cooked bacon, cut into thin strips
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 2 jalapeños, diced (seeds optional)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 20-ounce can of diced pineapple (with juice)
• 1 15-ounce can of tomato sauce
• 1 14-ounce can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• Sea salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the bacon: In a large heavy-bottomed soup pot or Instant Pot set to the sauté function, brown your strips of bacon. Once cooked, remove the bacon and let it cool on paper towels.
2. Brown the beef: Using the same pot, add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
3. Combine the ingredients: Add the bell peppers, jalapeños, minced garlic, pineapple (with juice), tomato sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, and diced bacon back into the pot. Stir everything to combine.
4. Season the chili: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Simmer: On the stovetop, cook the chili on medium-low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the bell peppers are soft and all the flavors are well combined. If using an Instant Pot, close the lid, seal the vent, and cook on the “Manual” or “Soup/Stew” setting for 30 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
6. Serve and enjoy: Once the chili is ready, serve it with your favorite toppings such as diced avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro, or sour cream. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

This Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Chili is a delightful twist on a classic, combining sweet pineapple with spicy jalapeños, savory bacon, and hearty beef. It's an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to potlucks. Whether you’re a chili lover or just looking for something new to try, this unique flavor combination will win you over with its delicious balance of sweet and spicy!