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Pineapple Pork Chili

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A garnish of fresh pineapple makes for the ultimate combination of sweet and smoky in this Pineapple Pork Chili.  Ground pork, pineapple salsa, fire roasted tomatoes and black beans mingle together to create a one of a kind, unforgettable chili. #pineapple #pork #chili #soup #comfortfood #easyrecipe #dinnerrecipes

A garnish of fresh pineapple makes for the ultimate combination of sweet and smoky in this one of a kind, unforgettable Pineapple Pork Chili.

A bowl of Pineapple Pork Chili with tortilla chips and spoons.

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Original content posted February 2014.  Updated January 2021.

I’m what you might call a competitive person.  Okay, so I’m a lot competitive.  Ask my family.  Some even refuse to play board games with me.  (True story.)  

So at a past job when they held a chili cook-off competition for employees, I was one of the first to sign my name on the dotted line to participate.  You likely already know how this story might end, as I sure wouldn’t share any instances of not winning with you!  

Instead, this Pineapple Pork Chili received top prize in the competition.  Make it once and you’re sure to see why!

A dutch oven of Pineapple Pork Chili with a ladle, two spoons and tortilla chips.

My “everyday” chili, the one that I create on a fairly frequent basis during the cold winter months, is my Beer Braised Beanless Chili. 

But sometimes it’s good to shake things up and go with a recipe that’s a little less traditional.  Something packed with unexpected flavors that work together so well, yet your mind can’t wrap itself around the idea of how it’s possible.  Pineapple?  Pork?  Chili?  Yes, please!

An overhead shot of a bowl of Pineapple Pork Chili with a spoon, fresh pineapple and tortilla chips.

The fact that there is absolutely no chopping or prep work involved means that this Pineapple Pork Chili takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.  But my favorite part?  The part that is always the show stopper, although always given a quizzical first glance?  The garnish of diced fresh pineapple on top.  

There’s something about the combination of sweet, juicy fruit paired with the smoky heat of the chili that keeps you coming back for more.

A ladle of Pineapple Pork Chili.

What to Serve with Pineapple Pork Chili

Of course, you could enjoy this unique chili on it’s own, but it’s always better with a side!  I typically choose to serve it alongside my Simple Sweet Cornbread or Cheddar and Cream Cheese Skillet Cornbread.  Both make an excellent side kick to this delicious chili.

Step by step instructions on how to create Pineapple Pork Chili, steps 1-4.

How to Make Pineapple Pork Chili

[1]  Add ground pork to large dutch oven or stock pot.

[2]  Brown ground pork over medium heat.

TIP: Not a fan of pork?  You can also easily substitute ground chicken or turkey.

[3]  Add salsa, black beans, tomato sauce, tomatoes and chili powder.

TIP: Like a little more heat in your chili?  I’ve also substituted mango habanero salsa for the pineapple salsa called for in this recipe with great results.  

[4]  Stir together.  Bring to boiling and reduce heat to simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.

A bowl of Pineapple Pork Chili surrounded by tortilla chips and spoons.

If you’ve tried this Pineapple Pork Chili or any other recipe on Melanie Makes, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  I love hearing from you and respond to each and every comment! 

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Pineapple Pork Chili | Melanie Makes
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5 from 2 votes

Pineapple Pork Chili

A garnish of fresh pineapple makes for the ultimate combination of sweet and smoky in this one of a kind, unforgettable Pineapple Pork Chili.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time20 mins
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 632kcal
Author: Melanie Bauer | Melanie Makes

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds lean ground pork
  • 32 ounces pineapple salsa
  • 30 ounces canned black beans rinsed and drained
  • 16 ounces tomato sauce
  • 30 ounces diced fire roasted tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • diced fresh pineapple to garnish

Instructions

  • Add ground pork to large dutch oven or stock pot.
  • Brown ground pork over medium heat.
    TIP: Not a fan of pork?  You can also easily substitute ground chicken or turkey.
  • Add salsa, black beans, tomato sauce, tomatoes and chili powder.
    TIP: Like a little more heat in your chili?  I've also substituted mango habanero salsa for the pineapple salsa called for in this recipe with great results.  
  • Stir together.  Bring to boiling and reduce heat to simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.

Notes

Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens.

Nutrition

Calories: 632kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 2374mg | Potassium: 1629mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 2815IU | Vitamin C: 15.6mg | Calcium: 182mg | Iron: 6.9mg

You have to have more than one chili recipe to have a chili cook-off!  Why not pair my Pineapple Pork Chili with this one of a kind Dr. Pepper Chocolate Chili, this comforting Creamy Taco Chili or this super easy Instant Pot Chicken Chili.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Jen says

    Any tips on how to keep this chili recipe while also making it beanless? I don' t want it to be missing something important to the concept!
    Reply

    • Melanie says

      Hey, Jen - If you're looking for a beanless chili, I'd recommend my Beer Braised Beanless Chili. This one needs that extra something which is why the black beans are used. You could always try adding more pork but I'm afraid it would feel that you're missing something.
      Reply

  5. Jacquelyn Hastert says

    I love the sweet flavor of the pineapple combined with the smoke roasted tomatoes. I can't wait to make this next week.
    Reply

  6. Shannon Graham says

    I've never tried a sweeter chili before. In fact, I've never tried pineapple in my chili and it sounds SO good!
    Reply

  14. stacey wachter says

    Could you use shredded chicken or pork chops instead? do you know how you would alter the cooking of the meat?
    Reply

    • melanie says

      I've made this with ground chicken previously, Stacy, with great end results. A store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover shredded chicken or pork would also work great.
      Reply

    • melanie says

      Hi, C - You're right! That's exactly why I've noted in the recipe that it was adapted from BHG's original recipe. :)
      Reply

  17. Chris says

    Melanie, we just finished dinner and everyone loved the chili. It came together very quickly. We had ground turkey in the fridge, so we used that in place of the pork. It was great. The salsa gave it a slight sweetness that the kids really loved. My favorite was the fresh pineapple on top. Definitely a fun twist. Thanks so much for sharing!
    Reply

    • melanie says

      Thanks so much for letting me know what your family thought of the chili, Chris! I'm with you, the fresh pineapple is definitely my favorite part. :)
      Reply

  28. Roz says

    Melanie, so nice to meet you and find your wonderful blog to follow! Thanks for stopping over and leaving your sweet comment. Your chili is so imaginative . . . pork and pineapple are such a perfect combination! I'd love this!
    Reply

  32. Bea says

    The pineapple on garnish sure looks like the showstopper to your great chili. This sure would be a favorite at my house. It sounds and looks delicious.
    Reply

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