Chili Ala Ono
Chili Ala Ono is a hearty Hawaiian-inspired chili featuring smoky bacon, tender ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with ginger, garlic, and chili powder. Perfect for comfort food lovers, it offers bold flavors and a satisfying, spicy kick suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, sliced thin ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. grated ginger
- 4 lb. ground round ⓘ
- 2 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 stalks celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 large bell peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sherry
- 2 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano
- 1 Tbsp. chicken base ⓘ
- 4 cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cumin seed
- 1/2 bottle chili powder ⓘ
- 2 cans kidney beans ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the bacon in a large pot or skillet.
- Add chopped onions, bell peppers, celery, garlic, and grated ginger; cook for 3 minutes.
- Add ground round and cook until browned.
- Add salt, sherry, sugar, oregano, chicken base, tomato paste, bay leaves, cumin seed, and chili powder. Stir well.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Five minutes before serving, add kidney beans with their sauce and cook for another 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon. You can substitute ground turkey for ground round for a leaner option. If you prefer more heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also enhance the dish. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. It pairs beautifully with Cheesy Chicken Wings for a hearty meal. Consider adding a side of cornbread or a fresh garden salad to balance the flavors. For a fun twist, serve it over baked potatoes or nachos.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This chili also freezes well; just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Ala Ono contains roughly 948 calories, with 29g protein, 191g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (227% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (152% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1631mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, this chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance, just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. Make sure to stir occasionally while reheating to ensure even warming.
Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! While kidney beans are traditional, you can substitute with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a different flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you're using canned beans that are already cooked.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The chili powder adds some heat, but you can reduce the amount or choose a milder blend. For more spice, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).