Pineapple Ground Beef Recipe

My Pineapple Ground Beef is a quick and flavorful dish with sweet pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and crispy beef tossed in a sweet and spicy chili sauce. The green onions, tamari, sesame seeds, and crunchy peanuts give it an Asian-inspired flavor and a mix of textures I really enjoy. The best part is I can have this delicious meal on the table for my family in just 30 minutes.

Would you agree with me if I say that using ground beef as the main protein is the most practical way to feed a hungry family on busy nights? I know you would! It is so versatile too, because one night I can turn it into an easy taco salad and the next it works perfectly in my Instant Pot Cabbage Stew.

Some people call this ground Hawaiian beef or even sweet and sour beef, but I just call it dinner everyone loves. It is a fun mix of Hawaiian and Asian flavors, and if you are a fan of pineapple with beef, this one is a must try. My recipe is simple too, with ground beef, pineapple chunks, Thai chili sauce, green onions, red bell peppers, sesame seeds, and crunchy roasted nuts. A handful of herbs and spices pull it all together and make each bite taste big and full of flavor.

Why you will love this recipe

• Dinner ready in 30 minutes: I can have this skillet on the table in about half an hour, which is perfect on nights when the kids are hungry and I do not want to fuss with a complicated recipe. It cooks quickly, and I love knowing I can get a full meal done without rushing.
• The sweet and spicy combo I crave: The pineapple chunks bring a juicy sweetness, while the Thai chili sauce gives just enough heat to keep things exciting. Mix that with the savory beef and peppers, and it becomes the kind of flavor balance that makes me go back for seconds.
• Crunchy and tender all together: What makes this recipe fun is the mix of textures, with peanuts and sesame seeds adding crunch, peppers staying a little crisp, and the ground beef cooking up tender.
• Easy ingredients that work together: I love that this recipe only needs ground beef, pineapple, peppers, green onions, and a few sauces and spices I already keep in the pantry.

What you will need

• Protein: I use lean ground beef as the main protein.
• Sauces and seasonings: Thai chili sauce, tamari, lime juice, chili flakes, black pepper, and fresh ginger make the sauce taste sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy.
• Fruits and vegetables: I add pineapple, red bell pepper, green onions, garlic, cilantro, and Thai basil. They make the beef fresh, colorful, and full of flavor in every scoop.
• Crunch and garnish: Sesame seeds and roasted peanuts add that crunchy texture I love.
• Butter: A little butter in the skillet helps cook the beef and vegetables. It also makes the sauce taste rich and smooth.

How to make

Brown the beef: I add the ground beef, chili flakes, and black pepper to a large skillet over medium high heat. Then I break up the beef with a spoon and cook it until it is browned, which takes about five minutes.

Reduce heat: I turn the skillet down to medium and add the ginger, garlic, and butter. I stir and let it cook for about two minutes until the beef gets crispy and the butter turns golden, then I drain off any extra grease.

Add remaining ingredients: I stir in the red bell peppers and a cup of pineapple chunks, then pour the sweet chili sauce and tamari over the top. I mix everything well and let it come to a boil, then simmer uncovered for two to three minutes until the beef is coated in the sauce before adding the sesame seeds and green onions.

Make the pineapple mix and serve: While the beef simmers, I toss the remaining pineapple with the peanuts, lime juice, basil, and cilantro. When it is ready, I spoon the beef onto plates, add the pineapple mixture on top, sprinkle with green onions, and serve it hot.

Expert tip

Let the beef crisp

The best advice I can give for making this Pineapple Ground Beef is to let the beef cook long enough to get a little crispy before you pour in the sauce. I know it is tempting to rush, but that extra bit of browning makes the flavor so much richer and helps the sweet and spicy sauce stick to the meat.

More tips to consider:

• I sometimes swap the chopped pineapple for crushed pineapple or tidbits, and it works just as well. It makes the sauce a little smoother and blends in easily.
• To save time, I like using store bought Thai chili sauce and canned pineapple. It keeps prep simple on busy nights.
• I add a little ketchup now and then, and it gives the beef a nice tangy flavor. My kids really enjoy it that way.
• I always choose lean ground beef because it cooks up with less grease.
• When I know the evening will be hectic, I cook the beef ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. It makes putting dinner together so much faster.

Recipe variations and add-ins:

• Veggie boost: I like to toss in extra veggies such as 1 cup of broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or bell peppers. It makes the dish more colorful and hearty.
• Protein swap: Sometimes I swap the beef for 1 pound of ground chicken, turkey, or pork. It changes the flavor but still works great with the sauce.
• Sauce switch: If I do not have tamari, I use 1/4 cup of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce instead. Both give the dish that same savory depth.
• Sweet touch: When I want the sauce sweeter, I stir in 1/4 cup of brown sugar. It balances the spice from the chili sauce perfectly.
• Tangy boost: I sometimes pour in 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar to the sauce. It adds a tangy flavor that makes everything taste sharper.
• Citrus swap: If lime juice is not on hand, I squeeze in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice instead.

Serving suggestions

When I make this Hawaiian beef for dinner, I love serving it over a bowl of fluffy coconut rice because the sweet and savory sauce soaks right in. If I want a lighter pairing, I add my pear salad recipe on the side, and the freshness of the fruit balances the rich beef so nicely.

For weekends, I sometimes turn the beef into sliders and serve them with dinner rolls, which makes them perfect for parties or birthdays. On cooler nights, I pair it with my chicken mozzarella pasta so there is plenty of hearty food on the table and everyone leaves full and happy.

How to store leftovers:

• Store: I keep any leftover Hawaiian beef and rice in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to five days.
• Freeze: When I want to save it longer, I put it in a freezer bag and keep it in the freezer. It holds well for about three to four months.
• Thaw: I move the frozen leftovers into the fridge the night before so they thaw slowly. This way the texture stays nice.
• Reheat: I usually warm it in a frying pan on low to medium heat for a few minutes, or I pop it in the microwave for about a minute to a minute and a half.

Frequently asked questions

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