A Sweet And Savory Twist On The Classic Sloppy Joe, Featuring A Tangy Pineapple Teriyaki Sauce, Tender Ground Beef, And A Soft Bun – A Fun, Tropical-Inspired Dinner For The Whole Family!
These Pineapple Teriyaki Sloppy Joes are a tropical twist on the classic comfort food we all know and love! I decided to make them because I wanted to combine the bold flavors of teriyaki sauce with the sweetness of pineapple for a fun, savory burger experience.
The sauce is rich, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet, making every bite feel like a vacation. My family loves these because they’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and totally unique. We love how the juicy pineapple balances out the richness of the meat, and the teriyaki sauce adds a perfect savory finish. These sloppy joes are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken would work wonderfully in this recipe for a lighter version. Just be sure to season the meat well to enhance the flavor since turkey can be a bit milder.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can cook the meat mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the filling and spoon it onto toasted buns.
Q: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
A: Yes, canned pineapple works great in this recipe. Just be sure to drain the pineapple well before adding it to the sauce so it doesn’t release too much juice.
Q: How can I make this spicier?
A: If you like a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving for added spice.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! You can use a plant-based ground meat substitute (like Beyond Meat or lentils) in place of the ground beef. The pineapple teriyaki sauce will still add plenty of flavor and sweetness.
What You Need to Make Pineapple Teriyaki Sloppy Joes
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or a plant-based meat substitute)
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
For Optional Toppings:
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sriracha or hot sauce (optional for extra heat)
How to Make Pineapple Teriyaki Sloppy Joes
1. Cook the ground meat:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Make the teriyaki sauce:
Stir in the pineapple chunks, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, onion powder, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
3. Assemble the sloppy joes:
Once the filling is thickened and flavorful, spoon the mixture onto the toasted hamburger buns. Top with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of sriracha if desired for extra flavor and heat.
4. Serve:
Serve the Pineapple Teriyaki Sloppy Joes immediately with a side of fries, chips, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- For extra flavor: Toast the buns in the oven or on a griddle with a bit of butter for a crispy, buttery finish.
- Make it sweeter: Add more pineapple for extra sweetness or top the sloppy joes with a few pineapple rings before serving.
- For a smoky touch: Add a little smoked paprika to the sauce for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan L. – “These Pineapple Teriyaki Sloppy Joes are amazing! The sweet pineapple and savory teriyaki sauce are a perfect combo. The family loved them, and I’ll definitely make them again!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rachel S. – “What a fun twist on traditional sloppy joes! The pineapple adds a nice sweetness, and the teriyaki sauce gives them so much flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie W. – “These sloppy joes are full of flavor! I love the sweet and savory combination, and the pineapple really stands out. Such a unique and delicious dinner idea.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma B. – “I made these for a casual dinner, and they were a hit! The teriyaki sauce is so flavorful, and the pineapple gives it the perfect sweetness. Great for family meals.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica H. – “These Pineapple Teriyaki Sloppy Joes are so fun and delicious! The pineapple really adds a refreshing twist, and the teriyaki sauce takes the flavor to the next level. Highly recommend!”
Printable Recipe
Pineapple Teriyaki Sloppy Joes
These Pineapple Teriyaki Sloppy Joes are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic, featuring a sweet pineapple and teriyaki sauce filling with tender ground beef, served in toasted buns.
Ingredients
- For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or a plant-based meat substitute)
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- For Optional Toppings:
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sriracha or hot sauce (optional for extra heat)
Instructions
1. Cook the ground meat:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Make the teriyaki sauce:
- Stir in the pineapple chunks, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, onion powder, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
3. Assemble the sloppy joes:
- Once the filling is thickened and flavorful, spoon the mixture onto the toasted hamburger buns. Top with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of sriracha if desired for extra flavor and heat.
4. Serve:
- Serve the Pineapple Teriyaki Sloppy Joes immediately with a side of fries, chips, or a light salad for a complete meal.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved these Pineapple Teriyaki Sloppy Joes, please share them with your friends and family! They’re the perfect combination of sweet and savory, and I’m sure everyone will love them. Share it on social media and tag me – I’d love to see how your sloppy joes turn out!
