Hawaiian Sweet and Tangy Sloppy Joe's

Take your Sloppy Joe game to the next level with this Hawaiian Sweet and Tangy Sloppy Joe’s recipe—a tropical twist on a comfort food classic! This quick and easy dish features savory ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option) simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce made with crushed pineapple, tomato sauce, and a hint of soy sauce for depth. Finely chopped onion, red bell pepper, and garlic add freshness and texture, while brown sugar and apple cider vinegar create a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Served on buttery toasted Hawaiian sweet rolls, these Sloppy Joes are irresistibly messy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes and serves a family-friendly six, making it a delicious addition to your meal rotation.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup Tomato sauce
• 0.5 cup Ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1.5 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground ginger (optional, for extra Hawaiian flair)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 6 pieces Hawaiian sweet rolls or hamburger buns
• 2 tablespoons Butter (optional, for toasting the buns)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside on a plate.

Step 2

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir in the crushed pineapple, tomato sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ground ginger (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix until combined.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should slightly thicken and coat the meat evenly.

Step 5

While the meat mixture simmers, optionally toast the Hawaiian sweet rolls or hamburger buns. Spread a thin layer of butter over the cut sides of the buns and toast them in a skillet or on a griddle until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 6

Spoon the sweet and tangy Sloppy Joe mixture onto the toasted buns. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1707.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2710.1

Total Fat 142.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 63.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 484.9mg	0%
Sodium 4409.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 256.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.4g	0%
Total Sugars 135.0g
Protein 104.8g	0%

Vitamin D 18IU	0%
Calcium 307.0mg	0%
Iron 19.1mg	0%
Potassium 2370.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.1%

Protein: 15.4%

Carbs: 37.6%