Aloha Joes

Get ready to whisk your taste buds away to a tropical paradise with these incredible Hawaiian Sloppy Joes! Imagine the classic comfort of a sloppy joe, but infused with vibrant, island-inspired flavors. This recipe elevates your dinner game with the smoky richness of ground pork and bacon, the sweet-tart burst of pineapple, all brought together in a luscious, sweet and savory sauce that truly transports you to a Hawaiian luau, right from your dining table.

We all love recipes that carry a hint of the tropics, transforming everyday meals into something special. Just like this delightful Hawaiian One Pan Pasta or the ever-popular Hawaiian Chicken with Ham and Pineapple, these Hawaiian Sloppy Joes are designed to bring a touch of sunshine to your plate. They are incredibly easy to make, yet bursting with complex flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The Magic of a Quick and Flavorful Dinner

Life can feel like a non-stop sprint, especially during busy seasons. Whether it’s the holiday rush, back-to-school madness, or simply the demands of a hectic week, preparing a wholesome and delicious dinner often takes a backseat. We’ve all been there, contemplating the convenience of a drive-thru. But what if you could have a homemade meal, packed with exciting flavors, on the table in under 30 minutes? That’s where these Hawaiian Sloppy Joes truly shine.

The beauty of a classic sloppy joe lies in its simplicity and comforting nature. It’s a dish that evokes nostalgia and satisfies even the pickiest eaters. This recipe takes that beloved foundation and gives it an exotic, fun twist. By infusing it with tropical elements, we transform a familiar comfort food into an exciting culinary adventure. Say goodbye to mundane weeknight meals and hello to a dish that feels special, without demanding hours in the kitchen.

What Makes These Hawaiian Sloppy Joes So Irresistible?

The secret to the irresistible appeal of these Hawaiian Sloppy Joes lies in the thoughtful combination of ingredients and a perfectly balanced sauce. Unlike traditional sloppy joes that often feature ground beef and a more robust, sometimes heavier, sauce, our Hawaiian rendition uses ground pork and crispy bacon, providing a different texture and a richer, smoky foundation. The pineapple isn’t just a garnish; it’s a star player, offering a bright acidity and natural sweetness that cuts through the savory meat, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is truly addictive.

This dish is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you need a fast and satisfying meal, but it’s also robust enough to impress at a casual get-together or potluck. The vibrant flavors make it a fantastic option for family dinners, appealing to both adults and children alike. Furthermore, the combination of sweet and savory notes ensures a unique culinary experience that sets it apart from your standard sloppy joe recipe, making it a memorable dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Essential Ingredients for Your Tropical Sloppy Joes

Crafting the perfect Hawaiian Sloppy Joe requires a select few ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building its signature flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

• Bacon: We start with regular cut bacon, diced and cooked until beautifully crisp. The rendered bacon fat is then used to cook the pork, infusing the entire dish with a foundational layer of smoky, savory flavor. Thick-cut bacon can also be used for an even more substantial chew.
• Ground Pork: While ground beef is typical for sloppy joes, ground pork shines in this Hawaiian version. Its milder flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweet pineapple, and when cooked correctly, it provides a tender, juicy texture. Just be mindful not to overcook it, as pork can dry out easily.
• Onion: A finely chopped sweet or yellow onion provides aromatic depth and a subtle sweetness that complements the other ingredients. It becomes tender and translucent, releasing its natural sugars into the mix.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable here. It adds a pungent, aromatic kick that rounds out the savory elements of the dish, enhancing the overall complexity.
• Tomato Sauce: Opt for a plain, unseasoned tomato sauce. This forms the rich base of our sloppy joe sauce, allowing the other flavors to truly shine without competing with pre-existing spices.
• Brown Sugar: This is key to achieving that signature sweet and savory balance. Light brown sugar is preferred for its molasses notes and moist texture, but dark brown sugar works too for a deeper, richer sweetness.
• Red Wine Vinegar: A splash of red wine vinegar provides the necessary tang and acidity to brighten the sauce and prevent it from becoming overly sweet. If unavailable, white wine vinegar is a good substitute. Apple cider vinegar can also work, but use slightly less as it has a stronger flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This secret weapon adds a profound depth of umami and a savory complexity that ties all the flavors together. Its unique fermented notes are essential for a truly delicious sloppy joe.
• Pineapple: Fresh, chopped pineapple is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor and firm texture. If using canned pineapple, ensure it’s well-drained and cut into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the filling.
• Buns: The vessel for our delicious filling! While store-bought hamburger buns are perfectly fine for convenience, homemade hamburger buns elevate the experience with their soft, fresh texture. Lightly toasting them is crucial to prevent them from getting soggy.
• Cheese: Grated Cheddar cheese adds a creamy, sharp finish that melts beautifully over the warm filling. Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or a Colby blend if you prefer.

Crafting Your Hawaiian Sloppy Joes: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Making these Hawaiian Sloppy Joes is straightforward and quick, perfect for any night of the week. Follow these steps for a delicious, family-friendly meal:

1. Crisp the Bacon: Begin by dicing your bacon. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until it reaches your desired crispiness. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the flavorful bacon grease in the skillet.
2. Brown the Pork and Sauté Aromatics: Return the skillet with the bacon grease to the heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s fully browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Once the pork is browned, drain any excess fat if desired, leaving a small amount for flavor. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the pork. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, typically another 5 minutes.
3. Prepare and Add the Sauce: While the pork and onions are cooking, whisk together the tomato sauce, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl until well combined. Once the pork and onions are tender, pour this sweet and savory sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has slightly thickened to your desired consistency. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Incorporate Pineapple and Bacon: Stir in the chopped pineapple and the reserved crispy bacon into the sloppy joe mixture. Cook for just a minute or two, allowing the pineapple to warm through and the flavors to integrate further. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
5. Toast the Buns and Serve: Split your hamburger buns and toast them lightly. This can be done in a toaster, under the broiler, or in a dry skillet. Toasting prevents the buns from becoming soggy under the juicy filling and adds a pleasant texture. To serve, place a bun bottom on a plate, spoon a generous amount of the warm Hawaiian Sloppy Joe mixture over it, sprinkle with about 1/4 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese, and top with the other half of the bun. Serve immediately and enjoy your taste of the tropics!

Tips for the Perfect Hawaiian Sloppy Joes

To ensure your Hawaiian Sloppy Joes are as delicious as possible, consider these helpful tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Pork: Ground pork can dry out easily. Cook it just until it’s no longer pink, then add the onions and garlic to finish.
• Adjust Sweetness and Tang: Taste the sauce before adding the pineapple. You can always add a touch more brown sugar for sweetness or a splash more vinegar for tang, depending on your preference.
• Fresh vs. Canned Pineapple: While fresh pineapple offers the best flavor and texture, canned crushed or diced pineapple (well-drained) is a convenient alternative. If using canned, ensure it’s in its own juice, not heavy syrup, to avoid excessive sweetness.
• Toasted Buns are Key: A lightly toasted bun provides a barrier against the moist filling, preventing it from getting soggy too quickly. It also adds a satisfying texture contrast.
• Make it Ahead: The sloppy joe filling can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

While delicious as is, these Hawaiian Sloppy Joes are adaptable to your taste and pantry:

• Add a Kick: For a touch of heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Veggie Boost: Finely diced bell peppers (red or green) can be added with the onions for extra nutrition and crunch.
• Different Cheeses: Instead of Cheddar, try Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even a smoked Gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the filling in lettuce cups or over cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb meal.
• Serving Sides: These sloppy joes pair wonderfully with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette.

More Sloppy Joe Recipes to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed this tropical twist, you might love exploring other creative sloppy joe variations:

Buffalo Sloppy Joes
Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Enchilada Sloppy Joe Recipe
Sloppy Tex-Mex Sloppy Joes
Chicken Sloppy Joes
Turkey Sloppy Joes

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Hawaiian Sloppy Joes

5 from 2 votes

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

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Sloppy Joes go Hawaiian! These Hawaiian Sloppy Joes are made with ground pork, bacon, pineapple and a sweet and savory sauce that will transport you to the tropics.

Ingredients

• 1/4 lb bacon, diced
• 1 1/2 lbs ground pork
• 1 sweet onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup chopped pineapple
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 hamburger buns
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp. Remove to a paper towel lined plate with a slotted spoon, reserving bacon grease in the pan.
2. Return the pan with the bacon grease to the heat. Add the pork and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and continue to cook until soft, another 5 minutes.
3. While the pork and onions are cooking, combine the tomato sauce, brown sugar, red wine vinegar and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Once the onions are cooked, pour the mixture into the pan with the pork and onions and cook until it reaches your desired consistency, stirring occasionally. Stir in the pineapple and the cooked bacon. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Split the hamburger buns open and toast them lightly in a toaster or under the broiler until golden.
5. To serve, place the bun bottom on a plate and top with a scoop of the Hawaiian Sloppy Joe mixture. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of the cheese and cover with the bun top.

Recipe Notes:

Adapted from The Rachael Ray Show

Keywords: hawaiian sloppy joes, sloppy joe recipe