Hawaiian Beef Sliders

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + marinating Grill: 10 min.

Makes

1-1/2 dozen

Updated: Nov. 16, 2023
Sweet and savory with just a hint of heat, these dynamite burgers are packed with flavor. The combination of pineapple and bacon may sound unusual, but you'll find they're a perfect match. —Mary E. Relyea, Canastota, New York
Hawaiian Beef Sliders Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 18 miniature whole wheat buns
  • Baby spinach leaves
  • 3 center-cut bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
  • Sliced jalapeno peppers, optional

Directions

  1. Drain pineapple, reserving juice and 1-1/2 cups pineapple (save the extra pineapple for another use). In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup reserved crushed pineapple, pepper and salt. Crumble beef over mixture and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 18 patties; place in two 11x7-in. dishes.
  2. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, pepper flakes and reserved pineapple juice. Pour half the marinade into each dish; cover and refrigerate 1 hour, turning once.
  3. Drain patties, discarding marinade. On a lightly oiled grill, grill patties, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from heat. Grill or broil until a thermometer reads 160° and juices run clear, 4-5 minutes on each side.
  4. Grill buns, uncovered, until toasted, 1-2 minutes. Serve burgers on buns with spinach, remaining pineapple, bacon and, if desired, jalapeno peppers.
Editor's Note: If miniature whole wheat buns are not available in your area, you can also use whole wheat hot dog buns cut into thirds.

Nutrition Facts

3 sliders: 350 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 444mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.