Hawaiian Beef Dinner
A flavorful Hawaiian-inspired beef stew with pineapple, coconut, and ginger, perfect for hearty family dinners or entertaining guests craving tropical flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless beef chuck ⓘ
- 1 can crushed pineapple chunks (20 1/2 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp molasses ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 bananas ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp honey ⓘ
- 1/2 c toasted coconut ⓘ
- 1 tsp ginger ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp fat (Crisco) ⓘ
- 1 small onion ⓘ
- 1 beef bouillon cube ⓘ
- 1 c vinegar ⓘ
- 1 c brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 package frozen cut green beans (9 oz.) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or heavy kettle, brown the beef in fat.
- Add chopped onion, salt, garlic, and ginger; cook until fragrant.
- Drain pineapple chunks and reserve the syrup.
- Add enough water to the syrup to make 1 1/2 cups.
- Add 1/2 cup of the pineapple syrup to the meat and bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 2 hours or until the meat is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tender beef, consider marinating the chuck in the pineapple syrup overnight. If you don't have molasses, brown sugar can be a decent substitute for sweetness. You can also use fresh ginger instead of ground for a stronger flavor. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with water before adding it to the dish. This Hawaiian Beef Dinner can be complemented with rice or noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hawaiian Beef Dinner over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair it with a side of Noodle Kugel, which is a good side dish with fish or chicken, or some steamed rice for a complete meal. Garnish with toasted coconut and sliced bananas for added texture and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with other beef recipes, enhancing your dinner options.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. This dish can freeze well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Beef Dinner contains roughly 1293 calories, with 36g protein, 187g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (71% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2033mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute boneless beef chuck with brisket or round roast, though cooking times may vary. Just ensure the cut you choose has enough fat to keep the meat moist during cooking. For a leaner option, consider using sirloin, but be aware that it may require less cooking time.
How do I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey added. You can also balance the sweetness with a bit more vinegar or add some heat with red pepper flakes. Taste the sauce as it cooks to ensure it meets your preference.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or even pineapple chunks during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This not only adds flavor and nutrition but also enhances the overall presentation of the Hawaiian Beef Dinner.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).