Sweet And Sour Ground Beef
A flavorful sweet and sour ground beef dish with pineapple, green peppers, and a tangy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying a family craving for Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef slowly in a skillet.
- Drain the pineapple, reserving the syrup.
- Combine brown sugar and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Add pineapple syrup, vinegar, soy sauce, and salt to the mixture.
- Cook and stir over low heat until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the hot cooked beef.
- Let stand for 10 minutes.
- Add pineapple chunks, green pepper strips, green onion tops, and shredded carrots.
- Cook for 2 or 3 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Serve the sweet and sour ground beef over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or ginger to the sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you want to add more vegetables, diced carrots or snap peas work well. To enhance the sweetness, use fresh pineapple instead of canned. Serve this dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet and sour ground beef over steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal. Complement it with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad to balance the flavors. This dish also pairs beautifully with Mother Mac'S 'Kottbullar' (Swedish Meatballs) for a diverse dinner spread, or you can enjoy it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, ensuring it doesn't dry out. If desired, add a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Ground Beef contains roughly 255 calories, with 2g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2345mg per serving (102% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet and sour sauce and brown the ground beef in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and combine them when ready to serve. This makes for a quick weeknight meal as you just need to heat everything and add the vegetables.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as different proteins may require varying cooking durations.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha when cooking the beef to infuse more spice into the dish.
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).