Easy Pineapple Beef Stir Fry

This Pineapple Beef Stir Fry happened by accident in my kitchen one evening when I opened the fridge and found leftover pineapple from weekend meal prep staring back at me.

I had ground beef thawed and honestly wasn’t sure what direction to take dinner.

Something about that sweet-savory combination just called to me, and thirty minutes later we had this incredible dish that’s become our go-to when you want something that tastes way fancier than the effort it takes.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Pineapple Beef Stir Fry

This dish keeps winning hearts in my kitchen because of how the tangy pineapple brightens up the rich, savory beef.

The sauce brings together sweet and spicy notes that make each bite interesting, while the whole thing comes together in just one pan.

You get that perfect Pineapple Beef Stir Fry satisfaction without spending hours in the kitchen—exactly what busy weeknights call for.

If you’re craving more quick stir-fry ideas, my veggie stir fry with chicken has become another family favorite.

And when summer calls for something with that same tropical vibe, these tropical Hawaiian chicken pineapple kabobs bring those island flavors to your backyard.

What You’ll Need to Make This Pineapple Beef Stir Fry

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce (tamari works great for gluten-free)
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1½ tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 fresh garlic clove, finely grated
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 works best)
• 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1½ cups fresh pineapple, diced (canned works in a pinch—just drain well)
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Quick tip: Fresh pineapple gives you the best texture and sweetness, but I’ve used canned when I’m in a rush and it still turns out wonderfully.

How I Make This Pineapple Beef Stir Fry

Prepare the sauce first: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, hoisin, rice vinegar, honey, sesame seeds, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, grated garlic, and ginger. Set this aside—having your sauce ready makes the cooking process so much smoother.

Cook the beef: Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped green onions, breaking up the meat with your spoon as it browns. Season with salt and pepper. This takes about 5-6 minutes until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through.

Add the pineapple: Toss in your diced pineapple and stir everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes—you want the pineapple to heat through and start releasing those sweet juices.

Bring it together: Pour your prepared sauce over the beef and pineapple mixture. Stir everything together and let it bubble for a minute. Now add your cornstarch slurry and stir until you can’t see it anymore. Keep cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully.

Finish and serve: Garnish with extra green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

What I’ve Learned Making This Beef Stir Fry Again and Again

Don’t skip making the sauce first—I learned this the hard way when I tried to mix it while cooking and ended up with lumpy bits.

Also, use ground beef that’s not too fatty, or your sauce will end up greasy instead of glossy. When adding the pineapple, don’t cook it too long or it’ll turn mushy.

You want those chunks to hold their shape and give you little bursts of sweetness in every bite.

What if I can’t find chili garlic sauce?

Sriracha works as a substitute, though it’s a bit different in flavor. Start with less since it can be spicier, then taste and adjust.

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Can I use different meat?

Ground chicken or turkey work perfectly here. You might need to add a tiny bit more oil since they’re leaner than beef.

What vegetables can I add?

Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli all work wonderfully. Just add them when you add the pineapple so they get tender but still have some crunch.

For more cozy kitchen inspiration and family-friendly recipes like this one, I’d love to have you follow along on Pinterest, I share new ideas there all the time!

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How I Love to Share This Pineapple Beef Stir Fry

This recipe shines at casual family dinners, especially when you want something that feels a bit special without the fuss.

I love serving it over jasmine rice with some steamed vegetables on the side.

During summer months, I sometimes serve it over cauliflower rice for a lighter feeling meal, or even in butter lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on dinner that gets everyone talking.