HAWAIIAN BEEF SLIDERS

Hawaiian Beef Sliders image

Sweet and savory with just a hint of heat, these dynamite burgers are packed with flavor. Pineapple and bacon may sound like an unusual combination, but you'll find they're the perfect match. -Mary E. Relyea, Canastota, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 40m

Yield 1-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 13

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

Steps:

Drain pineapple, reserving juice and 1-1/2 cups pineapple (save remaining pineapple for another use). In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup reserved crushed pineapple, pepper and salt. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 18 patties; place in two 11x7-in. dishes., 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., Drain and discard marinade. On a lightly oiled grill, grill patties, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from heat on each side. Grill or broil until a thermometer reads 160° and juices run clear, 4-5 minutes., Grill buns, uncovered, until toasted, 1-2 minutes. Serve burgers on buns with spinach, remaining pineapple, bacon and jalapeno peppers if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 350 calories, Fat 12g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 74mg cholesterol, Sodium 444mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (13g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges