Citrus Free Beef and Apple Sage Skillet

Total time35 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time25 min

4.8

(7)

Warm, savory, and just a little bit sweet, this skillet dinner brings together ground beef and tender apple slices in a way that feels both unexpected and completely natural. Caramelized onion, fresh sage, and a trio of warming spices — turmeric, ginger, and Ceylon cinnamon — give the dish real depth without relying on any citrus for brightness. Instead, a splash of apple cider vinegar and coconut aminos do the heavy lifting, adding just enough tang and umami to round everything out. For anyone navigating a citrus-free lifestyle, finding that kind of complexity in a weeknight meal can be genuinely tricky, and this one delivers without any workarounds or substitutions that feel like settling. The bone broth simmers down into a light, glossy sauce that clings to every bite of beef and softened apple. It all comes together in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time actually enjoying dinner. A scatter of fresh parsley over the top makes it look as good as it tastes.

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Ingredients

4 servings

1 ½ lb ground beef (85% lean)
2 tbsp coconut oil, divided
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium apples (such as honeycrisp or fuji), cored and thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh sage leaves, thinly sliced
1 tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
½ cup bone broth
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp coconut aminos
¾ tsp salt, plus more to taste

For serving

1 tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions

1
Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the ground beef in a single layer and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned throughout with no pink remaining and an instant-read thermometer reads 160°F (71°C), about 8–10 minutes. Transfer the beef to a plate, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.
2
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tbsp coconut oil to the skillet. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute, watching closely so it does not brown.

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