Honey Free Beef and Apple Sage Skillet
This one-pan dinner is the kind of weeknight meal that feels far more special than the effort it requires. Ground beef gets browned until deeply savory, then reunited with tender apple slices, caramelized onion, and a warm spice blend of turmeric, ginger, and Ceylon cinnamon that makes the whole kitchen smell incredible. Fresh sage adds an herby, slightly earthy note that ties the sweet and savory elements together beautifully. A splash of bone broth and apple cider vinegar deglaze the pan and build a light, glossy sauce that clings to every bite — no sweeteners needed to make it sing. For anyone navigating recipes that typically sneak in honey or maple syrup for balance, this dish proves that apples and warm spices do that job naturally and deliciously. Coconut aminos add a subtle umami depth without any hidden additives, keeping the ingredient list clean and straightforward. Finish with a scatter of fresh parsley and you've got a complete, satisfying plate that looks and tastes like you put in way more work than you actually did.
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Learn more →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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