Turkey Free Beef and Apple Sage Skillet

Total time35 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time25 min

4.8

(7)

Ground beef gets a seriously underrated glow-up when it's paired with sweet apple slices, caramelized onion, and a warm spice blend of turmeric, ginger, and Ceylon cinnamon. The combination sounds unexpected, but it works beautifully — the fruit softens into the savory beef while the fresh sage adds an herby, almost autumnal depth that makes the whole skillet smell incredible. Bone broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar deglaze the pan and pull all those browned bits into a light, glossy sauce that ties everything together. Coconut aminos bring a subtle umami note without any soy, keeping the ingredient list clean and straightforward. This is the kind of one-pan dinner that feels a little fancy but comes together with minimal fuss and even less cleanup. It's a great option for anyone navigating poultry-free cooking who still wants something hearty, satisfying, and genuinely full of flavor — no substitutions or compromises required.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

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.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!