Ground Beef & Broccoli (AIP, Keto, Paleo)

Let’s talk about a classic: beef and broccoli stir-fry. It’s bold, simple, and full of flavor—a dish that’s been winning hearts since the 1920s when Chinese immigrants in California adapted their Cantonese recipes to local ingredients like broccoli. This version? It’s a twist on the original. Instead of steak, we’re using ground beef, so it’s faster, more budget-friendly, and just as delicious. Bonus—it’s AIP, Keto, and Paleo-friendly, thanks to ingredients like coconut aminos and arrowroot starch. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a comforting, one-pan meal in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive in!

Quick Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Serves: 4
• Difficulty: Super easy—great for beginners.
• You’ll Need:
  • A large skillet
  • A mixing bowl and whisk
  • Measuring cups/spoons

Time-Saving Tip: Chop the broccoli and whip up your sauce in advance. Store them in the fridge, and they’re good to go for up to a day.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut aminos (a soy sauce alternative)
• 1/3 cup beef broth (low-sodium works best)
• 2 tsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar (or any Paleo-friendly sweetener)
• 1 tbsp arrowroot starch (to thicken the sauce)
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 2 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 3/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (skip this for AIP)
• 1 lb ground beef (go for grass-fed if available)
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)

Easy Swaps:

• No coconut sugar? Use honey or maple syrup.
• No arrowroot starch? Try tapioca starch—or skip it for a thinner sauce.
• No fresh broccoli? Frozen works too—just thaw before cooking.
• Want something lighter? Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

Pro Tip: Fresh ginger and garlic will take the flavor to the next level if you’ve got them. And for the beef, aim for an 85/15 fat ratio—it’s the perfect balance of flavor without being too greasy.

How to Make It

Step 1: Whisk Up the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together coconut aminos, beef broth, rice vinegar, coconut sugar, arrowroot starch, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Whisk until smooth. The sauce might look glossy and light brown—perfect. Set it aside for now.

Trouble? If the arrowroot clumps, just whisk a bit harder.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the broccoli and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5–6 minutes, stirring now and then, until it’s tender but still firm.

Shortcut: Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes to let the broccoli steam. It’ll cook faster this way.

Heads Up: Mushy broccoli isn’t fun—so keep an eye on it. As soon as it’s bright green and slightly crisp, take it off the heat and set it aside.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add another tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Crumble in the ground beef and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook it for 7–8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go. Make sure it’s fully browned—no pink spots left.

Too much grease? Feel free to drain it. Otherwise, it might make the dish too oily.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet with the beef. Pour the sauce over everything. Lower the heat and stir for 1–2 minutes. The sauce will thicken and coat the beef and broccoli perfectly.

Tip: You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce bubbles gently and looks shiny. Don’t walk away—keep stirring so nothing sticks.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Turn off the heat and sprinkle those green onions on top. Serve it straight from the pan or over cauliflower rice for a more filling meal. Easy, delicious, and done!

Ways to Switch It Up

For Different Diets:

• Want it vegan? Use plant-based ground beef or crumbled tofu.
• Gluten-free? Double-check that your coconut aminos are certified GF.
• Love spice? Add red pepper flakes or chili oil at the end.

Seasonal Ideas:

• No broccoli on hand? Try zucchini or bell peppers in the summer—or carrots and snap peas in the winter.

Make It Fancy:

• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil.
• Meal prep? Double the recipe, portion it out, and you’re set for the week.

Serving & Storing

How to Serve:

This dish is great on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice or even jasmine rice if you’re not sticking to Keto. Want something fresher? Serve it alongside a side of pickled cucumbers or a simple salad.

How to Keep Leftovers:

• Fridge: Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Cool it down completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat:

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to bring the sauce back to life. Skip the microwave if you can—it’ll overcook the broccoli.

This Ground Beef & Broccoli dish is a total winner. It’s fast, customizable, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re following AIP, Keto, or Paleo—or just need something easy and hearty for dinner—this recipe checks all the boxes. Try it out and let me know how you like it!

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