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Easy weeknight paleo ground beef and broccoli dinner
Sarah Erickson

Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe (Paleo, Whole 30, AIP)

Paleo friendly ground beef and broccoli 30 minute meal.
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Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons oil divided, avocado oil or coconut oil
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ginger shredded
  • ½ cup coconut aminos
  • 1 tablespoon honey omit for Whole30
  • 1/3 cup broth chicken or beef, or sub 1/3 cup of water
  • 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon Salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper plus more to taste
  • 2 green onions chopped

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Broccoli: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil, then toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry the broccoli for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: In the same pan over medium heat, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook it, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it browns. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and shredded ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: coconut aminos, broth (or water), honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar), arrowroot powder, salt and pepper. This will create a flavorful sauce. Note: Use a mini blender or immersion blender to ensure the arrowroot is fully combined without any lumps.
  4. Combine Beef and Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked ground beef and stir to combine. Allow it to simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
  5. Add Broccoli: Return the cooked broccoli to the pan with the beef and sauce. Stir to combine everything evenly.
  6. Season and Serve: Taste the ground beef mixture and season with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, oniony flavor.
  7. Serve: Serve your Paleo, Whole30, and AIP-friendly Ground Beef and Broccoli over cauliflower rice or enjoy it on its own for a wholesome, satisfying meal. Enjoy!

Notes

Notes and Substitutions:
Sesame oil: can be used in lieu of avocado or coconut oil, although this will no longer be paleo, AIP or Whole 30.
Rice vinegar:  can be substituted for the lemon juice, but this will no longer be paleo, AIP or Whole 30.
Sesame seeds: You can sprinkle sesame seeds on top, although this will no longer be paleo, AIP or Whole30.
Broccoli: I like to buy a bag of the prewashed broccoli florets, but you can certainly cut up a head of broccoli.  Roasted bell peppers would also be a nice addition to this recipe.
Honey substitutions: You can substitute coconut sugar or maple syrup for the honey, or even brown sugar, if you aren't focused on keeping this dish compliant to your protocol.
Red pepper flakes: For some added spice, you could sprinkle in a few red pepper flakes.
Ground chicken and ground turkey: In lieu of ground beef, this recipe can also be made with ground chicken or ground turkey.
Rice options: My husband and I like to keep this low carb by serving this dish with cauliflower rice to keep it paleo compliant, but I also serve it with brown rice, jasmine rice, or white rice for a more kid-friendly option.
Garlic and ginger: In lieu of fresh garlic and ginger, you may substitute 2 teaspoons garlic powder and 1 teaspoon ground ginger.
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container.