Skillet Beef and Broccoli (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free 20-Minute Dinner)
Some nights you just need dinner to be quick, simple, and filling. This Skillet Beef and Broccoli is one of those meals that comes together fast but still feels like a complete dinner.
It has everything you’d expect from a classic beef and broccoli — tender steak, a simple savory sauce, and plenty of broccoli — just made with ingredients that work for gluten-free and dairy-free families.
Using a single skillet keeps things easy, and the sauce comes together with ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s ready in about 20 minutes, which makes it a great option for busy weeknights.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and egg-free, with a simple Paleo option as well. It’s also one of those meals that tends to be kid-approved, thanks to the slightly sweet and savory flavor.
Want more weeknight ideas? I’ve rounded up 80+ gluten-free dairy-free dinners in one place.
Why You’ll Love This Skillet Beef and Broccoli
• Easy 20-minute dinner
• One pan skillet meal
• Gluten-free and dairy-free
• Paleo, nut-free, egg-free, with Keto option
• High-protein and filling
• Kid-approved flavors
• Simple ingredients
• Perfect for weeknights
This is the kind of recipe that makes feeding your family feel manageable.
Ingredients for Skillet Beef and Broccoli
This gluten-free beef and broccoli skillet meal uses simple ingredients that come together quickly:
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Flank steak – I find this most affordably at Costco. I buy it in bulk and freeze the extra. Need a more budget-friendly option? You can also use 1 pound ground beef instead, cooking until browned and then adding the sauce and broccoli. This will take a little longer to cook.
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Fresh broccoli florets – I get this kind from Walmart that comes in a steam-in-bag bag, to keep this prep quick and easy. Yes, you can also use frozen broccoli as well, if you prefer.
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Beef broth – Use whatever beef broth works for you. Here is a budget-friendly Paleo option. For increased protein, use beef bone broth instead in the same amount.
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Coconut aminos – Coconut aminos are a flavorful soy-replacement that we love! I get it at the best price at Costco or Trader Joe’s. But they also sell it at Walmart here.
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Coconut sugar – I use coconut sugar because it is Paleo but you can also use brown sugar if you’d prefer.
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Potato or arrowroot starch – These are the grain-free, Paleo, and Whole30 swaps for cornstarch to thicken a sauce. Just make sure to whisk them into the liquids before adding to heat, per the instructions. If you try to whisk these starches into a hot liquid, they will clump! I don’t recommend tapioca starch for this sauce. Learn more about Paleo and Whole30 flours, including which to use when and links to my favorite brands here.
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Minced garlic – I prefer to get pre-minced garlic such as this one from Walmart to save time, especially in a “get it done” recipe like this one. But you can always mince your own garlic if you prefer and have time from whole garlic bulbs.
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Ground ginger – You can also use 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger if you prefer for a more fresh bright ginger flavor.
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Garlic salt
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Sesame oil – The amount of flavor this little bit of sesame oil adds is fantastic. Don’t skip it! You can find it in the oil aisle of most grocery stores, like this one at Walmart.
Optional for serving:
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Sesame seeds – You can find sesame seeds easily at most stores in the spice aisle, like these from Walmart. Though, if you can find them, I prefer toasted sesame seeds for a more full flavor.
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Red pepper flakes – These add a little kick my family loves. Even as a spice weenie, this isn’t too much for me. But, you can omit if your family doesn’t enjoy the kick!
The coconut aminos and coconut sugar create a simple sauce that’s slightly sweet and savory, while arrowroot or potato starch helps thicken it so it coats the beef and broccoli.
How to Make Skillet Beef and Broccoli
Heat a large skillet on high heat and add oil. Heat for 3-4 minutes until very hot.
Start by slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain. Add the steak to the pan, don’t touch for 2 minutes, then stir, and cook another 2 minutes.
While meat is cooking, steam the broccoli in the microwave for 4 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, coconut aminos, coconut sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and starch.
Add the sauce to the pan. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for 6-7 minutes, until sauce thickens. Stir in the steamed broccoli.
Finish with optional toppings before serving. Serve on top of cauliflower rice for Paleo or cooked rice for gluten-free.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What Makes This an Easy Weeknight Dinner
This skillet beef and broccoli works well for busy nights because it’s quick to prep and cooks in one pan.
Using simple ingredients and a short cook time helps keep dinner straightforward without sacrificing flavor.
Can You Make Beef and Broccoli Paleo?
Yes. This recipe is already Paleo, using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and coconut sugar as a sweetener.
Just make sure your ingredients are compliant, you serve on top of cauliflower rice, and you’ll have a simple Paleo beef-and-broccoli option.
Is This Recipe Kid-Approved?
Yes! All my boys gave this meal a HUGE thumbs up. The slightly sweet sauce and simple ingredients make this a kid-approved dinner that’s easy to serve with rice or cauliflower rice.
It’s a good option when you need something familiar and filling.
Other Easy Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Skillet Meals
If you like simple one-pan meals like this, you might also enjoy:
• Garlic “Butter” Chicken
• Skillet Chicken Pot Pie
• Whole30 Creamy Chicken and Rice
• One Pot Taco Pasta
• Marry Me Chicken
These are all easy, practical meals that work well for busy weeknights.
Skillet Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 pound flank or sirloin steak can sub skirt steak if needed
- 1 12-ounce package broccoli florets I prefer steam-in-bag
- 3/4 cup beef broth or beef bone broth for more protein
- 3/4 cup coconut aminos
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar if not Paleo, use monk fruit sugar for Keto
- 1.5 tablespoons arrowroot or potato starch
- 1.5 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or 1.5 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds optional, to serve
- 1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, to serve
- 1 12-ounce bag fresh or frozen riced cauliflower steamed, to serve. If not Paleo, can also serve on cooked rice
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet on high heat and add oil. Heat oil for 3-4 minutes until very hot.
- While the oil is heating, slice the flank steak into thin, small pieces against the grain. Add the steak to the pan, don't touch for 2 minutes, then stir, and cook another 2 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, coconut aminos, coconut sugar, starch, garlic, garlic salt, sesame oil, and ground ginger.
- Add the sauce to the pan. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for 6-7 minutes, until sauce thickens.
- While meat is cooking, steam the broccoli in the microwave for 4 minutes. I buy steam-in-bag broccoli to make this easy. Or use a reusable bag (like a Stasher): add the broccoli florets and 1/4 cup of water, then seal and microwave to steam. Dump out any remaining water and add to pan, combining gently.
- Finish with optional toppings before serving. Serve on top of cauliflower rice for Paleo or cooked rice for gluten-free.
- Store leftovers in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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Made this tonight- honestly took about 30 mins total and teens loved it!! No leftovers- and they already asked me to make it again!
HOORAY that this truly was a fast and easy meal! We all need more of those. Especially ones that the family is asking for on repeat. Thanks for the rave review!