If you’re looking for a dinner that comes together in a flash without skimping on flavor, the 15-Minute Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli Recipe is your new best friend. It’s packed with tender slices of flank steak, crisp broccoli florets, and a savory-sweet sauce that hits all the right notes. What makes this dish so special is how effortlessly it combines the classic beef and broccoli stir-fry flavors with the convenience of one-pan cooking. Whether you need a weeknight winner or an impressive but simple meal to share, this recipe delivers every time with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential for building the dish’s bold, balanced flavors and inviting textures. Each item plays its part, from the richness of sesame oil to the zing of rice vinegar, ensuring every bite feels like a special treat.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the salty umami foundation that ties everything together without overwhelming the palate.
- 4 to 5 cloves garlic (finely minced or pressed): Adds pungent warmth and depth that elevates the marinade’s flavor.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons honey: Brings natural sweetness that balances the savory and tangy elements beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed): Enhances caramel notes and enriches the sauce’s complexity; adjust to your sweetness preference.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a toasty, nutty aroma that’s simply irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Offers a bright, slightly acidic contrast to the sweet and salty components.
- 2 to 3 teaspoons ground ginger: Gives a warm, slightly spicy edge that brings freshness to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (optional): Use sparingly, as the soy sauce already provides saltiness; adjust based on taste.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity without overpowering the other flavors.
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want a little kick, this is the secret weapon.
- 1 to 1.25 pounds flank steak (sliced against the grain): Tender, lean, and perfect for quick cooking to keep every bite juicy.
- 4 to 6 cups fresh broccoli florets: Adds beautiful green color and a satisfying crunch that complements the beef.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): Used to thicken the reserved marinade into a glossy sauce that clings deliciously.
- 1 tablespoon cold water (optional): Helps make the cornstarch slurry smooth for the sauce consistency.
- 2 to 3 green onions (sliced on the bias, optional): For a fresh, crisp garnish that brightens the whole dish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional): Adds a delicate crunch and a finishing touch of elegance.
How to Make 15-Minute Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Sheet Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Line your sheet pan with aluminum foil to make cleanup a breeze later on. This simple prep step sets the stage for a perfectly cooked meal without any fuss.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ground ginger, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne or red pepper flakes. Whisk everything until it’s beautifully blended. This marinade not only flavors the beef and broccoli but also gives the dish that crave-worthy sweet-savory profile.
Step 3: Marinate the Steak
Add the sliced flank steak to the marinade and stir to coat each piece thoroughly. Ideally, let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to soak up all those wonderful flavors. If you have more time, up to an hour of marinating will make your beef even more tender and delicious.
Step 4: Arrange the Steak on the Sheet Pan
Using tongs or a slotted spoon, place the marinated steak pieces onto the sheet pan, spacing them out so they cook evenly. Giving the steak room helps it develop a nice texture without steaming.
Step 5: Dunk and Scatter the Broccoli
Briefly dip the broccoli florets into the leftover marinade for a quick flavor boost, then spread them across the sheet pan, trying to place some between the steak pieces. This spacing helps everything roast beautifully without overcrowding.
Step 6: Roast Until Tender
Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, turning the pan halfway through for even cooking. The steak should be cooked perfectly through, and the broccoli tender yet still vibrant and crisp. For fans of medium-rare steak, checking the progress around 8 minutes is a great quick peek.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
While the beef and broccoli roast, bring the reserved marinade to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Mix cornstarch and cold water in a bowl to create a slurry, then gradually whisk it into the boiling marinade. This quick step transforms the marinade into a thick, glossy sauce that’s perfect for drizzling.
Step 8: Finish and Garnish
Once everything is cooked, drizzle the thickened sauce over the beef and broccoli. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like, adding freshness and a pop of texture. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best.
How to Serve 15-Minute Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and a burst of color that elevates the dish’s presentation effortlessly. These garnishes also introduce fresh and nutty notes that round out each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a low-carb alternative, try cauliflower rice or even a simple bed of quinoa. Light Asian-style slaws or cucumber salads also complement the warm, rich beef and broccoli for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners, serve this dish straight from the sheet pan for casual fun. For a dinner party, plate the beef and broccoli on a large white platter, drizzle the sauce artistically, and garnish generously. Wrapping the beef and broccoli in lettuce cups can also add a fresh twist and make for a fun handheld meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the beef and broccoli will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weekdays.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the beef and broccoli separately from any sauce to maintain texture. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the beef and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep things moist if needed. Reheat the thickened sauce separately and drizzle over before serving to refresh the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for quick cooking and tenderness, sirloin or skirt steak works nicely too. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain to maintain tenderness.
Is it necessary to marinate the beef?
Marinating helps infuse the beef with flavor and tenderizes it slightly. If you’re short on time, even a quick 10-15 minute soak makes a noticeable difference in taste.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Fresh broccoli is best for this recipe to maintain a crisp texture after roasting. Frozen broccoli tends to release more moisture and may become mushy, but if using frozen, be sure to thaw and pat dry before adding to the pan.
What if I want a spicier dish?
Feel free to increase the cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your taste. Adding a drizzle of chili garlic sauce before serving also amps up the heat deliciously.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free tamari or soy sauce alternative to keep it gluten-free while maintaining that savory umami kick.
Final Thoughts
This 15-Minute Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli Recipe truly checks all the boxes for a quick, flavorful, and fuss-free dinner that you’ll want to make again and again. Its simplicity and bold tastes make it a comforting staple, perfect for busy nights or when you just want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and watch how fast it becomes a beloved favorite in your home too!
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15-Minute Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli Recipe
This 15-Minute Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and easy one-pan meal that delivers tender marinated flank steak and vibrant broccoli florets baked to perfection. The savory and slightly sweet sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, honey, and ginger enhances the flavors, making it perfect for a fast weeknight dinner. Minimal cleanup and a hands-off baking method make this recipe both convenient and delicious.
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Marinade and Sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 to 5 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
- 2 to 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed (reduce for less sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 to 3 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (optional and to taste)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- Pinch cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (optional and to taste)
Main Ingredients
- 1 to 1.25 pounds flank steak, sliced against the grain into bite-sized pieces
- 4 to 6 cups fresh broccoli florets
Thickening and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cold water (optional)
- 2 to 3 green onions, sliced into 1-inch segments on bias (optional for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Set aside while preparing ingredients.
- Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ground ginger, kosher salt (if using), freshly ground black pepper, and optional cayenne or red pepper flakes to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Steak: Add the bite-sized flank steak pieces to the marinade, stirring to coat thoroughly. Let the steak marinate for 10 to 15 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate up to 1 hour if time allows.
- Arrange Steak on Sheet Pan: Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the marinated steak pieces to the prepared sheet pan in a single layer with space between pieces for even cooking. Set aside.
- Prepare Broccoli: Dunk the broccoli florets briefly into the remaining marinade to lightly coat them, then transfer to the sheet pan. Scatter the broccoli florets in between the steak pieces to minimize overlap and ensure even roasting. Reserve any remaining marinade.
- Bake: Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the steak is cooked through and the broccoli is tender when pierced with a fork. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking. For medium-rare steak, check at about 8 minutes.
- Make the Sauce (Optional): While baking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry. Gradually whisk the slurry into the boiling sauce, whisking almost constantly for about 30 seconds until the sauce thickens. If needed, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup water to adjust consistency, whisking until smooth.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the beef and broccoli from the oven and drizzle the thickened sauce evenly over the top to taste.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately for a fresh, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Marinating for longer than 15 minutes (up to 1 hour) will deepen the steak’s flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by reducing the brown sugar and honey if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
- If you want less heat, omit cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- The cornstarch slurry and sauce thickening step is optional but adds a nice glaze to the dish.
- Using aluminum foil on the sheet pan makes cleanup much easier.
- Slice the flank steak against the grain for the most tender texture.
- Broccoli can be substituted or combined with other quick-cooking vegetables if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion