Name: Easy One Pan Beef Dinner with Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain; 4 cups broccoli florets; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced; 3 tbsp soy sauce (or low-sodium); 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1 tsp brown sugar or honey (optional); 2 tbsp vegetable oil; Cooked rice or noodles for serving (optional)

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If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, healthy, and packed with flavor, this easy one pan beef dinner with broccoli is the perfect solution. With tender strips of beef, vibrant broccoli, and a savory sauce all cooked in one pan, this dish saves time while delivering big on taste. It’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights, family-friendly meals, or even as part of a healthy dinner plan for weight loss. In this article, you’ll discover the story behind the recipe, a step-by-step guide, creative variations, cooking tips, and answers to the most common questions.

A Family Favorite Beef Dinner

The first time I made Chinese Beef and Broccoli at home, I was convinced it might not taste as good as takeout. To my surprise, it turned out even better—fresher, lighter, and with the bonus of knowing exactly what went into it. From that day forward, this dish became one of our staple weeknight meals. The beauty of this beef dinner is how little effort it requires compared to the flavor payoff. Now, my family often requests this easy one pan beef dinner with broccoli, and it’s always a win for everyone around the table.

One pan meals aren’t just about convenience—they’re about balance and efficiency. With everything cooking together, flavors come alive, and cleanup is kept to an absolute minimum. This makes them perfect for fast dinners when time is short, but you still want a nourishing meal. In particular, this beef and broccoli recipe shines because the beef cooks quickly while the broccoli stays crisp yet tender. The single-pan approach brings together protein, vegetables, and sauce in harmony, proving that simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. It makes healthy eating accessible, even on the busiest nights.

Easy Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chinese Beef and Broccoli lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Each component plays an important role in flavor and texture, creating a dish that’s savory, balanced, and satisfying:

Beef (sirloin, flank, or skirt steak) – Lean yet tender when sliced thinly against the grain. They absorb flavor quickly and cook in minutes.
Broccoli florets – Fresh, vibrant green broccoli provides crunch, fiber, and a health boost to this one pan meal.
Garlic & Ginger – Essential aromatics that add depth, warmth, and that signature Asian-inspired flavor.
Soy Sauce (regular or low-sodium) – The savory backbone of the stir-fry sauce, balancing saltiness and umami.
Cornstarch – Used to coat the beef for tenderness and to slightly thicken the sauce.
Sesame Oil – A finishing ingredient that provides nutty aroma and richness.
Beef or Chicken Broth – Creates a silky sauce that ties everything together.
Brown Sugar or Honey (optional) – Adds balance and rounds out the savory flavors.
Rice or Noodles (optional) – For serving, making it a complete meal.

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Making this dish is quick and simple once your preparation is done. The key is to keep your ingredients prepped before you start cooking, since stir-frying moves fast. Follow these steps for the perfect easy one pan beef dinner with broccoli:

Prep the beef: Slice thinly against the grain. Toss with soy sauce and cornstarch to tenderize and help caramelize during cooking.
Prepare the broccoli: Wash and chop into florets. Blanch briefly or cook directly in the pan for crisp-tender results.
Heat the pan: Add oil to a wok or skillet and stir-fry garlic and ginger until fragrant.
Cook the beef: Sear beef slices over high heat until browned but not overcooked. Remove to avoid drying out.
Cook broccoli: Add with a splash of broth or water, cover, and steam briefly.
Make the sauce: Stir soy sauce, broth, cornstarch, and optional sweetener. Pour into the pan.
Combine everything: Return beef, toss with broccoli and sauce until coated and slightly thickened.
Finish & serve: Drizzle sesame oil, serve right away with rice or noodles.

Step	What To Do	Time Needed
Prep beef	Slice thin, coat with soy sauce + cornstarch	5 min
Prep broccoli	Wash, chop, optional blanch	5 min
Stir-fry aromatics	Cook garlic + ginger	1 min
Cook beef	Sear until browned	4–5 min
Cook broccoli	Steam or stir-fry	3–4 min
Make sauce	Mix soy sauce, broth, cornstarch	2 min
Combine + thicken	Toss beef, broccoli, sauce	2–3 min
Finish	Sesame oil drizzle, serve hot	1 min

Total estimated cooking time: 20 minutes or less.

Variations, Tips & Healthy Options

Variations on One Pan Beef with Broccoli

One of the best things about an easy one pan beef dinner with broccoli is its versatility. If you’d like to mix things up, you can easily swap beef for another protein or adjust the vegetables and sauce to suit your taste. These simple tweaks can turn it into a range of fast dinners that never get boring and can even cater to different dietary needs:

Protein swaps: Chicken, shrimp, or tofu are excellent alternatives.
Vegetable alternatives: Snap peas, mushrooms, snow peas, or carrots add variety and nutrition.
Flavor variations: Spice it up with chili flakes, go low sodium with lighter soy sauce, or add hoisin or honey for sweetness.

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Beef Dinner

Slice beef thinly and against the grain: This ensures fast cooking and tender bites. Slight freezing helps slicing easier.
Keep broccoli crisp: Avoid overcooking and use quick blanching or brief steaming to maintain color and crunch.
Portion control for weight loss: Load bowls with broccoli, moderate beef, and smaller portions of rice or noodles to support healthy dinner recipes for weight losing.
Meal prep: Divide into portions for the fridge. Reheat quickly for fast dinners or easy work lunches.

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli for beef and broccoli?

Yes! Add directly to the pan from frozen and cook a few extra minutes until heated through and crisp-tender.

What’s the best cut of beef for stir-fry?

Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak are best—lean yet tender when sliced thinly against the grain, making them perfect for Chinese Beef and Broccoli.

How do I make this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?

Swap rice or noodles for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce or skip added sweetener to keep it keto.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes. Store portions in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat quickly for convenient fast dinners or meal prep lunches.

Is beef and broccoli a healthy dinner for weight loss?

It is. The dish is naturally high in protein, rich in fiber, and lower in calories when broccoli is emphasized over starches, making it ideal for healthy dinner recipes for weight losing.

Conclusion

This one pan beef and broccoli dinner truly checks all the boxes: quick preparation, minimal cleanup, family-friendly, and adaptable to different diets. Whether you’re cooking on a busy weeknight, prepping in advance, or wanting something wholesome and homemade, this recipe delivers without fail.

Best of all, it’s easy for every skill level. With simple ingredients and quick steps, it proves that healthy eating can be flavorful, enjoyable, and convenient. Try it once and you’ll have a go-to dinner that satisfies cravings and fits into your schedule.

Now grab your pan, gather these fresh ingredients, and make this recipe your own—your family and your taste buds will thank you!