Sheet Pan Cocoa Rubbed Beef with Broccoli

Serves 2-4​
 
Cocoa Rub Mix
Makes about ½ cup
 
¼teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika or chili powder (I buy smoked paprika at HomeGoods, TJMax, or Marshall's)
2 teaspoons granulated garlic
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
-Place all the ingredients above in a bowl and mix well. 
 

1-1 ½ pounds steak tips, uncut
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups broccoli florets
1 red pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
 

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. 
2. Generously coat the sirloin pieces with ¼ -1/3 cup of the cocoa rub. Set aside.
3. Place the broccoli, red pepper, olive oil, salt, and pepper onto a rimmed baking pan and toss to coat with the oil evenly. Spread out the vegetables in one layer -do not over crowd.  Place the sirloin pieces at the outside edges of the pan. If you are serving a larger crowd and need another sheet pan, place both in the oven on separate racks with plenty of space between the racks. Place the pan into the oven and cook for 15 minutes or until the sirloin is firm, but still has a little “give” when pressed with your finger. 
4. Remove the pan from the oven. Place the sirloin onto a cutting board, cover with foil to rest for 5 minutes. Place the vegetables onto a serving platter and cover with foil to keep warm. Slice the sirloin and serve with the vegetables. 

 
Variations:

• Pork chops-1-inch thick boneless chops or ½ inch thick bone-in chops
• Boneless chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs
• Marinated Beef (without cocoa rub) with broccoli and peppers. Instead of rubbing with cocoa rub, marinate the sirloin tips for 30 minutes with 1/3 cup of Liz's vinaigrette. Follow the above recipe steps 3 and 4. Serve hot. Or, serve cold and tossed with cold pasta all dressed with Liz's vinaigrette to taste.