🥩🍯🔥 One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta
This incredibly flavorful and convenient one-pot meal combines tender steak bites, smoky BBQ sauce, sweet honey, and pasta, all cooked together in a single pot for minimal cleanup. It's a comforting and robust dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Steak:
1 lb (450g) sirloin, flank, or strip steak, cut into ½-inch bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
For the Pasta & Sauce:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1 cup beef broth
1 cup water
¾ cup your favorite smoky BBQ sauce
¼ cup honey 🍯
1 tsp smoked paprika (for extra smokiness)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
12 oz (about 340g) dried pasta (e.g., penne, rotini, cavatappi - avoid very long strands like spaghetti)
½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
For Garnish/Optional Add-ins:
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella (for melting) 🧀
2 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced, for garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
Brown the Steak:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large (5-6 quart) pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Season the steak pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the steak to the hot pot and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. You don't need to cook it through, just get some good color. Remove the steak from the pot and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the same pot (no need to clean it).
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Build the Sauce Base:
Stir in the beef broth, water, smoky BBQ sauce, honey, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add Pasta & Cook:
Add the dried pasta to the simmering sauce. Stir well to ensure all the pasta is submerged.
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Cooking time will vary based on pasta type.
Finish the Dish:
Once the pasta is cooked, return the browned steak (and any accumulated juices) to the pot.
If using, stir in the heavy cream.
Stir well to combine all ingredients and ensure the steak is reheated.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or even a splash more BBQ sauce if desired.
Serve:
If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the pasta, cover for 1-2 minutes to melt, or transfer to individual bowls and sprinkle with cheese.
Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh parsley.
Serve hot and enjoy your easy One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta!
Tips for Success:
Pasta Type: Opt for smaller, sturdy pasta shapes that cook relatively quickly and evenly in a single pot.
Stirring is Key: Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking.
Liquid Adjustment: Different pasta shapes and brands absorb liquid differently. If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked, add a little more hot water or broth, a few tablespoons at a time. If it's too thin at the end, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
Steak Doneness: Since the steak is added back at the end, it won't cook much further. If you prefer your steak rarer, you can cook it less in the initial browning stage.