One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta is a bold and flavorful dish that combines tender steak, smoky BBQ sauce, honey sweetness, and al dente pasta, all cooked in one pan. This dish is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors, with the steak and pasta absorbing all the rich sauce for an unforgettable meal.
Quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, this one-pot pasta is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Plus, with just one pot, cleanup is a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup
- Smoky & Sweet – BBQ and honey combine perfectly
- Tender Steak – Juicy and flavorful
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
- Comforting & Hearty – Filling and satisfying
- Family-Friendly – Bold flavors everyone will love
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Steak
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season steak with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Cook steak in the skillet for 3–4 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Remove steak and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onion & Garlic
In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce
Stir in BBQ sauce, honey, and beef broth.
Bring to a simmer and let cook for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Cook the Pasta
Add pasta to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the sauce.
5. Add the Steak & Cheese
Return cooked steak to the skillet and toss to combine.
Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese if using, then cover and cook for another 2 minutes until cheese is melted.
6. Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
How to Serve
Plating Tips:
Serve with extra cheese or BBQ sauce on top if desired.
Perfect Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Steamed vegetables
- Simple green salad
Leftover Uses:
- Reheat for lunch
- Serve in wraps or tacos
- Mix into a casserole with extra cheese
Beverage Pairing:
- Iced tea
- Sparkling water
- Light beer
Additional Tips
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce for a personalized flavor
- Slice steak thinly against the grain for extra tenderness
- For added flavor, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms to the pasta for extra veggies
Variations
- Spicy BBQ: Add hot sauce or chili flakes to the sauce
- Vegetarian Version: Swap steak for grilled mushrooms or tofu
- Cheesy BBQ Pasta Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly
- Smokier Flavor: Add smoked gouda or cheddar for a deeper smoky taste
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerate: Up to 4 days
Freeze: Up to 2 months (without cheese)
Reheat: Stovetop or microwave with extra beef broth
Special Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work great.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it ahead and refrigerate until ready to heat and serve.
What pasta works best?
Penne, rotini, or fusilli work well to absorb the sauce.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
Conclusion
One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines smoky BBQ, sweet honey, and tender steak with pasta for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite.
