Name: One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons Olive oil; 1 tablespoon Smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper; 2 cups Pasta (any shape; elbow macaroni works great); 1 1/2 cups Beef broth; 1/2 cup Honey BBQ sauce; 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Craving a delicious, comforting dinner that comes together in just one pot and bursts with bold flavors? One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta is here to save your weeknight! Imagine tender strips of steak coated in a sticky, smoky, and sweet honey BBQ sauce, all tossed together with tender pasta and melty cheddar cheese—this is a surefire crowd-pleaser. My family absolutely loves this recipe, and I still remember the first time I tossed steak and noodles together on a whim for a busy weeknight. Not only was it a hit, but it became an instant staple. What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity and minimal cleanup, so you’re free to spend more time enjoying dinner and less time scrubbing pots. If you’re a fan of my Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, you’ll fall for this BBQ steak version just as quickly. Grab your skillet and let’s dive into this irresistibly smoky, saucy adventure!

What is One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta?

Ever heard a recipe name and thought, “Who comes up with these mouthwatering titles?” One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta easily lives up to its name—it’s exactly what it sounds like: smoky, sweet, and just a touch bold, all in one comforting dish! Someone once told me, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and after serving this pasta, I’m pretty sure they were right. Whether you’re cooking for hungry kiddos or impressing friends on game night, this one hits the spot. Ready to make dinner that doesn’t just fill the stomach but captures the heart? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

This dish shines with incredibly juicy steak, mingling with honey bbq sauce and pasta for the ultimate comfort meal. Cooking steak at home saves you plenty compared to what you’d pay for a steak dinner at a restaurant, plus you’re getting pasta and cheese in the same bowl! The flavorful toppings—smoked paprika, cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley—take this meal to the next level. Each bite is rich and satisfying, yet balanced by the sweet and smoky BBQ flavor.

If you liked my Cheesy Taco Pasta, you’ll definitely want to try this grown-up, tangy barbecue twist. It’s budget-friendly, simple to prepare, and absolutely packed with flavor. Don’t let this recipe pass you by—your tastebuds and your wallet will thank you!

How to Make

Quick Overview

This One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta is perfect for busy nights. With just one pot and roughly 35 minutes of your time, you get a hearty, family-sized meal layered with flavors. The creamy cheddar melts into the smoky BBQ sauce, coating tender steak and perfectly cooked pasta. You get maximum flavor with minimal fuss—and almost no cleanup!

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups pasta (any shape; elbow macaroni works great)
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step

Start by prepping your steak. Slice it thinly across the grain, which helps keep the meat tender and easy to eat.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it just starts to brown.
Sprinkle the steak with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to coat the steak evenly with the seasonings.
Pour in the pasta and beef broth. Scrape the pan to bring up any browned bits (that’s extra flavor!).
Add the honey BBQ sauce and stir well to combine everything.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is cooked al dente and has soaked up most of the liquid.
Lower the heat, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, and stir to combine. The cheese should melt into the pasta, creating a creamy, saucy finish.
Remove from heat and let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to thicken. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness before serving.

What to Serve One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta With

Pair this hearty pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in ranch or a creamy coleslaw for a bit of crunch and coolness. Cornbread makes an excellent side, perfect for mopping up any extra sauce. If you’re in the mood for a cozy dinner, pair with roasted veggies like green beans or broccoli. As for drinks, a sweet iced tea or a chilled lager perfectly complements the smoky BBQ flavors.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Choose a tender cut of steak like flank or sirloin—these cook quickly and remain juicy.
For extra smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke or swap in chipotle powder in place of smoked paprika.
Don’t overcook the pasta; check it a minute or two before the suggested time since it will keep softening off the heat.
Let the pasta rest for a couple minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and coat every bite.
Substitute chicken or even mushrooms for steak if you’d like a different protein or a vegetarian version.

Avoid the temptation to add all the cheese at once; stir it in gradually so it melts smoothly into the sauce!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to two months. To reheat, add a splash of water or beef broth and microwave in one-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge first for even reheating. The pasta will remain creamy and flavorful with very little effort.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of steak?
Absolutely! Flank, sirloin, skirt steak, or even a well-marbled ribeye all work well.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the steak for mushrooms or a meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Will this recipe work with gluten-free pasta?
Yes—just adjust the cooking time as gluten-free pasta can cook faster or slower than regular pasta.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
You sure can. Just use a bigger pot and ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid for even cooking.

Is this dish spicy?
Only mildly smoky thanks to the paprika, but it’s not spicy. Add red pepper flakes or chipotle powder if you want a kick!

Conclusion

One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta is destined to become your next mealtime favorite. Its blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, ease of preparation, and easy cleanup means there’s no reason to hesitate. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or enjoying leftovers the next day, this dish delivers comfort and satisfaction every time. Why not add it to your menu this week and see just how quickly it disappears? For more one-pot wonders, don’t forget to check out my Cheesy Taco Pasta or Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipes—your tastebuds will thank you!