One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

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This One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta is a hearty, flavor-packed dinner that brings comfort and bold taste to your table without needing a pile of dishes. Tender strips of seared steak are coated in a rich, smoky honey BBQ sauce and tossed with spiraled pasta for a dinner that’s both quick and satisfying.

Perfect for weeknights or relaxed weekend meals, this dish marries the sweetness of honey, the smokiness of BBQ, and the savory satisfaction of pasta and steak. The best part? It all comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

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Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

This dish checks every box: bold flavor, minimal cleanup, and family-friendly appeal. The pasta soaks up the sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, while the steak stays juicy and tender thanks to a quick sear and a saucy finish. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for making leftovers you’ll actually look forward to.

The honey BBQ flavor brings a playful sweetness balanced by hints of garlic, spice, and savory depth—a winning combination that hits every taste note. It’s a recipe that tastes like it simmered all day, but it’s ready in under 30 minutes.

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What Kind of Steak Should I Use for Pasta?

For this recipe, you’ll want a tender cut that cooks quickly, like sirloin, flank, or even ribeye if you’re going all out. Thinly sliced against the grain, these cuts stay tender and juicy while searing fast. Just avoid overly tough cuts unless you plan to slow-cook them—which defeats the one-pot, quick-cook beauty of this meal.

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Ingredients for the One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

Every ingredient in this dish is chosen to build layers of bold flavor and satisfying texture. Here’s why each one matters:

• Sirloin or Flank Steak: Tender, flavorful, and quick to cook—ideal for searing and holding up well in the sauce.
• Fusilli or Rotini Pasta: These twisted pasta shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully, giving you a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Smoky BBQ Sauce: The backbone of the dish, adding deep smoky sweetness.
• Honey: Balances out the savory and smoky tones with a gentle sweetness.
• Garlic (minced): Brings depth and aroma.
• Onion (chopped): Adds savory sweetness and rounds out the sauce.
• Red Bell Pepper (sliced): Offers a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
• Olive Oil: For searing the steak and sautéing the aromatics.
• Beef Broth: Provides moisture and a rich, meaty base for the pasta to cook in.
• Salt & Black Pepper: To season every layer.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a bright finish to the final dish.

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How To Make the One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the steak with salt and pepper, then sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the smoky BBQ sauce, honey, and beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked pasta directly into the sauce. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 5: Finish with Steak

Return the cooked steak to the pot. Toss everything together and let it heat through for 2 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

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Serving and Storing the One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

This recipe feeds about 4 hearty servings, making it a perfect family meal or a meal-prep dream for two. Serve it straight from the pot while it’s hot and saucy. For storing, let it cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of beef broth or water to bring back the creamy consistency.

You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, though the pasta may soften slightly when thawed and reheated.

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

Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside, soft inside, and perfect for mopping up the smoky sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds a crisp, green balance to the rich flavors of the pasta.

Garden Salad with Vinaigrette

A refreshing side that lightens up the meal.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Smoky, sweet corn complements the BBQ flavor and adds a fun texture.

Pickled Jalapeños

If you like a kick, the acidity and heat play well with the honey BBQ.

Coleslaw

Creamy or vinegar-based slaw brings a tangy crunch that contrasts beautifully.

Parmesan Cheese

A sprinkle on top adds a salty bite that finishes the dish perfectly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely. Chicken breast or thighs work wonderfully if you’re not into beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and slice it thin for even searing.

What if I don’t have smoky BBQ sauce?

You can use regular BBQ sauce and add a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to get that signature smoky flavor.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure the BBQ sauce and beef broth you use are certified gluten-free.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default. It has warmth from the BBQ, but if you like heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or swap in a spicier BBQ sauce.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use ribeye or sirloin? Did you sneak in some heat or keep it sweet?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

For more easy dinner ideas, check out my daily recipes on Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally

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Conclusion

One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta is more than just a quick weeknight meal—it’s a flavor bomb that comes together with ease. Whether you’re craving something comforting, need a satisfying dinner fast, or want to impress with minimal effort, this dish has you covered. From the smoky-sweet sauce to the juicy steak bites, every forkful is worth savoring.

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