One Pot Smoky Steak

This one-pot smoky honey BBQ steak pasta brings together tender strips of beef and pasta in a rich, slightly sweet sauce that's perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal without the fuss. I created this recipe when I needed something satisfying that wouldn't leave me with a sink full of dishes.

I first made this dish when my brother dropped by unexpectedly for dinner. With limited time and ingredients, this creation emerged from necessity but has since become one of our most requested family meals. The combination of tender steak and creamy pasta never fails to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

• Flank steak or sirloin sliced thin for quick cooking and maximum tenderness
• Olive oil to create a beautiful sear on the meat without sticking
• Smoked paprika provides the signature smoky flavor that makes this dish special
• Garlic powder and onion powder for depth of flavor without the prep work
• Dry pasta I prefer elbow macaroni as it catches the sauce perfectly in its curves
• Beef broth forms the foundation of our sauce while cooking the pasta
• Honey BBQ sauce brings sweetness and tanginess that complements the smoky notes
• Cheddar cheese creates a creamy texture that binds everything together
• Fresh parsley adds brightness and color to the finished dish

How To Make One Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak

Sear the Steak

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers. Add your thinly sliced steak to the hot oil and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure each piece browns evenly. The goal is a nice caramelized exterior while maintaining some tenderness inside. Once browned, remove the steak and set aside on a plate.

Bloom the Spices

Using the same pan with all those delicious beef drippings, add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. This brief toasting releases the essential oils in the spices and deepens their flavors tremendously.

Create the Pasta Base

Add your dry pasta directly to the spiced oil in the pan, followed by beef broth and honey BBQ sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients, making sure no pasta is sticking together. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, which should take about 2 minutes.

Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight fitting lid. Allow everything to simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure nothing is sticking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid while cooking to al dente perfection, and the sauce will naturally thicken.

Reunite and Enrich

Return your cooked steak to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices from the plate. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir continuously until the cheese completely melts into the sauce, creating a silky texture that coats every piece of pasta and steak.

Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. The heat of the dish will slightly wilt the herbs, releasing their aroma. Serve immediately while everything is hot and the cheese is perfectly melted.

My favorite part of this recipe is watching the transformation that happens when the cheese melts into the sauce. It creates this magnificent silky texture that coats each piece of pasta perfectly. My husband always claims the crusty bits that form around the edges of the pan they pack the most concentrated flavor and are absolutely worth fighting over.

Make Ahead Options

This dish is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts. You can prepare it completely up to two days ahead, storing it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce as it tends to thicken when chilled. The flavors actually develop and improve with time, making this an even more delicious day two meal. You can even portion it into individual containers for grab and go lunches throughout the week.

Ingredient Substitutions

While flank steak is my protein of choice, this recipe works wonderfully with chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, or even firm tofu for vegetarians. Simply adjust cooking times accordingly. For a lighter version, swap regular pasta for whole wheat or protein enriched varieties. The honey BBQ sauce can be substituted with regular BBQ sauce and a tablespoon of honey, or try a chipotle BBQ sauce for extra smokiness. Dairy free friends can use their favorite plant based cheddar alternative though it may not melt quite as smoothly as traditional cheese.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty dish stands perfectly on its own, but I love serving it with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete meal, add steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus directly to the finished dish before serving they absorb the sauce beautifully. This also makes a fantastic filling for stuffed bell peppers or large mushroom caps for a more elegant presentation when entertaining guests.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of steak works best for this dish?

Flank steak or sirloin work best because they can be sliced thinly and cook quickly. Ribeye or strip steak would also be delicious options, though slightly more expensive. The key is slicing the meat thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute with any short pasta shape like penne, rotini, or bow ties. Just be aware that different pasta shapes may require slightly different cooking times, so check for doneness as you go.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper with the other seasonings. You could also use a spicy BBQ sauce instead of honey BBQ, or add a dash of hot sauce at the end.

→ Is there a way to make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare this dish ahead and reheat. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce as the pasta will absorb liquid during storage.

→ What sides pair well with this smoky honey BBQ steak?

Since this is a complete meal with protein and starch, a simple side salad with vinaigrette or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans would complement it perfectly. Garlic bread would also be delicious for soaking up the extra sauce.

→ Can I make this dish without dairy?

Yes, you can omit the cheddar cheese entirely or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish will still have plenty of flavor from the smoky spices and honey BBQ sauce.