Description
One-Pan Honey BBQ Beef Pasta is the perfect solution when you’re craving a meal that’s both hearty and flavorful but don’t want to spend hours cleaning up. Combining the rich taste of ground beef, tangy BBQ sauce, sweet honey, and comforting pasta, this dish offers a unique spin on traditional pasta dinners. The best part? It all comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone around the table.
In this article, we will dive deep into the step-by-step process of making this vibrant dish, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef – Preferably 80% lean to ensure the dish stays juicy without being too greasy.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the beef and enhancing flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds sweetness and texture.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – For a subtle punch of flavor.
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth – This provides a flavorful base for cooking the pasta.
- 1 cup (240ml) honey BBQ sauce – Choose your favorite brand or make your own for extra personalization.
- 2 tbsp honey – Balances the tangy BBQ sauce with a hint of sweetness.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – Adds a layer of umami to the dish.
- 1 can (14.5 oz/410g) diced tomatoes – Undrained, for a slight acidity and texture contrast.
- 8 oz (225g) uncooked penne pasta – Any short pasta will work, but penne is ideal for soaking up the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning at various stages.
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese – Adds richness and gooeyness to the pasta.
- Chopped parsley (optional) – For garnish and a pop of color.
Instructions
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
When the beef is fully browned, push it to one side of the pan and add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions turn translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
Once the aromatics are sautéed, pour in the beef broth, honey BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, making sure it is fully submerged in the sauce. If needed, add a bit more broth or water to ensure the pasta is covered. Bring the liquid back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the pasta cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
The pasta should absorb most of the liquid, but if it looks too dry at any point, you can add an extra splash of broth. Once the pasta is cooked to your desired level of doneness, turn off the heat.
With the heat off, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta. Cover the pan again and let the cheese melt for about 3-5 minutes. Once the cheese has melted and is gooey, give the pasta a final stir to distribute the cheese throughout the dish.
Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the pasta straight from the pan while it’s still hot and melty. You’re now ready to enjoy your delicious One-Pan Lively Honey BBQ Beef Pasta!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pan/Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approximately 1/6th of the recipe)
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg