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Cheesy Honey BBQ Beef Pasta Recipe

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3.9 from 78 reviews

Cheesy Honey BBQ Beef Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender ground beef cooked with a rich blend of spices, sweet honey, smoky BBQ sauce, and savory tomato base, all tossed with pasta and topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley for a delicious family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini works well)

Beef and Vegetables

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano

Tomato Base

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

Additional Flavorings

  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite)

Topping

  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Brown the beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with onions and garlic. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add seasonings: Stir in salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the spices bloom.
  5. Incorporate tomato and BBQ base: Mix in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, honey, and BBQ sauce. Stir well to combine. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to develop flavor and thicken slightly.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Toss well to coat all the pasta evenly.
  7. Add cheese: Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the pasta mixture. Stir gently or cover the skillet for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt and blend into the pasta.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy honey BBQ beef pasta.

Notes

  • Use pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as penne or fusilli.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control spiciness.
  • For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked gouda or a mix of cheeses instead of cheddar.
  • This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a lower fat option, use extra lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/cheesy-honey-bbq-beef-pasta-recipe/