One-Pan BBQ Beef Pasta Feast

• 1 lb lean ground beef: For a healthier option that still packs flavor. You can opt for 80/20 for richer taste or 90/10 for leaner results.
• 1 white onion chopped , or one bell pepper: A white onion adds a sharp, savory base, while a bell pepper (any color!) offers a sweeter, milder flavor and a pop of color. Choose what you prefer or use both for extra vegetable goodness.
• 2 ½ cups beef broth , + up to 1 cup more while pasta is cooking if needed: This is crucial for cooking the pasta and developing a deep, savory sauce. Keep extra on hand, as pasta can absorb liquid at varying rates.
• ½ cup bbq sauce: The star of the show! Choose your favorite brand and style—sweet, smoky, or spicy—to customize the flavor.
• ½ tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors. Adjust to your taste, especially if your broth or BBQ sauce is already salty.
• ¼ tsp pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a wonderful aromatic kick.
• 2 cups elbow noodles: A classic choice for one-pot dishes as they cook evenly and absorb sauce beautifully. Small shells or rotini also work well.
• 1 cup frozen corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and texture. No need to thaw beforehand!
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a glorious, cheesy layer, adding richness and tang. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-packaged.
• ½ cup sour cream: Provides a creamy, cooling contrast to the BBQ sauce and helps bind the dish together for an incredibly smooth finish.

• Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics. To a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, add the lean ground beef and chopped white onion (or bell pepper). Place the skillet over medium heat. Cook the mixture, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onion (or bell pepper) has softened, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pan. This step is crucial for building a strong flavor base and ensuring your dish isn’t greasy.
• Step 2: Combine and Simmer. Add the elbow noodles, your chosen BBQ sauce, frozen corn, and 2 ½ cups of beef broth to the skillet with the browned beef and onions. Stir everything thoroughly to combine. It’s important to ensure that the pasta is submerged in the beef broth as much as possible, as this liquid will cook the noodles and infuse them with flavor.
• Step 3: Cook the Pasta to Perfection. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for approximately 12-15 minutes. During this time, the pasta will absorb the flavorful broth and become tender. Make sure to stir frequently (every 2-3 minutes) to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the liquid levels; if the broth reduces too much and the pasta appears dry or isn’t fully submerged, add an additional ½ cup of beef broth (or even up to 1 cup) as needed. The goal is for the pasta to be al dente and the sauce to be rich and not watery.
• Step 4: Finish with Creamy Goodness. Once the pasta is tender and cooked to your liking, turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. Continue to stir gently until the cheese has completely melted into the sauce, creating a wonderfully creamy and indulgent texture, and the sour cream is fully incorporated. The residual heat from the pasta and sauce will be enough to melt the cheese without overcooking it. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!

Nutrition Information

Understanding the nutritional value of your meals can be helpful for dietary planning. Below is an approximation of the nutritional content per serving for this Beef Pasta BBQ Skillet. Please note that these values are automatically calculated and can vary based on specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.