If you're looking for a low-effort, big-flavor dinner that checks every comfort food box—melty cheese, smoky sauce, hearty meat, and pasta—this cheesy BBQ canned beef pasta bake is your new weeknight favorite. It’s one of those throw-it-together meals that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. And thanks to the convenience of canned beef, you don’t need to fire up the grill or simmer a roast for hours. This is a dish that brings together the flavors of classic bbq beef sandwiches and hearty pasta bakes in one bubbling, cheesy casserole. Perfect for those who love barbecue sandwiches, canned beef recipes, or just need a quick go-to for busy evenings.
Cheesy BBQ Canned Beef Pasta Bake
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Western
Large pot For boiling pasta. If you don't have one, any deep saucepan will work.
Large skillet To sauté the aromatics and combine the beef and sauce. A medium saucepan can substitute if needed.
Mixing Spoon A sturdy wooden or silicone spoon will help mix the beef and sauce evenly.
9x13-inch baking dish Glass or metal both work well. You could also use two smaller baking pans if that’s what you have on hand.
Oven Standard ovens are perfect. A toaster oven won’t fit the full dish, but could work for a half portion.
Mixing bowl (optional) For mixing the breadcrumb topping, although you can do this in a small plate or directly in the pan.
For the Pasta Bake
- 1 12 oz box of penne or elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 12 oz cans of cooked beef (drained and shredded slightly)
- 1½ cups barbecue sauce your favorite style, sweet or smoky
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes drained
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
For the Topping
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, but stop about 1 minute before al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, just until fragrant.
Add the Canned Beef
Now add the drained canned beef to the skillet. Break up any large chunks with your spoon. Let the beef heat through and slightly crisp for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This adds texture and brings out more flavor.
Sauce It Up
Pour in the barbecue sauce, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld. It should start to smell like your favorite bbq sandwich recipe in pasta form.
Combine with Pasta and Cheese
Turn off the heat. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly so every piece is coated in that rich bbq beef sauce. Fold in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, saving a bit for topping.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Spoon the mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining cheese.
Make the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl or directly in a pan, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake Until Bubbly
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pasta uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving, and optionally garnish with chopped parsley.
Pairings
This dish is indulgent and rich, so it benefits from some lighter or contrasting sides:
- Green Salad: A crisp romaine or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the cheesy, smoky richness.
- Coleslaw: A classic with beef barbecue flavors, especially if you go for a vinegar-based slaw to balance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
- Cornbread: For those who want to double down on comfort food, sweet or jalapeño cornbread makes a great addition.
- Grilled Veggies: Zucchini, bell peppers, or corn brushed with olive oil and grilled add color and a healthy edge.
- Pickles or Pickled Jalapeños: For a little zing and brightness on the side.
If you're into drinks, sweet tea or a light sparkling lemonade pairs really well with the bold barbecue flavors. For a mocktail vibe, try ginger beer with lime.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh or frozen beef instead of canned?
Yes, but this recipe is built around the convenience of recipes using canned beef. If you'd rather use fresh or frozen beef, cook it first (preferably slow-cooked or shredded roast beef) and then proceed with the sauce steps. If you like slow cooker bbq beef, that can be a great substitute—just shred and use about 2 to 2½ cups of it.
2. What kind of canned beef should I use?
Look for beef in a can recipes that call for lean shredded beef or corned beef. Avoid varieties packed in thick gravy, as that can clash with the BBQ sauce. Plain, fully-cooked, canned roast beef is ideal. Drain well before using to avoid a soggy casserole.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the pasta bake, cover tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.
4. What kind of barbecue sauce works best?
This comes down to preference. If you love Southern barbeque recipes, go for a smoky or spicy sauce. If you're used to bbq beef sandwiches from Kansas City-style BBQ, a sweet and tangy sauce works well. Carolina mustard-based sauces offer a sharp bite that’s also delicious.
5. Can I turn this into a sandwich filling?
Yes! Before baking, you can skip the pasta entirely and just use the cheesy BBQ beef mixture as a hot filling for buns. It’s an easy way to make delicious barbecue sandwiches or even sliders—basically a cheesy twist on beef barbecue with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
