Sometimes, you just need a quick, hearty, and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Smoky BBQ Canned Beef Pasta comes in. It’s a perfect fusion of smoky barbecue flavors and comforting pasta, made extra convenient with canned beef. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying camping meal, this dish delivers bold flavors with minimal effort!
Smoky BBQ Canned Beef Pasta
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Large pot
Skillet
Wooden spoon
Strainer
- 1 12 oz all natural can of beef chunks, drained and shredded
- 12 oz pasta penne or rotini work best
- 1 cup barbecue sauce hickory or smoky preferred
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional for heat
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional
Cook the pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté aromatics
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced onions until soft (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the beef
Stir in the canned beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
Build the sauce
Pour in the barbecue sauce, beef broth, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine
Toss in the cooked pasta, stirring until evenly coated in the sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
Finish it off
Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted. Garnish with fresh parsley if using.
Serve and enjoy
Dish it up while warm and enjoy that smoky, cheesy, BBQ goodness!
Pairings
This bold, smoky pasta goes great with:
- Garlic bread – for soaking up extra sauce
- Coleslaw – to add some crunch and freshness
- Grilled veggies – like bell peppers or zucchini for a balanced meal
- A cold beer – a crisp lager or smoky porter pairs beautifully
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh beef instead of canned?
Absolutely! You can use ground beef or shredded leftover brisket for an even richer flavor. Just brown the beef first before adding the BBQ sauce.
2. What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni holds the sauce well, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
3. Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add extra red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or swap in a spicy BBQ sauce for some heat.
4. Does it store well?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
