If you love hearty, smoky flavors but don’t want to spend hours cooking (or cleaning!) during those hot summer evenings, this One-Pot Smoky BBQ Meatball Pasta is about to become your new best friend.
Inspired by backyard barbecues and classic American comfort food, this dish packs all the goodness of juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and a bold BBQ-tomato sauce into a single pot. Yes, you heard that right—only one pot, minimal mess, maximum flavor!
Perfect for feeding a crowd, summer potlucks, casual family dinners, or even meal prepping for the week, this easy one-pot meal brings smoky, saucy goodness to your table in under an hour.
🥄 Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Wonder
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Minimal cleanup: Only one pot needed!
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Smoky, bold flavors: Thanks to a combo of BBQ sauce, spices, and tomatoes.
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Perfect for summer: Comforting but not heavy.
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Feeds a crowd: Ideal for gatherings, BBQs, or big family dinners.
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Customizable: Make it as spicy, smoky, or cheesy as you like.
📝 Ingredients (20 Servings)
For the Meatballs:
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2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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1 large egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
For the Pasta and Sauce:
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1 lb (16 oz) penne pasta
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4 cups beef broth (plus extra if needed)
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1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite smoky brand)
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1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp cumin
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
⏱ Prep & Cook Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
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Yield: 20 servings
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in BBQ sauce, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Meatballs
Add uncooked pasta and browned meatballs to the pot. Stir gently to coat everything in sauce. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and meatballs are fully cooked. Add extra broth if needed.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese if using. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot straight from the pot!
🌞 Perfect for Summer Gatherings
This One-Pot Smoky BBQ Meatball Pasta is tailor-made for summer events:
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Backyard BBQ side dish
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Casual family cookouts
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Make-ahead camping meals
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Easy beach house dinners
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Fourth of July potlucks
It’s filling, festive, and full of flavors that scream summertime fun.
💡 Tips & Variations
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Make it spicier: Add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
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Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
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Dairy-free: Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
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Veggie boost: Stir in baby spinach, grilled corn, or bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for easy lunches. Defrost overnight in the fridge.
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Reheating: Add a splash of broth or water before microwaving or heating on the stove to keep it saucy.
🔥 What Makes It So Smoky and Irresistible?
The secret to that crave-worthy smokiness is the combination of smoked paprika, a rich BBQ sauce, and a gentle browning of the meatballs. These flavors infuse the sauce as it simmers with the pasta, creating an unbelievably deep and layered flavor in every bite.
Smoky without being overpowering, hearty without being heavy—this dish is truly the best of both worlds.