Tender slices of steak, bold Italian flavors, and cheesy tomato sauce—all simmered together with pasta in one pot for the ultimate weeknight comfort dish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Calories: ~480 kcal per serving
Dietary Tags: Nut-Free
🛒 Ingredients
Steak (sirloin or flank), thinly sliced
Pasta (penne or fusilli work great)
Olive oil
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Red bell pepper, chopped
Canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
Beef broth
Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt & black pepper
Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add steak slices, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Remove from pot and set aside.
Sauté Veggies: In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Add chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add Liquids & Seasoning: Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
Cook the Pasta: Add dry pasta to the pot. Stir, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Finish with Cheese & Steak: Return steak to the pot. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
📝 Notes
Penne and fusilli hold the sauce well, but any short pasta works.
For more spice, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
If the mixture thickens too quickly, stir in an extra splash of broth or water.
🥘 Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Pasta
This recipe came out of a midweek craving for something hearty but low-fuss. One pot, no draining, minimal cleanup—just bold flavor and cheesy comfort with every bite. Plus, the seared steak takes this from basic to elevated fast.
📸 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
🥩 Step 1: Sear the Steak
Slice your steak thin for fast, even cooking. Sear in olive oil with salt and pepper until browned. Set aside.
🧅 Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until the onion turns translucent and fragrant—about 3–4 minutes.
🍅 Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Add the canned tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a simmer.
🍝 Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta directly into the sauce. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
Tip: Stir midway to prevent sticking, and don’t worry if it looks slightly saucy—it’ll thicken as it rests.
🧀 Step 5: Add Cheese & Steak
Return steak to the pot. Stir in parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy.
Optional: Add an extra sprinkle on top before serving.
🧂 Ingredient Insights & Substitutions
Flavor Essentials
Steak: Flank or sirloin are ideal—tender and quick to cook.
Tomatoes: Diced with juice adds moisture and depth.
Italian Seasoning: Adds classic herbal notes—oregano, basil, thyme.
Parmesan: Saltiness and richness—freshly grated is best.
Substitutions
No beef broth? Sub with chicken broth or vegetable broth.
No red pepper flakes? Leave out or replace with chili powder or smoked paprika.
Cheese-Free: Skip the cheese for a lighter version (or use nutritional yeast for dairy-free umami).
More veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini with the bell pepper.
🍽 Variations & Serving Suggestions
Add-Ons & Mix-Ins
🫑 Add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini
🧄 Use roasted garlic for deeper flavor
🧀 Stir in mozzarella for a gooier finish
🌿 Finish with fresh basil or oregano for an herbaceous kick
How to Serve
With a green salad and balsamic vinaigrette
Garlic bread or crusty baguette
A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a pot or microwave with a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce.
Make-Ahead Tips
Slice the steak and prep veggies in advance to cut down active cook time.
Great for meal prep—portions reheat well for lunch.
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: ~480 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 36g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Allergens: Contains dairy, gluten
Dietary Tags: Nut-Free
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of steak?
A: Yes! Brown it first, then follow the rest of the recipe as written.
Q: Is it spicy?
A: Mild to medium. Reduce or omit red pepper flakes for a milder version.
Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A: Yes, but cooking time may vary slightly. Stir gently to prevent breaking.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure your pot is large enough and adjust liquid slightly if needed.
❤️ From My Kitchen to Yours
This recipe was born from a steak pasta craving and a need to avoid extra dishes. The result? A cheesy, saucy, hearty one-pot wonder that’s become a weekly staple in my house. Quick enough for a Tuesday, satisfying enough for guests.
📣 Let’s Hear from You!
Made this One-Pot Steak Pasta? Leave a rating or comment below—or tag your bowl @YourHandle on Instagram. Got your own twist? I’d love to see it! 🍝