Name: One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1 onion, chopped; 500g / 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium carrot, shredded; 1 medium zucchini, shredded; 1 red bell pepper (capsicum), chopped; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 800g / 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes; 400g / 14 oz kidney beans, drained; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth); 2 cups water; 350g / 12 oz (3 cups) short pasta (elbow, penne, spirals, or shells); 1½ cups shredded Colby or other good melting cheese; 1 green onion stem, finely sliced (optional garnish); Cajun Spice Mix:; 1½ tsp dried thyme; 1½ tbsp paprika (sweet, not smoked); 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional); ¼ tsp black pepper; 1¼ tsp kosher salt

Description

This hearty one-pot Cajun beef pasta is bubbling with bold flavor, cheesy goodness, and a surprising load of hidden veggies like carrot, zucchini, capsicum, and onion. It’s a complete, comforting meal that feeds a crowd and makes the most of just 500g of beef—ideal for busy weeknights and perfect for leftovers.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 onion, chopped
500g / 1 lb ground beef
1 medium carrot, shredded
1 medium zucchini, shredded
1 red bell pepper (capsicum), chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
800g / 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
400g / 14 oz kidney beans, drained
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth)
2 cups water
350g / 12 oz (3 cups) short pasta (elbow, penne, spirals, or shells)
1½ cups shredded Colby or other good melting cheese
1 green onion stem, finely sliced (optional garnish)
Cajun Spice Mix:
1½ tsp dried thyme
1½ tbsp paprika (sweet, not smoked)
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
¼ tsp black pepper
1¼ tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

Heat oil in a large heavy-based pot with a lid over high heat.
Add onion and garlic; cook for 2 minutes.
Stir in ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until no longer pink.
Add shredded carrot and zucchini. Cook 2 minutes until most moisture evaporates.
Add red capsicum; cook for another 2 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste and all Cajun spices; cook for 1 minute.
Add crushed tomatoes, water, broth, and kidney beans. Stir and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the pasta. Once simmering again, cover with lid and reduce heat to medium.
Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
When pasta is al dente and the mixture still slightly saucy, stir, then smooth the surface. Sprinkle with cheese, cover, and turn off the heat.
Let sit for 3 minutes so cheese melts and pasta finishes cooking.
Garnish with green onion if using. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.

Notes

Use beef broth for a richer flavor, or chicken broth for a lighter taste.
Adjust cayenne pepper to control spiciness.
This dish reheats well and makes excellent leftovers.
Try swapping Colby with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for different flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: One-Pot
Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 53g
Fiber: 9g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 55mg