Description
One-pot Cajun Beef Pasta is a flavorful dish with tender beef, zesty Cajun spices, and pasta, all made in one pot for an easy, delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (preferably red or green)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 8 ounces (225g) penne or fusilli pasta
- 2 cups beef broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil (optional) and the ground beef. Cook for 5 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent. Stir in chopped bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika over the beef and vegetables. Stir well. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and beef broth, scraping the pot to release any flavorful bits stuck at the bottom.
- Bring to a boil, then add the pasta. Stir and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- If using, stir in heavy cream for creaminess. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Let the dish stand for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- To avoid overcooking the pasta, monitor the cooking time carefully.
- If the dish becomes too dry, add more beef broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the heavy cream or use coconut cream as a substitute.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: One-pot Cajun Beef Pasta, Cajun Pasta, Beef Pasta, One-pot Pasta, Cajun Beef Dish