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Delicious one-pot Cajun beef pasta with colorful veggies served in a bowl.

One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta

A vibrant and hearty dish combining Cajun flavors with pasta and colorful vegetables, perfect for a family weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 500 g beef mince (ground beef) can substitute with turkey or chicken
  • 1 medium carrot, shredded keeping the skin on adds flavor
  • 1 medium zucchini, shredded
  • 1 red capsicum (bell pepper), chopped
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 800 g canned crushed tomato
  • 400 g kidney beans, drained can omit or substitute with other beans
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock/broth can substitute with beef stock
  • 2 cups water just regular tap water
  • 350 g elbow pasta, uncooked can use other pasta types
  • 1.5 cups colby cheese, shredded or other melting cheese of choice
  • 1 green onion stem finely sliced optional for garnish
  • 1.5 tsp dried thyme
  • 1.5 tbsp paprika sweet/regular, not smoked or spicy
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper optional for faint spiciness
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1.25 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large heavy-based pot over high heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the hot oil and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Next, add the beef mince, breaking it up as you go and cooking until it turns brown.
  4. Toss in the shredded carrot and zucchini, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates.
  5. Finally, add the chopped red capsicum and sauté for another 2 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Stir in the tomato paste along with the Cajun spices (thyme, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt). Let this mixture cook for about 1 minute.
  2. Pour in the canned crushed tomato, followed by the water and stock. Mix everything well and bring to a simmer.
  3. Carefully stir in the uncooked pasta of your choice and bring everything back to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot with the lid.
  4. Allow the pasta to cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finishing Touch
  1. After 15 minutes, give everything a gentle stir and sprinkle your shredded colby cheese evenly across the top.
  2. Cover the pot again and turn off the stove, letting it sit for about 3 minutes to melt the cheese.
Serving
  1. Carefully remove the lid, garnish with finely sliced green onion if using, and serve immediately.

Notes

Customize your veggies based on season; using freshly grated cheese helps with melting. Adjust spice levels to your preference.