why make this recipe
One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta with Lots of Vegetables is a delicious and easy meal that packs a punch of flavor. You can make it all in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying delicious food. It is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, and the combination of beef, pasta, and vegetables makes it a hearty dish. Plus, the addition of Cajun spices adds a kick that everyone will love!
how to make One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta with Lots of Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 500g/1 lb beef mince (ground beef)
- 1 carrot (medium, shredded using box grater)
- 1 zucchini (medium, shredded using box grater)
- 1 red capsicum (bell pepper, chopped)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 800g/28 oz canned crushed tomato
- 400g/14 oz kidney beans (drained, or other beans of choice, can omit)
- 2 cups chicken stock/broth (low sodium)
- 2 cups water (just regular tap water!)
- 350g/12 oz (3 cups) elbow pasta (macaroni or similar size, uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups (tightly packed) colby cheese (or other melting cheese, preferably freshly shredded)
- 1 green onion stem (finely sliced for optional garnish)
- 1 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 1/2 tbsp paprika (sweet/regular, not smoked or spicy)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/4 tsp cooking salt/kosher salt
Directions:
- Heat the oil in a large heavy-based pot with a lid over high heat.
- Cook the onion and garlic for 2 minutes. Add the beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until there is no red meat visible. Add the carrot and zucchini, cooking for 2 minutes until the water they release mostly evaporates. Then add the capsicum and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and Cajun spices, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add the canned tomato, water (swill the cans clean), stock, and beans. Mix and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the pasta, let it come back up to a simmer. Put the lid on and lower the heat slightly so the liquid is simmering, not bubbling madly.
- Cook for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the base doesn’t catch. The pasta should be a bit firmer than you want in the middle, and still a bit soupy.
- Give it a stir, smooth the surface, and sprinkle with cheese. Put the lid on, turn off the stove, and let it sit for 3 minutes to melt the cheese and finish cooking the pasta.
- Remove from the stove, sprinkle with green onion if desired, and serve immediately while saucy and the cheese is gooey!
how to serve One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta with Lots of Vegetables
Serve the One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta hot, garnished with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a side salad and some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
how to store One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta with Lots of Vegetables
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can last for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat it on the stovetop or microwave until it’s hot throughout.
tips to make One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta with Lots of Vegetables
- Use fresh vegetables to enhance the flavors and textures of the dish.
- Adjust the spices to your taste for a milder or spicier dish.
- For a creamier dish, add some cream or sour cream right before serving.
- Using freshly grated cheese helps it melt better and enhances the overall flavor.
variation
You can customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Feel free to swap in different beans or use chicken instead of beef for a different protein option. Adding some spinach or kale at the end can boost the nutritional value.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. It tastes even better the next day!
What can I use instead of beef mince?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Can I freeze One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta?
Yes, this dish can be frozen. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta with Lots of Vegetables
Ingredients
For the pasta
- 350 g 350g/12 oz (3 cups) elbow pasta (macaroni or similar size, uncooked) Uncooked pasta
- 2 cups 2 cups chicken stock/broth (low sodium)
- 2 cups 2 cups water (just regular tap water!)
For the meat and vegetables
- 500 g 500g/1 lb beef mince (ground beef)
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 medium 1 carrot (shredded using box grater)
- 1 medium 1 zucchini (shredded using box grater)
- 1 1 red capsicum (bell pepper, chopped)
- 1 c 1 1/2 cups (tightly packed) colby cheese (or other melting cheese, preferably freshly shredded) For topping
- 1 stem 1 green onion stem (finely sliced for optional garnish) For garnish
For the sauce and seasonings
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 800 g 800g/28 oz canned crushed tomato
- 400 g 400g/14 oz kidney beans (drained, or other beans of choice, can omit)
- 1 1/2 tsp 1 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 1/2 tbsp 1 1/2 tbsp paprika (sweet/regular, not smoked or spicy)
- 2 tsp 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp 2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) For spice
- 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/4 tsp 1 1/4 tsp cooking salt/kosher salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the oil in a large heavy-based pot with a lid over high heat.
- Cook the onion and garlic for 2 minutes.
- Add the beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until there is no red meat visible.
- Add the carrot and zucchini, cooking for 2 minutes until the water they release mostly evaporates.
- Add the capsicum and cook for another 2 minutes.
Cooking
- Add the tomato paste and Cajun spices, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add the canned tomato, water (swill the cans clean), stock, and beans.
- Mix and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the pasta, let it come back up to a simmer.
- Put the lid on and lower the heat slightly so the liquid is simmering, not bubbling madly.
- Cook for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the base doesn’t catch.
- The pasta should be a bit firmer than you want in the middle, and still a bit soupy.
- Give it a stir, smooth the surface, and sprinkle with cheese.
- Put the lid on, turn off the stove, and let it sit for 3 minutes to melt the cheese and finish cooking the pasta.
- Remove from the stove, sprinkle with green onion if desired, and serve immediately while saucy and the cheese is gooey!