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One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta with Lots of Vegetables

A delicious and easy one-pot meal packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Cajun
Servings 4 servings
Calories 560 kcal

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!

Notes

Use fresh vegetables to enhance the flavors and textures. 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 900mgFiber: 8gSugar: 6g
Keyword Cajun Beef Pasta, Hearty Meal, One Pot Pasta, Quick Dinner, Vegetable Pasta
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