One-Pot Cajun Beef Pasta: Dinner Done Fast!
Quick and flavorful one-pot cajun pasta loaded with ground beef, shredded carrots, and zucchini for a speedy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 500 g/ 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
- 800 g/ 28 oz canned crushed tomato
- 400 g/ 14 oz kidney beans, drained
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the beef mince and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Stir in the shredded carrot and zucchini, cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened. Add the chopped red capsicum and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and Cajun spices. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and water (swish the cans clean if needed). Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the dry pasta, stir to submerge it in the liquid. Let the mixture return to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta should be al dente and the sauce should be thick but still saucy.
- Turn off the heat. Stir the pasta, smooth the surface, and let it sit for 3 minutes to finish cooking the pasta.
- Serve immediately while hot and cheesy!
Notes
- Use a good quality Cajun spice blend for the best flavor.
- Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in liquid before covering to cook evenly.
- Don't skip the resting step after turning off the heat; it allows the cheese to melt perfectly and the sauce to thicken beautifully.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
- Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in liquid before covering to cook evenly.
- Don't skip the resting step after turning off the heat; it allows the cheese to melt perfectly and the sauce to thicken beautifully.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.