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One-Pot Cajun Beef Pasta: Dinner Done Fast! - cajun pasta - Cajun pasta: make this flavorful one-pot meal in under 40 minutes. Easy cleanup, packed with beef, v

One-Pot Cajun Beef Pasta: Dinner Done Fast!

This One-Pot Cajun Beef Pasta is a weeknight warrior's dream. It combines the bold, zesty flavors of Cajun cuisine with the ultimate convenience of a one-pot meal. Forget extensive prep and hours of cleanup; this recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal effort. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, allowing the rich tomato sauce, savory beef, and a medley of vegetables to meld together perfectly, all while the pasta cooks to tender perfection in the same pot.
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Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. 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.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and Cajun spices. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. 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.
  5. Add the dry pasta, stir to submerge it in the liquid. Let the mixture return to a gentle simmer.
  6. 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.
  7. Turn off the heat. Stir the pasta, smooth the surface, and let it sit for 3 minutes to finish cooking the pasta.
  8. 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.