One Pot Cajun Beef and Cheddar Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines tender pasta with juicy ground beef and melted cheddar cheese. This dish is made in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
There are several reasons to love this One Pot Cajun Beef and Cheddar Pasta. First, it is quick and easy to prepare, requiring only one pot for cooking. This means less time spent on dishes! Second, the Cajun seasoning gives the dish a spicy kick, making it exciting and different from regular pasta recipes. Lastly, it’s a hearty meal that will fill you up, making it great for families or gatherings.
How to Make One Pot Cajun Beef and Cheddar Pasta
Making One Pot Cajun Beef and Cheddar Pasta is simple. Just follow these easy steps to create a delicious meal in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add pasta and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
How to Serve One Pot Cajun Beef and Cheddar Pasta
Serve One Pot Cajun Beef and Cheddar Pasta hot, straight from the pot. You can sprinkle more chopped parsley or extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for an added touch. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.
How to Store One Pot Cajun Beef and Cheddar Pasta
If you have leftovers, you can store One Pot Cajun Beef and Cheddar Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the pasta.
Tips to Make One Pot Cajun Beef and Cheddar Pasta
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference. If you like it hot, add a bit more!
- You can use any type of pasta you have on hand, but cooking times may vary, so check it as it cooks.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some chopped bell peppers or diced tomatoes to the mix when cooking the onion.
Variation
You can switch up the cheese by using pepper jack for a spicier version or mixing in cream cheese for a creamier texture. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Just store the leftovers in the fridge and reheat when ready to eat.
2. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
3. How can I make this dish healthier?
You can use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and lean ground beef or turkey to reduce fat content. Adding more vegetables can also boost the nutritional value.
One Pot Cajun Beef and Cheddar Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add pasta and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
