If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish that requires minimal cleanup, look no further than One Pot Cajun Beef and Cheddar Pasta. This easy recipe combines tender pasta, ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce with just the right amount of spice. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal with family.
Why Make This Recipe
One Pot Cajun Beef and Cheddar Pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make. The one-pot method saves time on both prep and cleanup, making it an ideal choice for those who want a flavorful meal without the fuss. Moreover, the blend of Cajun spices, creamy cheese, and tender beef packs a punch of flavor that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
How to Make One Pot Cajun Beef Cheddar Pasta Recipe
Making this dish is straightforward and quick. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 1 medium Bell Pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, undrained
- 1 block (8 oz) Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 8 oz Elbow Macaroni
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 6-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Carefully drain the excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the garlic is fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly with the spices.
- Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, along with the cream cheese, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir regularly until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce turns smooth.
- Gently add the elbow macaroni to the pot, stir to combine, and bring everything to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Uncover and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and the sauce is extra creamy.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as preferred. Top with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
How to Serve One Pot Cajun Beef and Cheddar Pasta
Serve this dish hot, directly from the pot. You can garnish it with extra chopped parsley or even a sprinkle of additional Cajun seasoning for an extra kick. This pasta pairs nicely with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
How to Store One Pot Cajun Beef and Cheddar Pasta
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
Tips to Make One Pot Cajun Beef and Cheddar Pasta
- For a spicier dish, consider using hot diced tomatoes or adding sliced jalapeños.
- Feel free to mix in other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- If you prefer a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk and use lean ground turkey instead of beef.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by using different types of pasta, such as penne or shells. Additionally, switching the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey can give a different flavor while keeping it healthy!
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it’s best fresh for optimal creaminess.
2. Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth, along with keeping the rest of the ingredients the same.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s not recommended to freeze cream-based pasta dishes as they can change texture when thawed. It’s best to enjoy them fresh!
One Pot Cajun Beef and Cheddar Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 1 medium Bell Pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, undrained
- 1 block (8 oz) Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 8 oz Elbow Macaroni
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- to taste Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 6-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Carefully drain the excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the garlic is fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly with the spices.
- Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, along with the cream cheese, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir regularly until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce turns smooth.
- Gently add the elbow macaroni to the pot, stir to combine, and bring everything to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Uncover and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and the sauce is extra creamy.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as preferred. Top with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
