Big, bubbly One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta is filled with beef and tons of hidden vegetables, cooked in a Cajun flavoured tomato pasta sauce, topped with oozy cheese. It makes 7 to 8 and is great for leftovers!

A complete one pot meal with lots of hidden vegetables!

Here today with a sparkling new recipe I created with mid-week cooking in mind: This is a big, bubbling Cajun pasta made with beef and a surprising amount of hidden vegetables, so you can serve it as a complete meal. I think it's awfully economical (500g/1lb beef -> 7 to 8 servings), the flavours of beefy Cajun and smothered in oozy cheese.

We're using a good amount of Cajun spices in this recipe, so we can still pack in vegetables without the flavour of the dish seeming overwhelmed by it. I know you know exactly where I'm coming from!!

And that's a carrot, zucchini, capsicum (bell pepper) with 500g/1 lb beef, plus there's 800g/28 oz of canned tomato and an onion (both vegetables!) Not only do these vegetables allow you to serve all these vegetables and other veggies and other to serve more people and … stretch the dish to … for 7 or 8 people rather than like 4 or 5.

So much veg. Om nom nom nom nom nom — try to tell me you don't want to eat this!!

Cajun pasta… Not authentic, and that's OK!

If you aren't asking, no, Cajun pasta certainly isn't authentically Cajun. In fact, the Cajun usually uses rice. While Cajun spices combined with pasta becomes pretty popular in America, especially when it comes to being super tasty. I'm totally on board with it.

One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta ingredients

Using grated carrot and zucchini because it blends right in with the pasta sauce already and, yes being a Crimsonensiy sort of day for the Cajun flavours, add some chopped capsicum (bell pepper).

THE PASTA ADD-INS

  • Beef (can use chicken, turkey, or pork, but adjust seasoning)
  • Grated zucchini and carrot
  • Chopped red capsicum (bell pepper)
  • Onion and garlic
  • Kidney beans

CAJUN PASTA SAUCE

  • Crushed canned tomato (800g/28oz)
  • Chicken stock/broth and water
  • Tomato paste
  • Homemade Cajun spice blend (or store-bought)

Homemade Cajun spice blend:

  • Fresh thyme
  • Sweet paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper

Cheese

Colby or any melting cheese, optional parmesan

Simple One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta Recipe

Step 1

Grate the carrot and zucchini using a standard box grater.

Step 2

Cook onion and garlic, then add beef and cook until brown.

Step 3

Add carrot, zucchini, vegetables, and spices. Cook for a few minutes.

Step 4

Add canned tomato, water, chicken stock, and beans. Bring to simmer and add pasta.

Step 5

Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Check pasta doneness. It should be almost cooked through.

Step 7

Sprinkle cheese on top.

Step 8

Cover and let stand for 3 minutes to melt the cheese.

Serve hot and enjoy! This pasta is great for leftovers and can be frozen for later use.

PS: The green onion sprinkle is optional, just for a touch of color.

For those interested, check out our Top 10 recipes we make at RecipeTin Meals for more make-ahead, freezer-friendly, wholesome, and economical meals.