The Zesty One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta Recipe You’ll Crave

Crafting a mouthwatering one pot cajun beef pasta requires minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Spicy aromas will dance through your kitchen, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Bold cajun seasonings bring a zesty kick to this simple dinner solution.

Hearty beef mingles with tender pasta, creating a comforting dish packed with southern charm.

Weeknight cooking becomes exciting when you can prepare everything in a single skillet.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky heat and rich, creamy textures.

Jump into this easy recipe that will quickly become a household favorite.

Why One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta Is Bold, Creamy, And Filling

• Streamline Kitchen Cleanup: Single pot means fewer dishes, saving precious time and energy after cooking.
• Pack in Nutritious Veggies: Loaded with carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and kidney beans, this recipe sneaks in multiple healthy ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
• Spice Up Family Dinner: Cajun seasoning delivers bold, exciting taste that transforms an ordinary meal into a zesty adventure kids and adults will love.
• Flexible Weeknight Winner: Quick to prepare with simple ingredients, this one-pot wonder works perfectly for busy families needing a satisfying meal in minimal time.

Everything In One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the protein base of the dish.
• Kidney Beans: Adds extra protein and provides a creamy texture to the pasta.

• Onion, Garlic: A classic aromatic base that builds depth of flavor in the dish.
• Carrot, Zucchini: Provides additional nutrition and subtle sweetness to the pasta.
• Bell Pepper: Adds color and a fresh crunch to the one-pot meal.
• Green Onions: A fresh garnish that brings a light, sharp flavor to the finished dish.

• Pasta: The main starch that absorbs the rich Cajun-style sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates a robust and tangy sauce base for the pasta.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Chicken Stock, Water: Provides liquid for cooking the pasta and creating a saucy consistency.
• Cajun Spices: Brings authentic Cajun flavor and a warm, spicy profile to the dish.
• Cheese: Melts on top to add creaminess and a rich finish to the pasta.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and creating a base for cooking the ingredients.

How To Make One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over high heat. Toss in onion and garlic, letting them dance and release their fragrant aroma for about 2 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it into crumbly pieces. Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden-brown color.

Step 3: Veggie Medley Magic

• Shredded carrots
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers

Sauté for 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their moisture.

Step 4: Spice Up the Base

Stir in tomato paste and Cajun spice blend.

Let the mixture cook for a minute to intensify the flavors and create a deep, robust base.

Step 5: Liquid Love

• Crushed tomatoes
• Water
• Chicken stock
• Kidney beans

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Pasta Perfection

Add pasta to the pot, stirring to ensure even distribution. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium.

Let it simmer for 15 minutes, giving an occasional stir to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Cheese Crowning

Once the pasta is almost cooked and the dish maintains a slightly saucy consistency, turn off the heat.

Smooth the surface and sprinkle cheese on top.

Step 8: Melty Moment

Cover the pot and let it rest for 3 minutes, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese into creamy goodness.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top if desired. Serve piping hot and enjoy the explosion of Cajun flavors!

Tips For The Best One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta

• Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that keeps the spicy Cajun flavor intact.
• Boost veggie content by adding extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for increased nutrition and texture.
• Control spice levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning amount – start with less and taste, then add more if needed for personal heat preference.
• Prevent pasta from sticking by stirring occasionally and ensuring enough liquid remains during cooking process.
• Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating with splash of water to maintain moisture and restore original consistency.

Spicy Twists On One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Pasta: Replace Cajun seasoning with taco blend, swap kidney beans for black beans, and top with fresh cilantro and sour cream.
• Mediterranean Beef Pasta: Use oregano and Italian herbs instead of Cajun spices, replace kidney beans with chickpeas, add crumbled feta cheese, and garnish with chopped parsley.
• Creamy Mushroom Beef Pasta: Include sliced mushrooms with vegetables, substitute half the stock with heavy cream, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, and add a splash of white wine for depth.
• Vegetarian Bean Pasta: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans, increase vegetable quantity, use vegetable stock, and add smoked paprika for rich flavor complexity.

Perfect Pairings For One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta

• Spice-Cooling Beverage Pairing: Crisp, cold beer like a light lager or pale ale perfectly balances the Cajun pasta's spicy kick and cuts through the rich, hearty flavors.
• Complementary Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine such as Zinfandel or Syrah, which stands up to the robust beef and matches the dish's bold Cajun spices.
• Fresh Side Salad Companion: Create a tangy green salad with citrus vinaigrette to provide a bright, refreshing contrast against the warm, intense pasta, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Cooling Dairy Topping: Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to temper the Cajun spices and add a creamy, cooling element that softens the dish's heat.

How To Store One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta With Ease

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and seal tightly. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer Preservation: Pack pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Removes air to prevent freezer burn. Stays good for up to 2 months.
• Microwave Reheating: Place pasta in microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop Warming: Reheat in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or chicken stock to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent burning and distribute heat evenly.

One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning made of?

Cajun seasoning typically includes paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme, creating a spicy and robust flavor profile that gives this dish its signature kick.

• Is this a healthy one-pot meal?

Yes, this recipe incorporates vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers, providing nutrients and fiber while using lean ground beef for protein, making it a balanced and nutritious dinner option.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests a standard pasta, you can easily substitute with penne, rotini, or shells. Just ensure the pasta type has a similar cooking time to maintain the one-pot method.

• How spicy is this Cajun Beef Pasta?

The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning.

One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy and satisfying, this one pot cajun beef pasta blends bold Creole flavors with hearty comfort. Louisiana-inspired ingredients create a quick, zesty meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 500 grams (1 pound) ground beef
• 400 grams (14 ounces) kidney beans, drained

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, shredded
• 1 medium zucchini, shredded
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 green onion, finely sliced (optional garnish)

Pantry and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 800 grams (28 ounces) canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups low sodium chicken stock
• 2 cups water
• 350 grams (12 ounces) elbow pasta or similar
• 1.5 cups shredded Colby or any good melting cheese

Cajun Spice Mix:

• 1.5 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1.5 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional)
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 1.25 teaspoons kosher salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over high heat, sautéing onions and garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Introduce ground beef, browning thoroughly and breaking into crumbly texture.
3. Incorporate shredded carrot and zucchini, cooking for 2 minutes to eliminate excess moisture. Add bell peppers and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Introduce tomato paste and Cajun spices, allowing flavors to intensify for 1 minute.
5. Pour crushed tomatoes, water, chicken stock, and kidney beans into the pot. Mix thoroughly and bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Submerge pasta into the liquid, stirring to prevent sticking. Cover with lid and reduce heat to medium, simmering for approximately 15 minutes and stirring intermittently.
7. When pasta approaches doneness and sauce maintains a slightly liquid consistency, remove from heat.
8. Sprinkle cheese evenly across the surface, allowing residual heat to melt for 3 minutes with lid closed.
9. Optionally garnish with chopped green onions and serve piping hot directly from the pot.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version that suits health-conscious diners.
• Dial down the Cajun spice mix for kids or those sensitive to heat by reducing cayenne pepper and adding a touch of smoked paprika instead.
• Ensure vegetables are finely shredded to blend seamlessly and boost nutritional value without changing the dish’s texture.
• Add a splash of cream or Greek yogurt at the end for extra richness and to mellow out the spice profile, creating a more rounded flavor.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg