By One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta with Lots of Veg is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta with Lots of Veg captures the essence of meals|chicken while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta with Lots of Veg becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the One-Pot Pasta:
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 onion, chopped
500g/1 lb beef mince (ground beef)
1 medium carrot, shredded (skin on)
1 medium zucchini, shredded
1 red capsicum (bell pepper), chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
800g/28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
400g/14 oz kidney beans, drained (or other beans of choice, can omit)
2 cups low sodium chicken stock (or beef stock)
2 cups water
350g/12 oz elbow pasta (or similar size, uncooked)
1 1/2 cups (tightly packed) colby cheese (or other melting cheese), preferably freshly shredded
1 green onion stem, finely sliced (optional garnish)
For the Cajun Spices:
1 1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 1/2 tbsp paprika (sweet/regular, not smoked or spicy)
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a faintly spicy kick)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
PREPARATION STEPS
Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
Cook the Beef:
Add the beef mince to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Vegetables:
Stir in the shredded carrot, zucchini, and chopped red capsicum. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Mix in the Tomato and Spices:
Add the tomato paste, canned crushed tomatoes, drained kidney beans, chicken stock, water, and all the Cajun spices. Stir well to combine.
Add the Pasta:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the uncooked pasta. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Cook the Pasta:
Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the liquid has thickened.
Add the Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded colby cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve:
Garnish with finely sliced green onion if desired. Enjoy your delicious and hearty one-pot meal!
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~350 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
