One Pot Cajun Beef and Cheddar Pasta
A comforting, creamy pasta dish with Cajun flavor, featuring seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar.
Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
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
- to taste Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. This usually takes about 6-7 minutes. Carefully drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the garlic is fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly with spices.
- Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, followed by the cream cheese, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir regularly until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes silky 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, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is extra creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as preferred. Top with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to maintain creaminess.