Description
This One Pot Cajun Beef and Cheddar Pasta is bold, cheesy, and weeknight-easy. Packed with creamy spice and gooey cheddar, it’s the kind of meal that feeds your family fast—and hugs them while it does.
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)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a deep pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes. Leave just a little fat for flavor.
2. Stir in chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté 3–4 minutes until fragrant and soft.
3. Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat evenly.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes, cream cheese, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir until the sauce is smooth and cream cheese melts completely.
5. Add uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Uncover and stir in shredded cheddar. It melts fast and thickens the sauce.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with chopped parsley on top.
Notes
Use mild Cajun spice for less heat or add red pepper flakes for extra kick.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack or gouda for a twist.
Leftovers reheat beautifully—add a splash of cream to bring back the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 44g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: one pot pasta, cajun beef pasta, creamy pasta, cheesy dinner ideas, weeknight meals, comfort food, budget-friendly meals, high protein family dinners