Description
Creamy, spicy, and packed with bold Cajun flavor, this One Pot Beef and Cheddar Pasta is a weeknight win. Comfort food in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) block 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. Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. After 6–7 minutes, when it’s browned and fully cooked, drain off the excess fat.
2. Add the Veggies
Toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step builds your flavor foundation.
3. Season the Base
Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the mixture.
4. Build the Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream cheese, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and smooth.
5. Cook the Pasta
Add uncooked macaroni and bring to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Melt the Cheese
Stir in the cheddar cheese and let it fully melt into the sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped parsley and serve hot. It’s creamy, spicy, and ridiculously comforting—just like your favorite Comforting Cheesy Taco Potatoes but with more protein punch.
Notes
Can be made ahead and reheated.
Swap beef for ground turkey to lighten it up.
Use gluten-free pasta for a low-carb version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: one pot pasta, cajun beef pasta, cheesy pasta, comfort food