Introduction
One-pot pasta dishes are perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without the hassle of washing multiple pots and pans. This flavorful one-pot pasta recipe combines ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and Cajun spices to create a satisfying dish that the whole family will love. All the ingredients cook together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, and it’s topped with gooey melted cheese for the perfect finish.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 500g (1 lb) ground beef
– 1 medium carrot, shredded (skin on)
– 1 medium zucchini, shredded
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
– 400g (14 oz) kidney beans, drained (optional)
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth)
– 2 cups water
– 350g (12 oz) uncooked elbow pasta (or similar)
– 1½ cups shredded Colby cheese (or other melting cheese)
– 1 green onion stem, finely sliced (optional garnish)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
This one-pot pasta is not only easy to prepare but also offers a comforting blend of textures and flavors. Serve it fresh from the pot, and enjoy the delightful combination of ingredients that make this dish a family favorite!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Heat the Oil
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy-based pot over high heat.
Sauté Onion and Garlic
Sauté 2 finely minced garlic cloves and 1 chopped onion for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook Ground Beef
Add 500g of ground beef to the pot. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
Incorporate Vegetables
Add 1 medium shredded carrot and 1 medium shredded zucchini to the pot. Cook for 2 minutes until the moisture evaporates.
Add Bell Pepper
Stir in 1 chopped red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Mix in Tomato Paste and Spices
Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste along with the Cajun spices: 1½ teaspoons dried thyme, 1½ tablespoons sweet paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt. Cook for 1 minute.
Pour in Liquids
Add 800g of canned crushed tomatoes, 2 cups of low-sodium chicken or beef broth, 2 cups of water, and optional 400g of drained kidney beans. Mix well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add Pasta
Add 350g of uncooked elbow pasta (or similar) to the pot. Stir and return to a simmer.
Cover and Cook
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Check Pasta and Consistency
Ensure the pasta is slightly firm and the mixture is a bit soupy.
Finish with Cheese
Stir the mixture, smooth the surface, and sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded Colby cheese on top. Cover the pot and turn off the heat.
Let Sit
Allow the dish to sit for 3 minutes until the cheese melts and the pasta finishes cooking.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish with finely sliced green onion if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutions
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms based on your preference.
Cheese Options
If Colby cheese is not available, any melting cheese like mozzarella or cheddar will work well.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a technique used to quickly cook ingredients in a small amount of hot oil. Start by heating olive oil in a pot, then add aromatics like onion and garlic, cooking them until fragrant.
Mixing spices
When adding spices to a dish, mix them thoroughly with other ingredients to ensure even distribution. This enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Simmering
Simmering involves cooking a liquid at a temperature just below boiling. After adding liquids such as crushed tomatoes and broth, bring the mixture to a simmer to allow flavors to meld together.
Covering
Covering a pot during cooking helps retain moisture and heat, allowing ingredients to cook evenly. This is particularly useful when cooking pasta in a liquid mixture.
Resting
After cooking, letting the dish sit for a few minutes allows residual heat to finish cooking the pasta and melt the cheese. This resting period enhances the final texture and flavors.
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta instead of elbow pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow pasta with other similar shapes such as shells, penne, or fusilli.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian options like lentils or plant-based meat substitutes.
Is it necessary to add kidney beans?
No, kidney beans are optional. You can omit them if desired or use another type of bean for added protein and texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spice level, you can add more cayenne pepper or include hot sauce to taste.
What can I use if I don’t have Colby cheese?
If Colby cheese is unavailable, you can substitute with any good melting cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack.
Conclusion
This one-pot pasta dish is a convenient and flavorful meal that combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, and Cajun spices, all cooked together for a hearty dinner. The melting cheese adds a creamy finish, making it a favorite for families. With its ease of preparation and minimal cleanup, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Spicy Chicken Pasta
Swap ground beef for diced chicken thighs and enhance the dish with Sriracha for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Delight
Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and tofu, and increase the number of vegetables to create a vibrant veggie-filled pasta.
Italian Sausage Pasta
Utilize Italian sausage instead of ground beef, adding freshly chopped basil and oregano for a rustic Italian flavor.
Taco Pasta
Infuse taco seasonings into the mix and top with crushed tortilla chips, avocado, and sour cream for a Tex-Mex twist.
Creamy Garlic Alfredo Pasta
Incorporate Alfredo sauce instead of tomatoes and broth, and mix in spinach for a creamy, decadent dish.
Pesto Pasta
Stir in a few tablespoons of basil pesto right before serving for a fresh, herby finish.
Seafood Pasta
Substitute ground beef with shrimp and scallops, adding lemon juice and parsley for a seafood-inspired version.
