Cajun Beef Pasta — One-Pan Comfort Food
This Cajun Beef Pasta is a hearty, creamy-free comfort meal packed with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, tomato flavor, and tender spaghetti.
It’s an easy dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup onion, diced
- ½ cup green bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 pound spaghetti, cooked
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Reserved pasta water, as needed
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
1. Cook the Vegetables and Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onion and bell peppers.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning.
2. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
3. Make the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture.
Stir continuously for approximately 3–4 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer
Cook the sauce for approximately 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a rich sauce.
5. Add the Pasta
Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet.
Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.
6. Finish and Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Don’t overcook the spaghetti.
- Add extra bell peppers for more flavor and color.
- Parmesan adds a delicious finishing touch.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if the pasta has become too thick.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American / Cajun-inspired
Keywords: Cajun beef pasta, ground beef pasta, easy pasta recipe, one pan pasta, Cajun dinner, beef spaghetti, easy weeknight dinner