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Spicy Cajun Beefaroni: Easy, Hearty One-Pan Dinner!

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Say goodbye to bland weeknight dinners with this Spicy Cajun Beefaroni, a dish bursting with flavor and comfort. This hearty pasta dish combines tender macaroni, ground beef, and a rich, spicy tomato sauce for an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1–2 tablespoons Louisiana-style hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco, Crystal)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside (toss with a tiny bit of olive oil if desired to prevent sticking).
  2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up, until no pink remains. Drain off all excess fat.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add olive oil (if needed) and the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in beef broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and hot sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and gently simmer for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Remove sauce from heat. Stir in the cooked macaroni and shredded cheeses. Stir until cheese is completely melted and macaroni is evenly coated.
  7. Taste and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, hot sauce) as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped green onions or parsley.

Nutrition

Keywords: Control the heat by adjusting cayenne and hot sauce. Experiment with different melting cheeses for a unique flavor. For a baked version, transfer to a greased baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.

Find it online: https://homebitesia.com/spicy-cajun-beefaroni-easy-hearty-one-pan-dinner/