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Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight

A heartwarming dish featuring rotini pasta, tender beef, and a flavorful Cajun-inspired sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 oz rotini pasta Use a high-quality brand like Barilla for best results
Protein
  • 1 lb ground beef 85% lean ideal for flavor; grass-fed is a great choice
Vegetables
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 medium bell peppers, diced Mix of red and green for color
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is a game-changer
Condiments & Seasonings
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning Adjust to spice preference; recommend Tony Chachere's
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes Look for those packed in juice for extra flavor
  • 1 cup beef broth Homemade is best, but store-bought works
Dairy
  • 1 cup shredded cheese Sharp cheddar adds nice flavor; use your favorite brand
Oils
  • 2 tbsp olive oil Extra virgin for the finest quality

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to boil. Add rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the Beef
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, roughly 5-7 minutes.
  2. Drain any excess fat for a cleaner finish.
Adding Aromatics
  1. Stir in chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until onions are translucent.
  2. The kitchen should smell heavenly at this point!
Spicing It Up
  1. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and veggies and cook for another minute.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with juice) and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Gently fold in the cooked rotini and shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and everything is well combined.
  3. Don’t rush this step; let the cheese melt for a creamy texture!
Serving
  1. Enjoy hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired!

Notes

Storing leftovers: Cool any leftover dish to room temperature before storing in airtight containers. Will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.