Introduction
One-pot pasta dishes are a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal cleanup. This one-pot pasta recipe combines ground beef with a medley of fresh vegetables and flavorful spices, resulting in a comforting dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. The best part? Everything cooks together in one pot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 onion, chopped
500g/1 lb beef mince (ground beef)
1 medium carrot, shredded using a box grater
1 medium zucchini, shredded using a box grater
1 red capsicum (bell pepper), chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
800g/28 oz canned crushed tomato
400g/14 oz kidney beans, drained (or other beans of choice, can omit)
2 cups chicken stock/broth, low sodium (sub beef stock)
2 cups water
350g/12 oz (3 cups) elbow pasta (macaroni), spirals, penne, ziti, small shells, rigatoni or similar size, uncooked
1 1/2 cups (tightly packed) colby cheese or other melting cheese of choice, preferably freshly shredded
1 green onion stem, finely sliced (optional garnish)
Cajun Spices:
1 1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 1/2 tbsp paprika (sweet/regular, not smoked or spicy)
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, optional
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Heat the Oil
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy-based pot with a lid over high heat.
Cook Vegetables
Add 2 finely minced garlic cloves and 1 chopped onion to the pot. Cook for 2 minutes. Then, incorporate 500g (1 lb) of beef mince, breaking it up as you cook until no red meat is visible. Add 1 medium shredded carrot and 1 medium shredded zucchini. Cook for 2 minutes until the water they release mostly evaporates. Next, add 1 chopped red capsicum and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Add Spices
Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste along with the Cajun spices which include 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried thyme, 1 1/2 tablespoons of paprika, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 2 teaspoons of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional), 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 1/4 teaspoons of cooking/kosher salt. Cook for 1 minute.
Pasta Sauce
Add 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomato, 2 cups of tap water (swill the cans clean), 2 cups of low sodium chicken stock (or beef stock) and 400g (14 oz) of drained kidney beans (or other beans of choice). Mix everything together and bring to a simmer.
Add the Pasta
Add 350g (12 oz) of uncooked small pasta (elbow, spirals, penne, ziti, small shells, rigatoni, etc.). Stir to combine, and let it come back to a simmer. Place the lid on the pot and reduce the heat slightly to medium, ensuring the liquid simmers without bubbling vigorously.
Cook the Pasta
Cook for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent the base from catching. The pasta should be slightly firmer than desired in the middle and have a bit of soupiness, which is good for the next step.
Melt the Cheese
Give the pasta a stir, smooth the surface, and sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of tightly packed colby cheese (or other melting cheese) on top. Cover the pot with the lid and turn off the stove while leaving the pot on the heat. Let it sit for 3 minutes to allow the residual heat to melt the cheese and finish cooking the pasta.
Serve
Remove the pot from the stove. If desired, sprinkle with finely sliced green onion before serving. Serve immediately while the dish is still saucy and the cheese is gooey!
Notes
Note 1
You can substitute beef mince with ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
Note 2
Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on availability. Other options could include mushrooms, spinach, or corn.
Note 3
Ensure that the pasta used is a small size to properly cook in the one-pot method.
Cook techniques
Chopping Vegetables
Chop vegetables like onion and bell pepper into small, uniform pieces for even cooking. Use a sharp knife and a steady cutting board.
Minced Garlic
Finely mince garlic cloves using a knife or a garlic press to release maximum flavor.
Shredding Vegetables
Use a box grater to shred carrots and zucchini. This increases their surface area, allowing them to cook faster and blend into dishes smoothly.
Cooking Meat
In a hot pot, cook ground beef until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula for even cooking and texture.
Sautéing
Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil over high heat to develop their flavors before adding other ingredients.
Simmering
Bring the mixture to a simmer after adding liquids. Simmering allows flavors to meld while cooking pasta evenly.
Garnishing
Finely slice green onion to use as a fresh garnish to enhance visual appeal and add a pop of flavor.
Melting Cheese
To melt cheese, sprinkle it over the dish and cover with a lid. Allow residual heat to melt the cheese evenly.
FAQ
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow pasta with any small pasta shapes like spirals, penne, or rigatoni.
What can I substitute for beef mince?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter option.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To control the spice level, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, omit the beef and kidney beans and add more vegetables or a meat substitute to keep it hearty.
What should I do if the pasta is too firm?
If the pasta is too firm, you can add a bit more liquid and continue cooking on low heat until it reaches your desired texture.
Conclusion
This one-pot pasta dish brings a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a hearty meal that is easy to prepare. With vibrant vegetables, tender beef, and melting cheese, it promises to satisfy both taste and convenience, perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Spicy Chicken Pasta
Combine chicken pieces with similar vegetables and spices, using diced tomatoes instead of crushed for a lighter sauce.
Vegetarian Pasta Primavera
Omit meat and replace beef with lentils or chickpeas, enhancing the dish with a variety of seasonal vegetables and a sprinkle of Italian herbs.
Seafood Pasta Delight
Substitute ground beef for shrimp and scallops, adding a splash of white wine for a luxurious twist that pairs beautifully with the Cajun spices.
Mediterranean Pasta Bake
Use feta cheese and black olives in place of colby cheese; incorporate spinach and sundried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
Cheesy Beef and Broccoli Pasta
Add steamed broccoli to the mix and increase the cheese for a creamy, cheesy finish, perfect for broccoli lovers.
Mexican Fiesta Pasta
Incorporate taco seasoning instead of Cajun spices and add corn and salsa for a flavorful and colorful variation that evokes the tastes of a taco night.
