Hey there, foodies! Today, I’m super excited to share this mouth-watering recipe for Hot Honey Cajun Beef Pasta. If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that’s packed with flavor, this is the dish for you! The combination of spicy Cajun seasoning, sweet honey, and savory beef creates a rich, delicious sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. It’s perfect for those days when you need something satisfying and flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive in!
Method
Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add the 200g of pasta. Let it cook according to the instructions on the package, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still al dente. Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside, keeping a ladle of pasta water for later use.
Cook the Onion and Beef
While your pasta is cooking, heat a bit of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook it until it softens and becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning. Once the onion is soft, add the 250g of 5% fat beef mince to the pan. Use a spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks. Stir frequently to ensure it cooks evenly and turns brown. This process should take around 6-8 minutes. Once the beef is fully cooked through, add the crushed garlic and cook it for an additional minute to release its flavors.
Season and Simmer
Now, it’s time to bring in all those rich, flavorful seasonings! Stir in the 1 tbsp of tomato purée, 1 tsp of paprika, and 1 tsp of onion granules. Let these cook for about a minute to really intensify their flavors. After that, sprinkle in the 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning, which will give the dish its signature spicy kick. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Next, pour in the 400g tin of tomatoes and stir everything together. Once combined, drizzle in 1 tbsp of honey to balance out the heat with a touch of sweetness. Toss in a ladle of pasta water (about 1/4 cup) to help the sauce come together smoothly.
Simmer Until Thickened
Stir the sauce well and bring it to a simmer over low heat. Let the sauce cook for 10-12 minutes, occasionally stirring to make sure it doesn’t stick to the pan. The goal is for the sauce to thicken up and the flavors to meld together. Keep an eye on it, and if the sauce gets too thick, add a little more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors are perfectly balanced, it’s time to add the cooked pasta. Drain the pasta, then toss it directly into the sauce. Use a spoon to stir the pasta into the sauce, making sure every piece is fully coated. This will allow the pasta to absorb all the rich, flavorful sauce, creating that perfect bite every time. Let it cook together for another 1-2 minutes to marry the flavors.
Serve and Garnish
Once the pasta and sauce are well combined, plate the dish into two servings. If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some grated cheddar cheese over the top for extra flavor and richness. Serve hot, and enjoy the bold flavors of this Hot Honey Cajun Beef Pasta!
Necessary Tools
- Large saucepan for boiling pasta
- Frying pan for cooking the beef and sauce
- Stirring spoon
- Ladle for pasta water
- Knife and chopping board for dicing onions and garlic
- Grater (if using cheese topping)
Hot Honey Cajun Beef Pasta A Flavor Explosion You Can’t Miss!
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
200g pasta (I used some from TK Maxx)
A few sprays of olive oil
1 small onion, diced
250g 5% fat beef mince
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp onion granules
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp honey
Salt + pepper, to taste
1x 400g tin of tomatoes
Cheddar cheese for topping (optional)
Directions
- Start by boiling the pasta in a large saucepan. Don’t forget to season the water with a pinch of salt to add flavor to the pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a bit of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and cook the diced onion until softened.
- Add the beef mince to the pan, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once it’s fully cooked through, add the garlic and let it cook for a minute to bring out its flavors.
- Stir in the tomato purée, paprika, onion granules, and Cajun seasoning. Let it cook for a minute to intensify the flavors.
- Pour in the tin of tomatoes, add the honey, and season with salt and pepper. Toss in a ladle of pasta water to help the sauce come together. Let everything simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens up.
- Drain the pasta, then stir it into the sauce. Make sure the pasta is fully coated and well-mixed.
- Serve with a sprinkle of cheese on top if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to cook the beef thoroughly to avoid any undercooked meat. Always check the beef to ensure it’s no longer pink before adding the other ingredients.
- When simmering the sauce, keep an eye on the thickness. If it gets too thick, just add a little more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Don’t forget to taste as you go! The balance of sweet from the honey and spicy from the Cajun seasoning should hit just right. Feel free to adjust the spice level if you’re more sensitive to heat.
Serving Suggestions
This Hot Honey Cajun Beef Pasta is delicious on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or some garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. You could also top it off with some freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil to give it a fresh touch.
Fun Fact
Did you know that Cajun cuisine was developed by the French-speaking Acadian people in Louisiana? It’s full of bold, hearty flavors just like this pasta dish!
Conclusion
This Hot Honey Cajun Beef Pasta is a total winner! It’s easy to make, packed with bold flavors, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing it with a friend, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, with its balanced macros, it’s a hearty and fulfilling meal that won’t leave you feeling guilty. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect blend of heat and sweetness!
