Description
This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta with Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner. Halal ground beef meatballs stuffed with mozzarella are simmered in a creamy, smoky tomato sauce with pasta, all cooked in one pot.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500g (1 lb) Ground Beef (Halal), 80/20 blend
- 1 tsp (5g) Salt
- ½ tsp (2.5g) Black Pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tsp (5g) Cajun Seasoning, pork-free
- 1 tsp (5g) Smoked Paprika
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- ½ cup (120ml) Water
- 8 oz (225g) Mozzarella Balls, chilled
- 300g (10.5 oz) Penne or Rigatoni Pasta
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil
- 1 small Onion, diced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 cup (240ml) Diced Tomatoes, no sugar added
- 2 tbsp (30ml) Tomato Paste
- 1 cup (240ml) Chicken Broth (Halal)
- 1 cup (240ml) Heavy Cream
- ½ cup (50g) Smoked Gouda Cheese, grated
- 1 tsp (5g) Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp (5g) Dried Basil
- ¼ cup (60ml) Cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Meatballs: Combine beef, salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic.
- Stuff Meatballs: Form patties, stuff with mozzarella, and seal completely.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion and bell pepper in olive oil until softened.
- Brown Meatballs: Brown meatballs on all sides in the pot.
- Build Flavor Base: Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil.
- Simmer Pasta & Meatballs: Add water and broth, bring to a boil, add pasta, and simmer until pasta is al dente.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Stir in cream and Gouda until melted and smooth.
- Season & Serve: Adjust seasoning and serve with sauce.
Notes
For best results, ensure meatballs are fully sealed to prevent cheese leakage. Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: pasta,cajun,meatballs,one pot,easy dinner,halal,creamy,italian