Craving a meal that’s big on flavor but short on time? Look no further! This Cheesy Cajun Beef is your new weeknight hero. We’re talking perfectly seasoned ground beef, a rich and savory tomato base, and a glorious amount of melted cheese, all coming together in the Instant Pot in just 20 minutes. It’s a spicy, satisfying dish that’s naturally low-carb and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Olive Oil
• 1 pound (450g) Ground Beef
• 2 tbsp (30g) Tomato Paste
• 1 tbsp (15g) Cajun Seasoning
• 1 cup (240 ml) Beef Broth
• 12 ounces (340g) Mexican Cheese Blend, shredded
Instructions
1. Set your Instant Pot to the SAUTE function on high and add the olive oil.
2. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and Cajun seasoning, cooking for one minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze any browned bits. Press CANCEL.
5. Secure the lid, set the valve to SEALING, and pressure cook on HIGH for 7 minutes.
6. Once the timer finishes, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully moving the valve to VENTING.
7. Open the lid and stir in the shredded Mexican cheese blend until it’s completely melted and the sauce is creamy. If needed, turn the SAUTE function back on low to help it melt.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving
• Calories: 400
• Total Fats: 16g
• Net Carbs: 4g
• Protein: 33g
• Fiber: 0.2g
Pro Tips
• For a deeper flavor, ensure you get a good, dark brown sear on the ground beef and take a moment to toast the tomato paste and spices before adding the liquid.
• For the creamiest, smoothest melt, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty.
• Don’t be afraid to customize the heat! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce along with the Cajun seasoning for an extra kick.
• This dish is fantastic served over cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb, but it’s also delicious spooned into lettuce cups or served with zucchini noodles.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this Cheesy Cajun Beef without an Instant Pot
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for the stovetop. Simply brown the ground beef in a large skillet, drain the grease, and stir in the tomato paste and seasonings. Add the beef broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Turn off the heat and stir in the cheese until melted.
Q: What can I serve with this low-carb beef recipe
A: To keep this meal low-carb and keto-friendly, serve the Cheesy Cajun Beef over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or spooned into crisp lettuce cups. It’s also delicious on its own.
Q: How do I get the creamiest cheese sauce
A: For the smoothest, creamiest result, we highly recommend shredding your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting perfectly and may result in a gritty texture.
Q: How can I store and reheat leftovers
A: Store leftover Cheesy Cajun Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
