Here’s a bold and flavorful Cajun Beef Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce recipe. This dish pairs spicy, tender beef tips with a creamy, cheesy pasta for the ultimate comfort food meal with a kick.
🥩 Cajun Beef Tips
Ingredients:
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1.5 lbs beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
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2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade – see below)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp butter
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup beef broth
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions:
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Season the beef: Toss the beef tips with Cajun seasoning until well coated.
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Sear: In a large skillet or cast iron pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sear beef on all sides until browned (about 3-4 mins per side). Do in batches if needed.
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Sauté aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add onion and cook until translucent (2-3 mins), then add garlic for 30 seconds.
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Deglaze & simmer: Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire. Stir to scrape up browned bits. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until beef is tender and sauce slightly reduced.
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Taste and adjust: Add salt or pepper if needed. Keep warm.
🍝 Cheesy Rigatoni with Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients:
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12 oz rigatoni pasta
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp flour
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2 cups whole milk (warm)
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1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for richness)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook pasta: Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Make roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
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Add milk/cream: Slowly whisk in warm milk (and cream if using). Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (4-5 mins).
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Add cheese: Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan. Add nutmeg if using. Season with salt and pepper.
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Combine: Toss the cooked rigatoni in the cheesy sauce. Mix well to coat.
🧂 Optional Homemade Cajun Seasoning:
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2 tsp paprika (smoked if possible)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp thyme
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1 tsp oregano
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1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp salt
🍽️ To Serve:
Plate a generous helping of cheesy rigatoni and top with hot Cajun beef tips. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Optionally, drizzle with a little extra Parmesan sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
Let me know if you’d like a baked version or want to add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms!