Zesty New Orleans Cajun Beef and Grits Recipe For Comfort Food Fans

Hearty southern cajun beef nestles perfectly atop creamy grits in this mouthwatering comfort dish.

Southern kitchens inspire delicious regional cooking that warms hearts.

Spicy seasonings dance across tender meat, creating layers of complex flavor.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a culinary adventure that transports you straight to louisiana’s vibrant food culture.

Each bite tells a story of rich culinary traditions passed through generations.

Bold textures and robust spices make this recipe a must-try for anyone seeking authentic southern cuisine.

New Orleans Cajun Beef And Grits Overview

• Slow-Cooker Simplicity: Minimal hands-on effort lets you enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without complex cooking techniques.
• Flavor-Packed Performance: Bold Cajun seasoning and tender beef create a mouthwatering combination that delivers intense Southern-style taste.
• Family Comfort Meal: Hearty dish perfect for gathering loved ones around the table, offering a satisfying and warming experience that everyone will adore.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for casual weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this recipe adapts to different occasions with its rich, comforting profile.

Ingredients For Cajun Beef And Grits

• Beef: A hearty and flavorful protein that forms the base of this classic New Orleans dish.

• Bell Peppers, Onion, Celery: A traditional Cajun holy trinity that provides depth and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and pungent taste that enhances the overall savory profile.
• Diced Tomatoes: Brings moisture and a slight tangy sweetness to the beef stew.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Cajun Seasoning: Provides the signature spicy and bold New Orleans-style flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, sharp taste to the grits.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the dish's flavors.

• Grits: A classic Southern cornmeal-based side that serves as a creamy base for the beef.
• Parsley: A fresh herb used for garnish that adds a bright, clean finish.
• Cooking Oil: Helps in browning the beef and preventing sticking.
• Water: Used to cook the grits to a creamy consistency.

Step-By-Step Cajun Beef And Grits Preparation

Step 1: Sear The Beef

Heat oil in a large skillet on medium-high.

Use paper towels to dry the beef and season with salt.

Cook beef in batches for 5 minutes until browned on two sides.

Move browned beef to the slow cooker.

Lower skillet heat to medium.

Step 2: Create Vegetable Base

• Bell peppers
• Onions
• Celery
• Garlic

Cook vegetables for 3 minutes while stirring.

Mix in diced tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for 2 more minutes.

Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the mixture and transfer everything to the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low for 7 hours until beef becomes incredibly tender.

Step 3: Prepare Creamy Grits

Boil water in a large saucepot with salt.

Gradually whisk grits into boiling water.

Reduce heat and simmer, whisking frequently for 30-40 minutes until grits reach a smooth consistency.

Remove from heat.

Stir in Cheddar cheese and black pepper.

Serve beef over creamy grits.

Top with fresh parsley for extra flavor.

Tips For Flavorful Cajun Beef And Grits

• Pat meat completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and lock in delicious flavors.
• Allow ample time for beef to become fork-tender by cooking on low heat for the full 7 hours, which breaks down tough muscle fibers.
• Whisk grits consistently during cooking to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy texture that complements the rich beef.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning to match personal heat preferences, adding more or less depending on your spice tolerance.
• Stir cheddar into hot grits off the heat to create a silky, smooth cheese integration without breaking or separating.

Flavorful Twists On Cajun Beef And Grits

• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace beef with firm tofu or jackfruit, using same Cajun seasoning for flavor. Maintain the vegetable mix and serve over creamy grits for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Spicy Option: Use cornstarch instead of traditional thickeners, confirm Cajun seasoning is gluten-free. Swap regular grits with stone-ground gluten-free grits for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Lean Protein Upgrade: Substitute beef with chicken thighs or turkey for lower-fat version. Keep Cajun spice blend and vegetable mixture intact, maintaining authentic New Orleans flavor profile.

Suggested Sides For Cajun Beef And Grits

• Spicy Comfort Plate: Serve this hearty Cajun beef over creamy grits for a classic Southern-style meal that warms the soul.
• Rustic Family Feast: Gather everyone around the table and let each person scoop their own portion of tender beef atop cheesy grits for a communal dining experience.
• Fresh Green Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top for a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, spicy beef and smooth grits, adding a pop of color and herbal note.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the robust Cajun flavors with a bold red wine like Zinfandel or Syrah to enhance the meal's depth and spiciness.

Storing Cajun Beef And Grits Properly

• Store leftovers in airtight containers, separating beef and grits. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking, keeping food fresh for 3-4 days.
• Transfer beef and grits to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place beef and grits in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What are grits and how do they differ from other cornmeal products?

Grits are coarsely ground corn that originated in Native American cuisine. Unlike polenta or cornmeal, grits have a smoother, creamier texture and are typically made from white corn, creating a distinct Southern breakfast staple.

• Why is Cajun seasoning important in this recipe?

Cajun seasoning adds a signature spicy and complex flavor profile characteristic of Louisiana cooking. It typically includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and other spices that provide depth and heat to the beef and overall dish.

• What type of beef works best for this slow-cooker recipe?

Chuck roast or beef chuck is ideal because it’s a tough cut with marbling that becomes incredibly tender during slow cooking. Its rich flavor and ability to break down easily make it perfect for this Cajun-style preparation.

New Orleans Cajun Beef and Grits Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy New Orleans Cajun Beef and Grits invite diners into a soulful Louisiana culinary journey. Southern comfort melds with bold Cajun spices, creating a hearty dish that promises rich flavors and pure satisfaction for you.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3.5 pounds (1.6 kilograms) boneless beef chuck (trimmed and cut into 1-inch chunks)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 3 medium bell peppers (seeded and chopped)
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 3 stalks celery (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 1 can (14 ounces or 400 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) tomato paste

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons canola oil
• 2 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) grits
• 2 cups (200 grams) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• Finely chopped parsley (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious skillet and heat oil at medium-high temperature. Thoroughly dry the beef and season with salt. Sear beef in batches for approximately 5 minutes, ensuring two sides are browned. Carefully transfer browned meat to the slow-cooker.
2. In the same skillet, sauté chopped peppers, onions, celery, and minced garlic for 3 minutes. Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Incorporate Cajun seasoning and transfer the vegetable mixture to the slow-cooker.
3. Cover slow-cooker and set on low heat for 7 hours, allowing beef to become exceptionally tender and flavors to meld.
4. One hour before serving, bring water to a rolling boil in a large saucepot. Gradually whisk in grits, reducing heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Stir frequently during the 30-40 minute cooking process until grits reach a creamy consistency.
5. Remove grits from heat and fold in sharp Cheddar cheese and black pepper, creating a rich and smooth base.
6. Plate by layering creamy grits as a foundation, then generously top with the slow-cooked Cajun beef. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Choose lean beef cuts like chuck roast for better texture and less fat in the final dish.
• Pat beef completely dry before seasoning to ensure proper browning and develop deep flavor complexity.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity based on personal spice tolerance by reducing or increasing the amount.
• Continuously whisk grits during cooking to prevent lumps and achieve smooth, creamy consistency.
• For gluten-free version, verify Cajun seasoning contains no wheat-based ingredients.
• Swap regular cheddar with sharp or smoked cheddar for enhanced flavor profile.
• Slow-cooker method helps tenderize tougher meat cuts by breaking down connective tissues gradually.
• Replace beef with shredded chicken or plant-based protein for alternative dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 536 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg