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
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Cover slow-cooker and set on low heat for 7 hours, allowing beef to become exceptionally tender and flavors to meld.
- 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.
- Remove grits from heat and fold in sharp Cheddar cheese and black pepper, creating a rich and smooth base.
- 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