Cajun Beef Casserole Recipe For Two

If you are looking for a dinner recipe that has a ton of flavor but is easy to prepare you are going to love this Cajun Beef Casserole! A flavorful ground beef and vegetable mixture that is simmered in a simple Cajun sauce and layered over cornbread batter.

Best of all it is prepared and ready for the oven in only 15 minutes! That is why it is one of my favorite go-to recipes on a busy weeknight.

Simply prepare the ingredients, place them in a baking dish (or skillet) and put the casserole in the oven to bake. Once it comes out of the oven you will have a comforting, hearty meal for two!

Ingredients Needed For Cajun Beef Casserole

• Cornbread muffin mix (and ingredients to make it)
• Ground beef
• Diced tomatoes, drained
• Frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• Tomato paste (1/2 of a 6 ounce can)
• Cajun seasoning
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Suggested Serving Garnishes:

• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• fresh chopped parsley

What You Need To Make 1/2 Box Of Cornbread Muffin Mix

When it comes to making the base layer for this Cajun Beef Casserole follow the instructions on the back of the cornbread muffin mix package and divide the ingredients in half. However, that is easier said than done.

So exactly how much dry mix do you need? One box of Jiffy cornbread muffin mix equals 8.5 ounces or approximately 1 1/2 cups of the dry mix. Therefore in order to use half of the box, you will need 3/4 cup.

Because I use the mix often in my recipes I most often purchase the large bulk box at my local wholesale club. Then whenever I need it to make this recipe or Chili Cornbread Casserole I measure out the amount and add it to the bowl.

Now it is time to add the other ingredients to make the batter. The instructions on the box calls for 1/3 cup of milk and 1 large egg.

As for the milk, 1/3 cup equals 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon of liquid. Because we need to cut that amount in half for this recipe you will need 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons of milk.

Now it is time to determine how to cut a raw egg in half.

How To Get 1/2 Egg For A Recipe

Whenever a recipe calls for 1 egg, it is general practice to assume that it is 1 large egg that you need. However, when it comes to reducing a baking recipe that calls for a single egg, things get tricky.

You can’t cut a raw egg in half and hope that you have the correct ratio of egg whites to egg yolk. Instead, it is best to crack the entire egg in a bowl and whisk until it is uniform in color and texture.

Use half of the mixture (approximately 2 tablespoons) in the baking recipe that calls for 1/2 egg. Use the remaining 1/2 egg for an extra portion to make scrambled eggs or an omelet. The egg will remain good for up to 2 days when covered and stored in the refrigerator.

Now that you have your base layer ingredient, it is time to make the Cajun Beef for the casserole. But what is Cajun seasoning?

Cajun Seasoning

For a simple method to flavor the ground beef use your favorite store bought Cajun seasoning. Cajun seasoning is typically a spice blend that consists of black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.

However, depending on the brand that you purchase the spice level can range from mild to hot. Therefore it is important that you use a brand that your taste buds can tolerate.

Then adjust the amount of seasoning based on your taste preferences. I use Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning, but there are many store-bought brands on the market.

What Size Baking Dish For A Casserole For Two

When it comes to making recipes for two servings, you will want to use a small 1-2 quart baking dish. I often make small casseroles that include layers in my 1 quart oval baking dish. (Affiliate Link: 2-Piece Oval Baking Dish)

However, when making other recipes, such as Chicken Noodle Casserole that doesn’t require stackable layers I will use a basic 6 x 6 inch or an 8 x 8 inch baking dish.

Steps To Making Cajun Beef Casserole For Two

Now that you have the ingredients and the correct size of baking dish, it is time to get this easy dinner recipe prepared and in the oven!

1. Prepare the cornbread muffin mix per package directions. As mentioned above, you need 1/2 the amount that is listed on the instructions. Once the batter is ready pour it in a small baking dish or oven safe skillet.

2. Cook the ground beef. Add the ground beef to a skillet over medium heat. Cook, breaking the meat into crumbles until it is no longer pink. Drain and then return the meat to the skillet.

3. Add the other ingredients. Now drain and add the tomatoes, vegetables, Cajun seasoning and tomato paste. Simmer until the mixture thickens.

4. Pour the ground beef mixture over top of the cornbread batter. Then smooth out the top in an even layer.

5. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheese. Of course, you can always add more cheese if you prefer.

6. Bake. Place the Cajun Beef Casserole in the oven. Let it bake until the cheese melts and the edges of the casserole are hot and bubbly.

7. Garnish and Serve. Once you remove the dish from the oven let it sit for a few minutes so the liquid can absorb. Then garnish with diced green onions and/or chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Common Recipe Substitutions

• Use ground turkey or ground chicken in place of the ground beef.

• For more flavor use fire roasted diced tomatoes or diced tomatoes and green chiles in place of the can of diced tomatoes.

• Substitute your favorite shredded cheese for a different flavor. Suggested cheese varieties: Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Hot Pepper Cheese

Cajun Beef Casserole Recipe For Two

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 box of cornbread muffin mix
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• 3 ounces tomato paste (1/2 of a 6 ounce can)
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For Serving (optional)

• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• chopped fresh parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°F). Spray a small baking dish with non stick cooking spray. Set aside.

Prepare cornbread batter according to package directions, dividing the ingredients listed in half. Spread the batter in the prepared baking dish.

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.

Add the tomatoes, frozen vegetables, tomato paste and Cajun seasoning and stir. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Pour the mixture over the batter and spread evenly. Then sprinkle the top with the shredded cheese.

Bake, uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese melts and the cornbread is cooked through.

Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with diced green onions and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy! Mary

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