How to make spicy Cajun loaded potato wedges for a healthy meal

Loaded potato wedges are a filling snack or full-on meal that is great whatever the weather and occasion. As an alternative to the usual wedges you get when you eat out, my Cajun loaded potato wedges are tasty, filliing and healthy all at the same time.

It uses lean beef, lots of veggies, and oven-baked or air-fried potatoes instead of fried ones. Cajun loaded potato wedges are a tasty comfort food without the guilt.

Why is baked better than fried

We all love a treat now and then. But making your wedges in the oven is a much healthier habit.

According to the NHS, starchy foods like potatoes should make up just over a third of our diet. They give us energy and important nutrients. When you bake potatoes instead of frying them in oil, you cut down on fat.

Another top tip is to leave the skins on. The skin holds a lot of the fibre. Fibre helps keep your digestion working smoothly and can help you feel full for longer. Plus, crispy potato skins taste delicious in these Cajun loaded potato wedges.

Picking your cheese

The best part of this Cajun loaded potato wedges recipe is the squeezy cheese. It melts perfectly over the hot beef and wedges.

I use Primula Light Cheese, which is great if you are watching your calorie intake. It is creamy and mild. But one of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to change the flavours.

Here are a few swaps you could try in your Cajun loaded potato wedges:

• Spicy Cheese & Jalapeño: If the Cajun spice is not enough heat for you, use this tube. It adds a real kick that works brilliantly with the beef.
• Cheese & Chives: This adds a fresh, oniony flavour that goes really well with baked potatoes.
• Original Cheese: You cannot beat the classic taste. If you are not watching your weight, you might prefer this over the light option.

Feel free to mix and match. You could even squeeze two different tubes over the top.

If you are making Cajun loaded potato wedges for people with different spice preferences, you could do half and half.

The Recipe: Cajun Loaded Potato Wedges

This recipe makes a huge batch of Cajun loaded potato wedges. It is perfect for a party, a game night, or meal prepping for the week.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Serves: 8 people

What you need for Cajun loaded potato wedges

• 4 Tubes of Primula Light Cheese
• 8 large baking potatoes, scrubbed and cut into wedges
• 1kg extra lean minced beef (5% fat is best)
• 4 onions, peeled and thinly sliced
• 4 peppers (any colour is ok), deseeded and diced
• 2 x 400g tins of chopped tomatoes (approx. 1.2kg total)
• 8 fresh tomatoes, roughly chopped
• Low-calorie cooking oil
• 4 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh green chillies or jalapeños, sliced (optional, for garnish)

Cajun loaded potato wedges: Step-by-step instructions

1. Get the wedges going

Turn your oven or air fryer on to 200°C (400°F or Gas Mark 6). While it heats up, chop your potatoes into thick wedges. Remember to keep the skins on! Spread the wedges out on two or three large baking trays. You do not want them overcrowded, or they will steam instead of roast. Spray them generously with your cooking spray. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Pop them in the oven or air fryer for about 50 minutes, turning occasionally. You want them golden brown and crispy on the edges.

2. Cook the beef

While the potatoes are cooking, grab a large frying pan. Put it on medium heat. Add your lean mince. You do not usually need oil for this, as the beef will release its own juices. Brown the meat for about 10 minutes until it is cooked through. Break up any big lumps with a wooden spoon.

3. Make it saucy

Pour in the tinned tomatoes. Now it is time for the flavour. Stir in your Cajun seasoning. Give it a good mix.

4. Add the veggies

Toss in your sliced onions. Cook them with the beef until they start to soften. Then, add the diced red peppers. Stir it all together and cook for another 3 minutes. It should smell pretty good by now.

5. Simmer

Turn the heat down to low and let it simmer. You want the liquid to reduce so the mixture becomes thick and rich, not watery. This usually takes about 15 minutes. Right at the end, stir in the fresh chopped tomatoes.

5. The assembly

Check your wedges. Are they crispy? Great. Take them out of the oven. Switch your oven to its hottest setting, or, if using an air fryer, pop the grill on before the wedges finish.

Get a couple of large ovenproof dishes (or just use the baking trays the wedges are already on). Spoon the spicy beef mixture over the wedges. Squeeze the cheese all over the top for the perfect Cajun loaded potato wedges. Don’t worry the cheese will spread as it melts so gaps are ok.

6. The finish

If you like it spicy, sprinkle your fresh chilli slices on top. Place the dish under the hot grill for 5 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on it. You want the cheese to bubble and turn golden, not burn.

Serve the Cajun loaded potato wedges straight away while they are piping hot.

Healthier swaps and tips for the Cajun loaded potato wedges

We know that “healthy eating” can sometimes sound boring. But this recipe proves it does not have to be. By swapping high-fat cheddar for Primula Light and using lean mince, you save a lot of calories without losing flavour.

If you want to add even more nutrition into these Cajun loaded potato wedges, try adding more vegetables to the beef mix.

• Courgettes: Grate them and stir them in with the onions. They vanish into the sauce, which is great for fussy eaters.
• Beans: Add a tin of kidney beans or black beans. This adds fibre and makes the meal go even further.
• Corn: Sweetcorn adds a nice crunch and sweetness that balances the spicy Cajun seasoning.

Cajun loaded potato wedges – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the beef mince for a plant-based mince alternative or use lentils. If you are a vegetarian, make sure the cheese you use is suitable for vegetarians (Primula cheese is!).

Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?
It depends on the brand you buy. Most supermarket blends are medium heat. They usually contain paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. If you are cooking for kids or people who do not like spice, start with 2 tablespoons instead of 4. You can always add more, but you cannot take it out.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can. The beef mixture freezes very well. Put it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. The potato wedges are best eaten fresh, as they can go a bit soggy when frozen and reheated. I recommend freezing the sauce separately and making fresh wedges when you are ready to eat.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
No problem. You can make a simple Cajun seasoning yourself. Mix 2 tablespoons of paprika, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (or chilli powder). It works just as well for these Cajun loaded potato wedges.

How do I store leftovers?
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it is so tasty), keep them in the fridge. They will stay good for 2 days. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave until piping hot.

There you have it. A massive, spicy, cheesy feast that feeds a crowd and keeps things healthy. It is easy to make and even easier to eat.

So next time you have a group coming over, forget the takeaway menus. Grab a bag of potatoes and make Cajun loaded potato wedges.

Have you made my Cajun loaded potato wedges yet? Let me know what you think in the comments below.

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