Description
Indulgent Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with a rich three-cheese sauce, combining tender ground beef seasoned with bold Cajun spices, a luscious tomato-cream base, and a blend of Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Cheddar cheeses. This quick and satisfying pasta dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces Spaghetti (Cook until al dente.)
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound Ground Beef (Can substitute with ground turkey.)
- 1 medium Onion, diced (Yellow or white onions recommended.)
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced (Use fresh garlic for best flavor.)
Seasoning and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (Adjust based on spice preference.)
- 15 ounces Tomato Sauce (Foundation of the sauce.)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (For a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half.)
Cheeses
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded (Can use Pecorino Romano.)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (Consider low-fat for a healthier option.)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded (Sharp cheddar enhances flavor.)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped (Can substitute with basil or cilantro.)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add Cajun Seasoning and Tomato Sauce: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well for about 1 minute to toast the spices. Pour in the tomato sauce and let it simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until fully combined. Gradually add Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Cheddar cheeses, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the cheese and beef sauce. Toss everything together over low heat for 2–3 minutes to ensure the pasta is evenly coated and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- For a lighter creaminess, replace heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level; start with less if sensitive to heat.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and flavor impact.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
