Description
This Indulgent Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti features perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a rich, three-cheese sauce blended with savory ground beef and bold Cajun spices. The dish balances creamy textures with flavorful seasoning, making it a comforting, hearty meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces Spaghetti (Cook until al dente.)
Meats 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.)
Seasonings and Sauces
- 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 the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, drain the excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add Cajun seasoning and tomato sauce: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the mixture and stir for about 1 minute to release the spices’ aroma. Pour in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Create the cheesy sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to low. Stir in heavy cream thoroughly, then gradually add the shredded Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses, stirring continuously until all cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes to marry all flavors.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun beef spaghetti hot, garnished generously with freshly chopped parsley for brightness and color.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk and cream blend.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level based on preference.
- Ground turkey can be used as a leaner protein alternative to ground beef.
- Using freshly grated cheeses provides better melting and flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
- Parsley can be swapped with fresh basil or cilantro for different herbal notes.
- Draining excess fat is important to prevent the sauce from becoming too greasy.
