Description
This indulgent Cajun Beef Spaghetti features a rich and creamy three-cheese sauce infused with bold Cajun spices. Ground beef is sautéed to perfection and combined with a luscious blend of heavy cream, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all tossed with al dente spaghetti and finished with fresh herbs for a comforting, flavorful meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound Ground Beef (Substitute with turkey or plant-based meat for lighter option.)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (Adjust according to heat preference.)
- Salt to taste (Adjust to taste.)
- Black Pepper to taste (Adjust to taste.)
Dairy
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Can substitute with half-and-half or non-dairy alternative.)
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese (Swap with goat cheese for a tangy flavor.)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Substitute with provolone or a vegan cheese.)
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Use nutritional yeast for a vegan option.)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (Can replace with ghee or non-dairy butter.)
Produce
- 1 medium Onion, diced (Can substitute with shallots.)
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced (Fresh garlic recommended.)
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley or Thyme, chopped (Can switch to basil or cilantro.)
Pantry
- 12 ounces Spaghetti (Can substitute with gluten-free pasta.)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (Canned for convenience.)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Used for cooking beef.)
- Chicken broth (quantity not specified, approximately ¼ cup for deglazing)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef along with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Deglaze and prepare sauce: Deglaze the skillet with approximately ¼ cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and cream cheese. Cook the mixture gently, stirring until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Add cheeses: Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine beef and pasta: Return the browned ground beef to the skillet and add the drained spaghetti. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Cajun cheese sauce.
- Serve: Plate the spaghetti and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme for a burst of freshness and color. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Use half-and-half or non-dairy cream substitutes if you prefer a lower-fat or lactose-free dish.
- Swap cream cheese with goat cheese for a slight tang in the sauce.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti if desired to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can be added when sautéing for extra nutrition and flavor.
