Description

Indulgent Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti is a rich and flavorful dish featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a decadent three-cheese sauce with spicy Cajun-seasoned ground beef. This 40-minute meal combines the boldness of Cajun spices with a smooth blend of Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Cheddar cheeses, finished with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. Ideal for a comforting dinner that pleases the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 ounces Spaghetti

Meat & Aromatics

1 pound Ground Beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
1 medium Onion, diced (or shallots for a milder taste)
3 cloves Garlic, minced (or garlic powder)

Seasoning & Sauces

2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (adjust to spice preference)
15 ounces Tomato Sauce (or crushed tomatoes for chunkiness)

Dairy

1 cup Heavy Cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
1 cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (or cheddar for a sharper taste)
1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded (or extra Parmesan for depth)

Garnish

2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped (or green onions as substitute)

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Instructions

Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Brown the Beef: Heat some olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce rich but not greasy.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant, building the flavor base for the sauce.
Add Seasoning and Tomato Sauce: Stir in the Cajun seasoning to evenly coat the beef and aromatics. Pour in the tomato sauce, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld.
Incorporate Cream and Cheeses: Lower the heat further and gradually stir in the heavy cream followed by the Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Cheddar cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheeses fully melt and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet and toss well to coat all strands with the luscious cheese sauce. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to marry.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve hot immediately for the best indulgent experience.

Notes

For a leaner alternative, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Crushed tomatoes can replace tomato sauce if you like chunkier texture in the sauce.
Olive oil tossed with pasta helps prevent clumping after draining.
To make this dish vegetarian, omit the meat and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or plant-based protein.