Description
This Indulgent Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti combines perfectly seasoned ground beef with a rich, three-cheese creamy sauce, infused with bold Cajun spices. Cooked al dente spaghetti is coated in a luscious blend of Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Cheddar cheeses, topped with fresh parsley for a comforting and flavorful meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces Spaghetti (Cook until al dente.)
Beef 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 Pasta: 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 it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the 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 in the Cajun seasoning and stir for about 1 minute to bloom the spices. Pour in the tomato sauce and let it simmer on medium heat for 5–7 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Create Creamy Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, mixing well. Gradually add the Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Cheddar cheeses, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth, melted, and creamy.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, tossing to thoroughly coat the pasta with the creamy Cajun cheese sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun beef spaghetti hot, garnished generously with freshly chopped parsley for freshness and color.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese.
- Ground turkey can be used instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your preferred spice level.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the spice further if desired.
- Cheese types can be swapped according to preference; for example, use Pecorino Romano in place of Parmesan.
- Leftover pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
