Description
This Cajun Beef Spaghetti features tender ground beef cooked with Cajun spices, tossed in a creamy three-cheese Parmesan sauce, and perfectly combined with al dente spaghetti. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty and flavorful dish is ideal for a comforting weeknight meal packed with rich cheese and a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Aromatics and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Sauces and Cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Sauté aromatics and season: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Continue cooking until the onion is soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes, infusing the beef mixture with bold flavors.
- Boil spaghetti: While the beef cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining the noodles, then set them aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift all the flavorful bits. Gradually add Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses while continuously stirring until the sauce is smooth and all the cheese has melted.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and gently toss until the noodles are well coated with the creamy cheese sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Simmer and garnish: Let the combined dish simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to meld the flavors together. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finish, then serve hot.
Notes
- To make the dish spicier, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for better melting and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting the flavor.
- If preferred, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but the sauce may be less rich.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free spaghetti noodles.
