Description

This Indulgent Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Sauce is a rich and flavorful pasta dish combining spicy Cajun-seasoned ground beef with a luscious, cheesy cream sauce. Perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti is tossed in a robust tomato and cream base, layered with Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Cheddar cheeses, delivering a comforting meal that balances heat, creaminess, and savory flavors. Garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe serves four and is ideal for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb Ground Beef (Alternative: ground turkey)
1 medium Onion, diced (Alternative: shallots)
3 cloves Garlic, minced (Fresh is best)
2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (Adjust to taste)
15 oz Tomato Sauce (Canned or marinara)
8 oz Spaghetti (Cook al dente)

Sauce Ingredients

1 cup Heavy Cream (Alternative: half-and-half)
1 cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded (Alternative: pecorino)
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (Alternative: cheddar)
1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded (Opt for mild variety)

Garnish

2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped (Alternative: basil)

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Instructions

Prepare Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz of spaghetti and cook until al dente as per package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics and Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of oil then sauté diced onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.
Add Cajun Seasoning and Tomato Sauce: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning onto the cooked beef and stir well to combine. Pour in 15 oz of tomato sauce and stir. Reduce heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes so flavors meld together.
Make Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, mixing well until fully incorporated. Then gradually add 1 cup each of shredded Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Cheddar cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt into a smooth and creamy sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the creamy Cajun beef sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh herbaceous finish. Serve hot and enjoy your indulgent creamy Cajun beef spaghetti immediately.

Notes

For a lighter alternative, substitute ground turkey for ground beef and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level according to your preference.
The three cheeses can be substituted with pecorino, cheddar, or any preferred hard and melting cheeses.
To prevent pasta from sticking, reserve a cup of pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed.
This dish reheats well but is best enjoyed freshly made to maintain creaminess and texture.