Description
Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti combines perfectly seasoned ground beef with a rich three-cheese parmesan sauce, tossed with al dente spaghetti and finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden cheese topping. This hearty dish offers a flavorful Cajun twist on a classic pasta dinner, perfect for a comforting meal in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasonings
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve ½ cup of pasta water for later use.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook thoroughly until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Add Cream: Reduce the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream. Stir thoroughly to combine with the beef mixture.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Gradually add the parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses to the skillet. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and smooth the sauce.
- Prepare for Broiling: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to an oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Evenly top with extra mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a bubbly crust.
- Broil: Place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbling. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh finish and serve hot immediately.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Broil carefully to avoid burning the cheese topping.
- If you don’t have a broiler, you can bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes instead.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for best melting and flavor.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce may be less rich.
