Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce Recipe
The Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce Recipe is a creamy, spicy and cheesy pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cook pasta
- Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce and beef.
Brown the beef
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Break into small pieces with a spoon.
Sauté onions and garlic
- Add chopped onions to the beef. Sauté until soft. Add minced garlic and cook one more minute.
Add Cajun spices
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Stir to coat beef evenly with spices.
Make roux for sauce
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for one minute.
Add milk gradually
- Pour milk slowly into the roux while whisking to avoid lumps. Heat until thickened and creamy.
Add cheeses
- Stir in cheddar, mozzarella and Parmesan. Keep stirring until melted and smooth.
Combine pasta and sauce
- Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce. Toss until pasta is fully coated in creamy cheese sauce.
Mix in beef
- Add spiced beef mixture to pasta. Stir well to combine all flavors evenly.
Taste and adjust
- Taste pasta. Adjust salt, pepper or Cajun seasoning if needed for preferred flavor.
Serve
- Transfer pasta to serving plates or a large bowl. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan.
Enjoy
- Serve immediately while warm. Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use medium or extra-sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef if desired.
- Mix in vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Make ahead: cook beef and sauce, store separately, combine with pasta when ready.
- Use fresh Parmesan instead of pre-grated for best flavor.
- Toss pasta with a little pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Garnish with parsley, basil or green onions for color and freshness.
- Serve in a cast-iron skillet for rustic presentation.