This Cheesy Cajun Beef Spaghetti is a deliciously bold twist on classic comfort food. I mix tender spaghetti noodles with seasoned Cajun ground beef and smother everything in a rich, creamy three-cheese Parmesan sauce. It’s a perfect fusion of spicy, cheesy, and hearty that satisfies every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it blends the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning with the rich creaminess of a three-cheese sauce, creating an unforgettable meal. It’s hearty, filling, and comes together quickly enough for a weeknight dinner but feels indulgent enough for a special occasion. The flavors are bold, and the textures are luxuriously creamy and cheesy with just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ground beef
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Cajun seasoning
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Spaghetti noodles
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Heavy cream
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Cream cheese
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Shredded mozzarella cheese
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Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Garlic
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Butter
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Salt and pepper
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Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Directions
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I start by cooking the spaghetti noodles according to package directions, then draining and setting them aside.
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In a large skillet, I cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. I drain any excess fat.
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I add Cajun seasoning to the beef and stir well, letting the spices infuse for a minute or two.
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In a separate saucepan, I melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Then I add heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
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I stir in cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
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Next, I add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and cheesy.
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I combine the cooked spaghetti, Cajun beef, and cheese sauce in a large pot or pan, tossing to coat everything evenly.
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I let it simmer for a couple of minutes to meld all the flavors, then I serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings and takes roughly 30 to 35 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time.
Variations
Sometimes I swap the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a slightly different flavor profile. I also like adding bell peppers or mushrooms to sneak in more veggies. If I want to up the spice level, I toss in a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes. And for a different cheesy twist, I experiment with gouda or pepper jack instead of mozzarella.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I prefer using the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture. It also reheats well in the microwave, but I stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
How spicy is this dish?
That depends on the Cajun seasoning used. I usually go for a medium heat, but the spice level can be adjusted to taste by using more or less seasoning.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. While I prefer spaghetti, I’ve also made this with penne, fettuccine, and even rotini. Just use what’s on hand or what I feel like.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the sauce and beef mixture ahead and store it separately. When ready to eat, I cook the pasta fresh and combine everything before serving.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Sure. I swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.
What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?
If I’m out of cream cheese, I use mascarpone or a bit of sour cream to still get that creamy, tangy texture in the sauce.
Conclusion
Cheesy Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce is one of my go-to comfort meals when I want something flavorful, hearty, and fast. The combination of spice and creaminess is just irresistible. It’s an easy way to elevate a weeknight dinner into something truly satisfying and special.
Print
Cheesy Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A bold and creamy pasta dish that combines Cajun-spiced ground beef with tender spaghetti noodles, all coated in a rich three-cheese Parmesan sauce for a flavorful, comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2–3 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Add Cajun seasoning to the beef, stir well, and cook for 1-2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream to the saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is thick, creamy, and well combined.
- Combine cooked spaghetti, Cajun beef, and cheese sauce in a large pot or pan, tossing to coat evenly.
- Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to control the heat level.
- Swap ground beef with turkey or sausage for variation.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Use different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a unique flavor.
- Leftovers reheat best on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg