Cajun Beef Three-Cheese Spaghetti

Section: Southern Comfort Food: Soul-Satisfying Dishes With Rich Heritage

Cajun Beef Three-Cheese Spaghetti features tender ground beef seasoned with zesty Cajun spices, simmered in a velvety blend of heavy cream, mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and parmesan. Garlic and butter create a rich foundation while al dente spaghetti soaks up all the flavorful sauce. Garnished with fresh parsley, this comforting pasta is a perfect fusion of spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness for cozy nights or gatherings. Adjust the seasoning for your heat preference and enjoy a satisfying meal packed with southern-inspired flair.

iamcooker.com
Sofia Pitt sofia
Most recent update: Sat, 25 Oct 2025 18:34:26 GMT
A bowl of spaghetti with meat and cheese. Save
A bowl of spaghetti with meat and cheese. | iamcooker.com

Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti brings together spicy flavors with a luscious cheese sauce for a pasta night that feels like a little party at home. This recipe turns a simple weeknight meal into something memorable thanks to its bold seasoning and silky cheese blend.

When I first served this to my family everyone went for seconds and the kids even asked for it again just days later. The first time I made this we were craving cozy but exciting comfort food. I loved how the creamy sauce mellowed the Cajun kick just enough that everyone could enjoy it together.

Ingredients

  • Spaghetti Pasta: Holds the bold sauce well Choose classic semolina pasta for best bite
  • Ground Beef: Brings a hearty savory element For extra flavor use sirloin if possible
  • Cajun Seasoning: Delivers just the right amount of heat and complex flavor Make your own blend or use a trusted store bought version
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a silky smooth base Look for cream with a clean dairy scent
  • Parmesan Cheese: Gives salty umami richness Grate your own from a wedge for best melt
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Offers tang and depth Freshly shredded melts best
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy stretch Pick whole milk mozzarella for ultimate gooeyness
  • Fresh Garlic: Wakes up the sauce and beef Go for firm heads with tight skins
  • Olive Oil: For sautéing and extra flavor Use a fruity extra virgin oil if you have it
  • Butter: Adds tasty richness to the sauce Unsalted lets you control the salt level
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides color and brightness Chop just before serving for freshest taste

Instructions

Bring the Water and Boil the Pasta:
Get a large pot filled with water on the stove and add a generous amount of salt This helps season the pasta as it cooks Drop in your spaghetti and boil until it is tender with a little bite This usually takes around ten minutes Drain it well but save some of the pasta water for later to finish the sauce
Brown the Beef with Cajun Flavor:
While your pasta cooks heat olive oil in a large wide skillet over medium high Add your ground beef and break it up as it cooks Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning salt and pepper over it as it browns Let it sear for those lovely crispy edges and cook through Remove the beef to a plate and set aside
Build the Garlic Cream Base:
Lower the skillet heat to medium Drop in the butter and let it melt Add in the garlic stirring just until the fragrance fills your kitchen but do not let it brown
Make the Cheese Sauce:
Pour in your heavy cream and gently bring the mixture to a simmer This will help melt the cheese quickly Without rushing slowly add in your mozzarella cheddar and parmesan a handful at a time Stir constantly and watch for a creamy sauce with no lumps
Toss Pasta and Bring it Together:
Slide your cooked spaghetti right into that pan with the creamy cheese sauce Add a splash of saved pasta water if the mixture looks too thick Stir thoroughly until every noodle is coated with cheese
Add Beef Back and Finish:
Return your seasoned beef to the skillet with the cheesy spaghetti Gently fold everything to mix Let it bubble for a minute or two so the flavors meld
Serve and Garnish:
Plate up the creamy Cajun beef spaghetti and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and plenty more parmesan if you love extra flavor
A bowl of spaghetti with meatballs and cheese.
A bowl of spaghetti with meatballs and cheese. | iamcooker.com

My favorite part is watching the mozzarella give that perfect cheese pull as you swirl the pasta on your fork. The first time I made this for my dad he said it was hands down his new favorite way to do both spaghetti and Cajun together.

Storage and Leftover Tips

After the meal is over keep any remaining pasta in a tight container in your fridge It will last up to four days. A splash of milk or cream while reheating helps restore the sauce’s silky texture. If planning for leftovers cook your pasta just shy of done so it stays perfect on reheating.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

If you prefer chicken simply sub diced chicken breast or thigh for the beef. Use gluten free pasta if needed. Half and half can stand in for heavy cream for a lighter dish. Nutty Asiago or fontina can be swapped for any of the cheeses if you like experimenting.

Perfect Ways to Serve This

A good garlic bread is hard to beat when paired with this pasta A simple tomato salad with a squeeze of lemon cuts through the richness. Roasted broccoli or asparagus makes for a vibrant and healthy plate.

A bowl of pasta with meat and cheese on top.
A bowl of pasta with meat and cheese on top. | iamcooker.com

The fun thing about this dish is how it matches the spirit of Cajun cooking bold daring and always crowd pleasing. Give it your own touch and you may find it becomes a new classic in your kitchen too.

Recipe Q&A

→ How spicy is this Cajun pasta?

The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning and how much you use. Start with less and taste as you go.

→ Can I substitute another protein for beef?

Yes, chicken or turkey are great substitutes. Adjust cooking time to suit your protein of choice.

→ How do I make the sauce extra creamy?

Use full-fat heavy cream and whisk the cheeses in slowly for a smooth, rich texture.

→ Do I have to use all three cheeses?

No, you can use a combination of your favorites or just what you have on hand, but the blend adds depth.

→ What if my sauce is too thick?

Add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and create a silkier consistency.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.

Cajun Beef Three-Cheese Spaghetti

Spaghetti with Cajun beef, parmesan cream, and a trio of cheeses makes bold, creamy comfort food.

Prep Duration
15 min
Cooking Period
25 min
Entire Time Required
40 min
Sofia Pitt: sofia


Difficulty: Moderate

Regional Style: Cajun-American

Output: 6 Portions (6 portions)

Dietary Attributes: ~

Needed Ingredients

→ Pasta

01 12 ounces dried spaghetti

→ Protein

02 1 pound ground beef or ground sirloin

→ Pantry

03 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
05 Salt, to taste
06 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Aromatics

07 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

08 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
10 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
11 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
12 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

→ Garnish

13 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sear, breaking up the meat, until well browned and thoroughly cooked. Remove the cooked beef from the skillet and set aside.

Step 03

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 04

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in shredded mozzarella, shredded sharp cheddar, and grated parmesan, stirring constantly until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 05

Add the cooked spaghetti to the cheese sauce in the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.

Step 06

Fold in the seared beef and any accumulated juices. Allow the mixture to simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes for flavors to meld. Plate immediately and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional parmesan if desired.

Supplementary Details

  1. Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce's consistency for a silky, smooth texture.
  2. Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to meet your preferred spice level.

Necessary Tools

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

Allergen Advisory

Review each item for allergens. Consult a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains milk and dairy products
  • Contains gluten from wheat pasta

Nutrient Breakdown (per serving)

This information is provided for reference and should not replace consultation with a health professional.
  • Caloric Value: 690
  • Total Fat: 41 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Proteins: 37 g