Description
Turn your dinner table into a flavor-packed experience with this Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce—a rich, spicy twist on comfort food that’s guaranteed to impress. This easy dinner recipe combines juicy Cajun-spiced ground beef with al dente spaghetti and a velvety three-cheese sauce made from mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. Baked to golden perfection, it’s one of those easy recipe wins that delivers big on both taste and texture. Whether you're looking for new dinner ideas, quick comfort meals, or indulgent food ideas for guests, this pasta dish brings the heat, the cheese, and the wow factor.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 cup beef broth
Salt, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk or half-and-half (warmed)
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 ounces spaghetti
Salted water, for boiling pasta
1/4 cup extra mozzarella or cheddar cheese, for topping
Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Crushed red pepper flakes, optional for serving
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Once mostly cooked, stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
4. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then pour in beef broth and let simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
5. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute, then gradually add warmed milk while whisking to prevent lumps.
6. Let the sauce simmer until thickened, then stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Combine the cooked pasta with the Cajun beef and pour the cheese sauce over it. Toss to coat evenly. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
8. Preheat broiler. Sprinkle extra cheese on top and broil for 2–4 minutes until bubbly and golden.
9. Let rest for 2–3 minutes, garnish with herbs and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Notes
Grating your own cheese will result in a smoother, meltier sauce than using bagged pre-shredded cheese.
Slightly undercook your pasta to avoid it becoming mushy after baking.
Warm the milk before making the cheese sauce to prevent lumps and ensure even thickening.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, Cajun spaghetti, easy dinner, cheesy beef pasta