Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Cheese Sauce

This is Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Cheese Sauce — basically what happens when Cajun spices crash a comfort-food party and decide to stay. It’s rich, a little spicy, incredibly unapologetic, and embarrassingly easy to make. If you like pasta that smacks you awake, cheese that hugs you back, and ground beef that doesn’t pretend to be anything but delicious, this is your new go-to weeknight flex.

Once, I tried to impress my husband by cooking this while juggling a work call and a toddler with an overactive sense of adventure. I used a pan that was clearly too small (I am stubborn). The sauce volcanoed, noodles staged an escape, and my husband—bless him—tried to salvage dignity and spaghetti with a spatula. We ate it off paper plates and called it “rustic.” He still brags to his coworkers that I fed him gourmet chaos.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Use pre-shredded cheese and pretend you did it for efficiency, not laziness.
– Swap fresh garlic for jarred minced garlic in a pinch. Yes, I said it. I live on the edge.
– Cook the pasta directly in the sauce-water mix if you’re feeling brave — less pots, more regret-free relaxation.
– Pro tip: Brown the beef in advance and stash it in the fridge for 2 days. Dinner assembly becomes suspiciously fast.
– Dish avoidance plan: Use one deep skillet, stir like a responsible adult, and wash one pan. No, I won’t wash fewer dishes, but this helps.

Serving Ideas

– Serve with a simple green salad and a vinaigrette that screams “I meal-prepped yesterday,” even if you didn’t.
– Garlic bread? Obviously. Carbs and cheese together are a legal requirement here.
– Serve with wine if the kids drove you nuts; serve with sparkling water if you’re trying to remember what sleep feels like.
– Keep it simple: toss in chopped parsley, grate extra cheese on top, and call it classy.

What to Serve It With

– Crusty bread or garlic toast for mopping (do not waste a drop).
– A lemony arugula salad to make yourself feel like you balanced the meal.
– Roasted or sautéed green beans if you want to flex your “I eat vegetables” cred.

✔Tips & Mistakes

– Don’t overcook the pasta. If it’s floppy and sad, the whole dish loses swagger. Al dente is your friend.
– If the sauce is too thick, rescue it with a splash of pasta water, stock, or milk. Miracle worker, every time.
– Taste for spice. Cajun blends vary wildly; add gradually unless you like sweating like you regret everything.
– Yes, this pan is too small. No, I won’t wash fewer dishes. Learn from my stubbornness.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.
– Keeps 3–4 days in an airtight container.
– Freeze portions up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently with a splash of milk.

✔Variations and Substitutions

– Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles. Flavor will shift, but happiness remains.
– Use gluten-free pasta or low-carb zoodles — you do you.
– Dairy-free? Choose a creamy plant-based cheese or use blended cashews for the sauce.
– Out of Cajun seasoning? Mix paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme and call it improvisation. It still counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Cheese Sauce

A rich and creamy Cajun beef spaghetti perfect for a cozy dinner.

No ratings yet

Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook Print

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• ▢ 0.75 lb ground beef Use lean beef for a healthier option.
• ▢ 8 oz spaghetti Any pasta can be used.
• ▢ 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter option, use half-and-half.
• ▢ 1.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can substitute for a cheese blend.
• ▢ 1 tbsp olive oil
• ▢ 1 cup bell pepper, diced Use any color you prefer.
• ▢ 0.5 cup onion, chopped
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ▢ 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning Adjust based on heat preference.

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
• Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in Cajun seasoning.
• Pour in the heavy cream, cooking on low heat until thickened. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
• Mix the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, ensuring it is well coated. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, top with chopped green onions before serving.