Cajun Spaghetti
This homage to my Grandpa uses the Holy Trinity and Cajun seasoning to add some flair to normal spaghetti and meat sauce. Don't worry, it isn't spicy! Unless you want it to be.
Equipment
- Normal Kitchen Utensils
Ingredients
- 1 Lb Spaghetti
- 1 Lb Ground Beef
- 1 Large Green Bell Pepper
- 1/2 Medium Onion White or Yellow
- 3 Ribs Celery
- 1 Can Tomato Sauce 29 Oz.
- 1/2 C Parmesan Cheese Finely Grated
- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 6-8 Cloves Garlic Or 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Cayenne Powder Plus More to Taste
- 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- Salt to Taste
Instructions
- Dice the onion, celery and green bell pepper. These three vegetables are called the Holy Trinity in Cajun cooking.1 Large Green Bell Pepper, 3 Ribs Celery, 1/2 Medium Onion
- In a large pot, sauté the Holy Trinity in the 3 Tbsp olive oil for about ten minutes, at medium-high heat, until soft. Add about 1/2 tsp salt to help draw out moisture.3 Tbsp Olive Oil, Salt to Taste
- Mince and add the garlic to the pot. Cook another few minutes.6-8 Cloves Garlic
- Add the ground beef, oregano and another 1/2 tsp salt to the vegetables. Cook about ten minutes, until the meat is browned, breaking it up as it cooks.1 Lb Ground Beef, 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- Add the tomato sauce, cayenne powder and black pepper. Cover and simmer over medium heat for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.1 Can Tomato Sauce, 1 tsp Cayenne Powder, 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- While the sauce simmers, boil water in another pot for the pasta. Once boiling, cook the pasta per the box/bag directions. Be sure to salt the water.1 Lb Spaghetti
- Drain the pasta once cooked.
- Add additional cayenne and salt, to taste, to the sauce.
- Feel free to mix the pasta with the sauce, but we always serve it family style. Let everyone scoop pasta onto their plate and cover it with sauce. Top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and add a side of garlic bread.1/2 C Parmesan Cheese
Notes
It should be noted that Cajun food does not have to be spicy. Just flavorful. The same goes with salt level. Add only as much as you need to bring out the flavor of the food. And know that cayenne has an additive heat with a nice, slow burn. Add enough to enjoy the flavor, but be careful about playing too close to the fire.