Image credit: @janays_cookin via Black Foodie Finder
A Southern Staple Reimagined
Cajun Spaghetti is one of those soul-satisfying meals that brings everyone to the table. With bold spices, smoky sausage, and a rich tomato sauce simmered to perfection, this dish is a staple in many Southern Black households. For creator Janay of @janays_cookin, this dish is more than food—it’s a nostalgic bite of her childhood. “As a kid, I would get super excited when my mom would cook Cajun spaghetti. And as an adult…this is still one of my favorite meals hands down,” she shares.
This isn’t your average spaghetti. The combination of the Cajun “holy trinity” (onions, bell peppers, and celery), plus garlic, parsley, and that slow-cooked sauce, gives it a unique Louisiana flair. Whether you’re cooking for Sunday dinner, feeding the whole family, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
What You Need (Ingredients)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 smoked sausage link (sliced)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can stewed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth (optional, for thinner sauce consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Slice and Sear the Sausage
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Slice the smoked sausage into rounds and sear until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
In the same pot, add ground beef and season with Cajun seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook until browned, then remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Trinity
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Sauté until softened and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the sautéed vegetables. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes (with juices), and tomato paste. Mix well to combine with the sautéed aromatics.
6. Season and Simmer
Add additional Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of sugar to balance the acidity. If needed, pour in chicken broth for desired consistency. Let the sauce simmer uncovered on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours to deepen the flavor.
7. Combine Meats with Sauce
Return the cooked ground beef and sausage back to the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for another hour on low, allowing the flavors to meld.
8. Cook the Pasta
While the sauce finishes, cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
9. Serve and Garnish
Serve the rich Cajun sauce over a bed of spaghetti. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for that final touch.
A Comfort Food Worth the Wait
This Cajun Spaghetti recipe is worth every minute of simmering. The depth of flavor you get from taking your time is unbeatable. And it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep. Want to spice it up a notch? Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the pot!
This dish brings a comforting Southern twist to a universally loved classic. Serve it with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a full, hearty meal that’s guaranteed to please your soul food-loving crew.
About the Chef
This recipe is brought to you by Janay of @janays_cookin, a passionate home cook sharing Southern-inspired comfort meals and family favorites. Follow her on Instagram for more drool-worthy dishes that blend tradition with flavor-packed creativity.
Watch Video
?️ Watch the full cooking process here on Instagram