This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a comforting, one-pot wonder that combines the flavors of your favorite tacos with the simplicity of pasta. Tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce make this the perfect family-friendly meal for any night of the week.
Get ready to indulge in a hearty, flavorful dish that’s incredibly easy to make, and customize to your liking!
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Savory, cheesy, and infused with classic taco seasoning.
- Textures: Tender pasta, ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (plus prep time).
- Difficulty: Beginner-friendly. Requires minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy weeknights.
What You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with simple ingredients, mainly including ground beef, pasta, taco seasoning, and plenty of cheese. The slow cooker does most of the work, and all you have to do is toss everything together. Top it off with your favorite taco toppings for a complete meal.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef – I recommend using lean ground beef (85/15) to reduce excess grease.
- Onion – Adds a savory depth of flavor to the dish. Any type of onion will do.
- Taco Seasoning – Use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own from scratch.
- Diced Tomatoes – Canned diced tomatoes add moisture, acidity, and flavor to the dish.
- Beef Broth – Provides the liquid needed to cook the pasta and create the sauce.
- Pasta – Medium shells are a great choice to catch all that yummy sauce, but you can use any shape you prefer.
- Cream Cheese – Adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the sauce.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Use cheddar or a cheddar blend for the best flavor.
- Toppings – Get creative with your favorites!
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Spice it up – Add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper or a can of diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Vegetables – Add some bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the recipe.
- Meat – Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even chorizo.
- Cheese – Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Cheesy Taco Pasta
Making this easy taco pasta in your slow cooker makes dinner time a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat with the chopped onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Combine ingredients in the Crockpot: Transfer the cooked beef and onions to your slow cooker. Stir in the taco seasoning and the diced tomatoes. Pour in the beef broth. Add the uncooked pasta and give everything a good stir.
- Cook in the Crockpot: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours, or until the pasta is tender.
- Add cheese, and enjoy: After the cooking time, stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
- Serve & Garnish: Serve immediately, topped with your favorite taco toppings.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the step of browning the beef with the onions first. It adds a ton of flavor to your taco pasta.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta towards the end of the cooking time and adjust as needed, as cooking times can vary depending on your specific slow cooker model, and pasta shape.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: The amount of taco seasoning can be adjusted to your preference. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more!
- Stir in the cheese: Make sure the cream cheese and cheddar cheese are well incorporated into the pasta.
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe in a regular pot on the stovetop?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the stovetop. Brown the beef and onions as directed. Then, add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and pasta to a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is tender, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add the cream cheese and cheddar cheese at the end, and stir until melted. - Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Rotini, penne, or any other short pasta shape would work. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may cook at different rates. - How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover taco pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool, tangy contrast.
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Guacamole/Avocado Slices: Creamy and delicious, guacamole or avocado slices complements the flavors wonderfully.
- Shredded Lettuce: Adds a refreshing crunch.
- Hot Sauce: For those who like a little extra kick, hot sauce is a perfect addition.
Make This Recipe in Advance
You can brown the ground beef and chop the onion ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, then proceed with the recipe as directed. The assembled, uncooked taco pasta can also be made ahead of time and cooked later, but the pasta may absorb more liquid.
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Easy Crockpot Cheesy Taco Pasta
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Description
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a comforting, one-pot wonder that combines the flavors of your favorite tacos with the simplicity of pasta. Tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce make this the perfect family-friendly meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
salt and pepper
1 bell pepper, chopped
15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 cup jarred salsa, I used mild
15 ounce can corn, drained
3 tablespoons taco seasoning, I use this easy recipe
2 ½ cups water or low sodium chicken broth, I used one 14.5 ounce can chicken broth plus enough water to total 2 ½ cups
12 ounces shell pasta shapes (uncooked), whole wheat or white
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Drain any excess grease and transfer to the slow cooker.
Add bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, salsa, corn, taco seasoning, and broth or water. Stir to combine. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Stir in the pasta and cook on high for 15-30 minutes, until tender. Stir in the cheddar cheese and serve.
Notes
Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta towards the end of the cooking time and adjust as needed, as cooking times can vary depending on your specific slow cooker model, and pasta shape.
Adjust seasoning to taste: The amount of taco seasoning can be adjusted to your preference. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more!
Stir in the cheese: Make sure the cream cheese and cheddar cheese are well incorporated into the pasta.
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
