Get ready for a weeknight dinner that will become a family favorite! This Crockpot Taco Pasta Delight blends the comforting ease of a slow cooker with the zesty flavors of tacos and pasta. It’s a satisfying, one-pot meal that delivers a symphony of textures and tastes, from tender pasta to richly seasoned ground beef.
This hearty dish is then topped with your favorite taco toppings for a customizable and unforgettable experience.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Savory, slightly spicy, and comforting with the familiar flavors of a taco night.
- Textures: Tender pasta, hearty ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Total Time: About 3 1/2 hours, with minimal active cooking time.
- Difficulty: Easy. This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks.
What You’ll Need
This Crockpot Taco Pasta Delight comes together with just a handful of ingredients. You’ll need ground beef as the savory base, pasta to create a comforting foundation, taco seasoning for that signature taco flavor, and a blend of cheese to bring everything together into a creamy, dreamy sauce. Don’t forget your favorite taco toppings to customize each bowl.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef – Provides the hearty protein base for this dish. I like to use lean ground beef, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken.
- Taco Seasoning – This is essential for the authentic taco flavor. You can use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own blend at home.
- Diced Tomatoes – Adds a touch of acidity and sweetness to the sauce.
- Beef Broth – Creates the flavorful liquid that cooks the pasta in the slow cooker.
- Rotini Pasta – This pasta shape is great for catching all the delicious flavors of the sauce. Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Adds a creamy and cheesy element to the dish.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Spice it Up – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker for extra heat.
- Add Veggies – Include some cooked corn or black beans for added texture and nutrients.
- Change the Protein – Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this recipe.
- Use Different Cheese – Try using a mix of your favorite cheeses, like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
How to Make Scrumptious Crockpot Taco Pasta Delight
This Crockpot Taco Pasta Delight is incredibly easy to make. Just brown the beef, add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, and let the appliance work its magic!
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker.
- Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Add the rotini pasta to the slow cooker. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Cook on low for 3 hours, or until the pasta is tender.
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- Pro Tip: Be sure to stir the mixture halfway through cooking to make sure the pasta is cooking evenly and to prevent sticking.
- After the pasta is cooked, stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve immediately, topping with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and your favorite taco toppings.
Recipe Tips
- When browning the ground beef, make sure to drain off any excess grease for a less greasy final dish.
- To prevent the pasta from sticking, give the mixture a good stir halfway through the cooking process.
- If you like a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Don’t overcook the pasta! It should be tender, but not mushy.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your liking.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Any small pasta shape will work well in this recipe. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly.
- Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker? I do not recommend making this recipe in a pressure cooker because the recipe is designed specifically for a slow cooker.
- Can I use already cooked ground beef? Yes you can use already cooked ground beef. Reduce the amount of time you cook the recipe by a few minutes.
- Can I make this recipe in a smaller slow cooker? Yes, but you may need to reduce the recipe proportionally, if your slow cooker is considerably smaller than a standard model.
Serving Suggestions
- Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy tang that complements the spicy taco flavors.
- Guacamole – Creamy, rich guacamole is always a welcome addition.
- Salsa – Add a fresh and vibrant flavor with your favorite salsa.
- Tortilla Chips – Serve with a side of tortilla chips for scooping up all the goodness.
- Fresh Cilantro – Garnish with fresh, chopped cilantro for a pop of freshness.
- Shredded Lettuce – A crisp, cool addition to each bowl.
Make This Recipe in Advance
This Crockpot Taco Pasta Delight is great for making in advance. You can brown the ground beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The assembled recipe can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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Scrumptious Crockpot Taco Pasta Delight
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and easy one-pot meal that combines the flavors of tacos and pasta in a slow cooker.
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 with salt and pepper until cooked. Drain off any grease and transfer to a slow cooker.
Add bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, salsa, corn, taco seasoning, and broth or water. Stir everything together.
Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Add the pasta and cook on high for 15-30 minutes, until tender.
Stir in the cheddar cheese and serve.
Notes
When browning the ground beef, make sure to drain off any excess grease for a less greasy final dish.
To prevent the pasta from sticking, give the mixture a good stir halfway through the cooking process.
If you like a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Don’t overcook the pasta! It should be tender, but not mushy.
Feel free to adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your liking.
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
