Crockpot Taco Pasta

There’s something universally comforting about a warm bowl of pasta, isn’t there? When you mix that with the bold, zesty flavors of taco seasonings, you’ve got a dish that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly night. The first time I made Crockpot Taco Pasta, I found myself wondering why I hadn’t combined these two favorites sooner. It’s become a staple in my home—effortless to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. You can almost hear the cheers for seconds when they taste that rich, cheesy goodness meld with those vibrant taco flavors.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Let’s talk about why Crockpot Taco Pasta should be on your dinner table tonight. First off, imagine a one-pot meal that embodies the heartiness of a taco night while being the kind of easy fix you can set and forget. With just a few simple ingredients (that you probably already have on hand), you can create a dish that cleverly coalesces flavors in a way that makes every spoonful feel like a fiesta.

What’s really special about this meal is its versatility. Want it spicy? Toss in some jalapeños. Need it vegetarian? Swap out the beef for some lentils! The world is your taco, my friend. This dish is not just about satisfying cravings; it’s a reminder that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. And trust me—it’s kid-approved.

Gather these ingredients

To craft your Crockpot Taco Pasta masterpiece, here’s the scoop on what you’ll need:

• 1 lb Ground Beef: The foundation of your flavor, use lean ground beef for a healthier option or substitute it with turkey or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian take.

• 1 Packet Taco Seasoning: Go for the classic, or whip up your own blend with cumin, chili powder, and garlic for a little homemade magic.

• 2 Cups Pasta: I love using rotini or penne, as their nooks hold all that taco goodness. But feel free to swap with whole wheat pasta or gluten-free alternatives if needed.

• 1 Can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz): Adds moisture and a hint of sweetness. You can use crushed tomatoes if you’re in a pinch.

• 2 Cups Beef Broth: This enriches the dish; homemade is great, but good-quality store-bought works wonders as well.

• 1 Cup Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Mexican blend is prime, but you could experiment with pepper jack for an extra kick.

• 1 Can Black Beans (optional): If you’re looking to add some protein and fiber, these are a must! Rinse them for optimal texture.

• 1 Cup Corn (optional): Sweet corn adds a lovely pop to your dish. Frozen corn works just as well and saves you a bit of prep time.

• Salt and Pepper to taste: A few pinches at the end will elevate all those vibrant flavors.

Preparing Crockpot Taco Pasta

Let’s roll up those sleeves and dive into the cooking process. It’s simplicity wrapped in deliciousness!

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, break up the ground beef. Make sure it’s nicely browned and crumbly—this is your flavor base! Once done, drain any excess grease.

2. Transfer to the Crockpot: Dump that beautifully browned beef into your trusty crockpot. Talk about teamwork!

3. Add the Goodies: Toss in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, beef broth, pasta, black beans, and corn. Give it a good stir to mix all the flavors—this is where the magic starts!

4. Cover and Cook: Set your crockpot to low and let it work its wonders for about 4-5 hours. Check that pasta towards the end; you want it perfectly tender but not mushy.

5. Cheese, Please! When the pasta is done, add in the cheese and stir until it’s beautifully melted and gooey. This is where it gets oh-so-decadent!

6. Seasoning Touch: A sprinkle of salt and pepper will tie everything together. Serve it up hot and watch everyone dig in!

Best way to enjoy it

So, how do you make the most of your Crockpot Taco Pasta? Because it’s so hearty, it stands on its own, but a side of warm crusty bread or a simple green salad never hurt anyone.

If you’re feeling fancy, top each bowl with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream to kick it up a notch. And let’s be real—if you have some tortilla chips handy, they’re going to make the perfect crunchy topping.

Storage and reheating tips

Leftovers? No problem! To keep your Crockpot Taco Pasta fresh for days, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll store well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready for round two, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it feels a bit thick.

For longer storage, you can freeze it! Portion it into freezer-safe bags, lay them flat for easy stacking, and it should maintain its flavor for up to three months. Now, that’s what I call meal prep!

Pro chef tips

Here are a few insider tips to elevate your Taco Pasta game.

• Toast the spices: If you’re using dry spices, toasting them briefly in your skillet before adding the beef works wonders for deepening those taco flavors.

• Cheese variation: Try Monterey jack or a sprinkle of cotija cheese on top before serving for an authentic touch.

• Add some veggies: Feel free to sneak in diced bell peppers or spinach to up the nutrition without sacrificing the flavor.

• Make it creamy: For an ultra-rich twist, mix in a bit of cream cheese or Greek yogurt right before serving.

Creative Twists

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace the ground beef with lentils or finely chopped mushrooms for a delicious meatless version.

• Spicy Kick: Throw in diced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes for a fiery twist.

• Fiesta Flavor: Add a can of green chilies or diced onions for that extra burst of flavor.

• Taco-Inspired Toppings: Experiment with toppings like salsa, guacamole, or pickled onions for extra crunch.

Your questions answered

1. Is this recipe family-friendly? Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy pasta combined with the familiar taco flavors.

2. Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes! Ground chicken or turkey is an excellent substitute and still tasty.

3. How do I make it gluten-free? Swap the regular pasta for gluten-free varieties, and ensure your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

4. Is there a prep time? It takes about 15 minutes to prep before you let the crockpot do its magic.

5. Can I add more veggies? Sure thing! Zucchini, bell peppers, or even carrots would be fantastic additions.

So, go ahead and treat yourself to a kitchen adventure with this delightful dish! It’s one of those recipes that welcomes experimentation. Don’t hesitate to share your twists in the comments; we’re all excited to hear how it turns out for you. Embrace the process, enjoy every bite, and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!

Print Recipe

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Crockpot Taco Pasta

Cooking Method: Slow Cooker Recipes Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food E Easy Kids Slow Cooker Recipes W Weeknight

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 240 mins Total Time 4 hrs 15 mins

Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 450

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Crockpot Taco Pasta is a delicious fusion of taco flavors and pasta, perfect for an effortless family dinner. It's customizable, kid-approved, and makes use of simple ingredients.

Key Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Beef (Lean ground beef is recommended; can substitute with turkey or plant-based crumbles.)
• 1 packet Taco Seasoning (Can use a homemade blend of cumin, chili powder, and garlic.)
• 2 cups Pasta (Rotini or penne works well; alternatives include whole wheat or gluten-free.)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes (Crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute.)
• 2 cups Beef Broth (Homemade or good-quality store-bought is best.)
• 1 cup Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Mexican blend; pepper jack for spice.)
• 1 can Black Beans (Optional; rinse before adding.)
• 1 cup Corn (Sweet corn can be frozen; optional.)
• to taste Salt and Pepper (Enhances all flavors.)

Cooking Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Brown the Ground Beef

   In a skillet over medium heat, break up and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.
   Mark as complete

2. Transfer to the Crockpot

   Add the browned beef into the crockpot.
   Mark as complete

3. Add Ingredients

   Combine taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, beef broth, pasta, black beans, and corn in the crockpot. Stir well.
   Mark as complete

4. Cover and Cook

   Set the crockpot on low and cook for 4-5 hours until the pasta is tender.
   Mark as complete

5. Add Cheese

   Stir in shredded cheese until melted.
   Mark as complete

6. Season and Serve

   Add salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
   Pair with warm bread or salad if desired.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 70mg24%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 45g15%

Dietary Fiber 10g40%

Sugars 5g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 450 IU

Vitamin C 10 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 4 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This recipe is versatile; feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste.

Keywords: crockpot, taco, pasta, one-pot, easy, family-friendly, comforting