Get ready to fall in love with the easiest dinner ever! This Crock Pot Taco Pasta combines everything you adore about tacos with the comfort of pasta, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s cheesy, savory, and packed with bold taco flavors that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
This is one of those crockpot recipes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Just toss everything in, let your slow cooker work its magic, and dinner is done!
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Taco Pasta
This crockpot recipe is an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights. The pasta comes out perfectly tender, soaking up all that rich, seasoned beef and tomato goodness. Every bite is loaded with melty cheese that stretches just right.
The flavors are bold and comforting without being overwhelming. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table smile. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pot!
Crock Pot Taco Pasta Ingredients
Recommended Equipment:
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Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta shells or rotini
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sour cream, green onions, jalapeños for topping
Fresh ingredients make all the difference! Choose quality ground beef and real shredded cheese for the best flavor.
How to Make Crock Pot Taco Pasta
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat with the diced onion. Drain excess fat and transfer to your slow cooker.
- Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth to the crockpot. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta. Make sure it’s submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and continue cooking until the pasta is tender, stirring once halfway through.
- Stir in half of the cheese until melted, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover for 5 minutes until melted.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings and enjoy this amazing crockpot recipe!
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Taco Pasta
Don’t skip browning the beef! This step adds incredible depth of flavor that makes this crockpot recipe stand out.
Check your pasta around the 20-minute mark. Different pasta shapes cook at different rates, and you want it tender but not mushy.
If your mixture looks dry, add a splash more broth. The pasta absorbs quite a bit of liquid as it cooks.
Let the cheese melt completely before serving. This creates that gorgeous, creamy texture everyone loves in crockpot recipes easy enough for any night of the week.
Crock Pot Taco Pasta Variations
Make this a crockpot recipe chicken version by swapping ground beef for diced chicken breasts. Cook on low for 5-6 hours, then shred the chicken before adding pasta.
For crockpot recipes healthy options, use ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, and reduce the cheese by half. Add extra veggies like bell peppers and corn.
Try different crockpot recipes beef cuts! Use shredded beef roast instead of ground beef for a heartier texture.
If you’re looking for low fodmap crockpot meals, check out our Low FODMAP Crockpot Recipes collection for gut-friendly alternatives that are just as delicious.
Make it spicier by adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to create bold crockpot recipes for dinner that pack some heat.
What to Serve with Crock Pot Taco Pasta
A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. The fresh crunch complements this hearty crockpot recipe beautifully.
Serve with warm tortilla chips and fresh guacamole for extra Tex-Mex flair. Your family will love the variety of textures.
Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers add color and nutrition to your plate. They’re simple crockpot recipes for dinner companions.
A side of Mexican street corn or black beans rounds out this meal into a complete fiesta!
Crock Pot Taco Pasta FAQs
Can I make this with different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! This is one of those flexible crockpot recipes easy to customize. Shells, rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni all work great. Just keep the cooking time the same and check for tenderness.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Brown your crockpot recipes ground beef the night before, then refrigerate. In the morning, add everything to your slow cooker and turn it on. It’s one of the best make-ahead crockpot recipes slow cooker meals.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed. This is one of those crockpot recipes for dinner that tastes even better the next day!
Final Thoughts on Crock Pot Taco Pasta
This Crock Pot Taco Pasta is everything you want in a weeknight dinner. It’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to make everyone happy. The combination of tender pasta, seasoned beef, and melty cheese is simply irresistible.
Whether you’re new to crockpot recipes or a slow cooker pro, this dish will quickly become a regular in your rotation. It’s comfort food at its finest, made simple enough for any busy day.
Grab your slow cooker and give this recipe a try tonight. You’ll be so glad you did!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Crock Pot Taco Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the ground beef with the diced onion in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth. Stir until well combined.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta, making sure it is submerged.
- Cover and continue cooking until pasta is tender, stirring once halfway through.
- Stir in half of the cheese until melted, then sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Cover for 5 minutes until melted.