Description
This easy crockpot taco pasta is a comforting, one-pot meal loaded with seasoned ground beef, pasta, cheese, and Tex-Mex flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep and tons of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, or elbow)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (or salsa)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- Optional add-ins:
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/2 cup black beans
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup cream cheese or sour cream (for creaminess)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet, cook ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add to Crockpot: Place the cooked beef, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes (or salsa), and broth into the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
- Add Pasta: About 30 minutes before the end of the cook time, stir in uncooked pasta. Cook until tender.
- Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheese (and optional cream cheese or sour cream). Let it melt into the mixture.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro, avocado slices, or crushed tortilla chips. Serve hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes or add jalapeños. Adjust liquid depending on pasta type. This recipe is also great with ground turkey or vegetarian meat alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg