Easy Crockpot Taco Pasta for Weeknight Dinners (Print Version)
Whip up a flavorful Crockpot Taco Pasta with minimal effort. This easy slow cooker recipe combines ground beef, pasta, and taco seasoning for a family-friendly meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 240 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 255 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
02 -
1 yellow onion, diced
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Saucy Simmer & Spice
04 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
05 -
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
06 -
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
07 -
1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
08 -
1/2 tsp chili powder
09 -
1/4 tsp ground cumin
10 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Pasta & Creamy Finish
11 -
8 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
12 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened, cut into cubes
13 -
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
→ Fresh Fiesta Toppers
14 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
15 -
1/2 cup light sour cream, for serving
16 -
1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced, for serving (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Brown 1 lb lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat. Add 1 yellow onion, diced, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
02 -
Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce, and 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth. Stir in 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning, 1/2 tsp chili powder, and 1/4 tsp ground cumin. Season with salt and black pepper to taste for your Easy Crockpot Taco Pasta Recipe.
03 -
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich base for your Easy Crockpot Taco Pasta Recipe. The meat will become tender and the sauce will thicken slightly.
04 -
After the initial cooking time, stir in 8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni and 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover and continue cooking on LOW for another 30-45 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.
05 -
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. The sauce will thicken further as the cheese incorporates, creating a luscious texture for your Easy Crockpot Taco Pasta Recipe.
06 -
Ladle generous portions of the Easy Crockpot Taco Pasta Recipe into bowls. Garnish with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped. Serve immediately with 1/2 cup light sour cream and 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced (optional), for an extra kick.
# Notes:
01 -
Substitution Tip: Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter version. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
02 -
Storage Advice: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if too thick.
03 -
Spice Level: For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or an extra 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder along with the taco seasoning.
04 -
Creaminess Boost: If you prefer an even creamier sauce, you can add an additional 2 oz of cream cheese in Step 4.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
6-quart slow cooker
02 -
large skillet
03 -
cutting board
04 -
knife
05 -
measuring cups
06 -
measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 551 kcal
Total Fat: 28 g
Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
Protein: 34 g