Easy Cheesy Crockpot Taco Pasta Recipe with Ground Beef
A comforting and cheesy crockpot taco pasta dish with ground beef, perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights. This recipe combines seasoned beef, taco spices, and melted cheese for a flavorful, fuss-free dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours (slow cooker low) or 1.5 to 2 hours (slow cooker high)
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (slow cooker low) or 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes (slow cooker high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Southwestern American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni or small shells pasta
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth or stock
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, jalapeños
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer beef mixture to the crockpot. Add uncooked pasta, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), and beef broth. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours. Check pasta around 3 hours on low or 1.5 hours on high to avoid overcooking. Pasta should be tender but not mushy.
- Once pasta is cooked, sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Cover and let sit for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and gooey.
- Gently stir cheese through the pasta for a creamy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
Brown the beef first for better flavor and texture. Use smaller pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or shells for best results. Avoid overcooking pasta to prevent mushiness. If pasta absorbs too much liquid, add a splash of broth or water. Stir cheese in gently to avoid breaking pasta. This recipe can be adapted for vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets with simple substitutions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, taco pasta, ground beef, cheesy pasta, meal prep, easy dinner, comfort food