Easy Slow Cooker Taco Pasta: The Ultimate Weeknight Family Meal
Transform your Taco Tuesday into a deliciously easy pasta night with this incredible Slow Cooker Taco Pasta recipe! Imagine the savory, robust flavors of traditional tacos perfectly blended with tender pasta, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. This hearty, cheesy dish is designed for busy weeknights, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
You only need a few staple pantry ingredients to get started, and before you know it, you’ll have a delightful meal that the entire family will adore. This cheesy taco pasta is a fantastic ground beef recipe that comes together effortlessly, brimming with incredible flavor in every bite.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its hands-off nature. The slow cooker does most of the work, meaning you only need a few minutes of prep time to create this homemade “hamburger helper” style dinner. It’s truly a game-changer for those evenings when you want something satisfying and delicious without being tied to the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Taco Pasta
This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl! Here’s why it’s bound to become a new family favorite:
- Effortless Preparation: The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, freeing up your time for other activities.
- Incredible Flavor Fusion: Experience the beloved taste of tacos combined with comforting pasta. It’s the best of both worlds!
- Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a filling meal that will satisfy even the hungriest appetites.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level, add more vegetables, or swap out the protein to suit your family’s preferences.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common pantry staples, it’s an economical choice for feeding a crowd.
- Minimal Cleanup: Mostly a one-pot meal (after browning the beef), making cleanup a breeze.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Taco Pasta:
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this simple yet flavorful dish. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store.
- Protein: We recommend using lean ground beef for the best results. Lean beef reduces the amount of grease you need to drain, making for a healthier and less oily finished product.
- Substitution Tip: Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: You’ll need freshly diced red bell pepper for a touch of sweetness and crunch, a can of drained corn, and an undrained can of diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes. The liquid from the tomatoes adds essential moisture and flavor to the sauce.
- Variation Tip: Consider adding diced onions, green bell peppers, or a can of drained black beans for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Salsa: Grab a bottle or jar of your favorite salsa. This is where you can easily control the spice level of your pasta – choose mild, medium, or hot to match your family’s preference.
- Flavor Tip: A chunky salsa will add more texture, while a smoother one will integrate more seamlessly into the sauce.
- Cooking Liquid: Fresh water is used to ensure the pasta cooks perfectly in the slow cooker.
- Enhancement Tip: For an even richer, deeper flavor, you can substitute beef broth or chicken broth for the water. This adds another layer of savory goodness but is not strictly necessary as the taco seasoning and salsa provide ample flavor.
- Seasonings: Keep it simple and flavorful by using a package of your favorite taco seasoning mixture from the grocery store. This blend typically includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, and other spices, delivering that authentic taco taste.
- DIY Tip: If you prefer to make your own, a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper works wonders.
- Pasta: We love using rotini pasta in this recipe because its spiral shape holds the cheesy, meaty sauce wonderfully, and its bite-sized form makes it easy to eat.
- Alternative Pasta Shapes: Other great options include elbow macaroni, small or medium shell pasta, or penne pasta.
- Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend), green chilies, sliced green onion, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh lettuce are classic taco toppings that elevate this pasta dish.
- Extra Topping Ideas: Consider fresh cilantro, pico de gallo, guacamole, crushed tortilla chips, black olives, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for those who like extra heat.
How to Make Taco Pasta in the Slow Cooker: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this slow cooker taco pasta is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering meal.
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- To a large skillet, add the ground beef and cook it over medium-high heat until it is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy final dish.
Step 2: Assemble Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- Transfer the cooked and drained ground beef to your slow cooker.
- Add the diced bell pepper, drained corn, undrained crushed tomatoes, salsa, water, and taco seasoning.
- Stir with a spoon until all the ingredients are well combined, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 6 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to tenderize beautifully.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Finish Cooking
- Once the initial cooking time is complete, increase the slow cooker temperature to HIGH.
- Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta into the meat and vegetable mixture. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid to ensure even cooking.
- Continue to cook on HIGH for an additional 20-35 minutes, or until the pasta is tender to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
- To serve, spoon the cheesy taco pasta onto a plate or into bowls. Garnish generously with your favorite taco toppings such as shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, a dollop of sour cream, and diced tomatoes. Enjoy!
Taco Pasta – Slow Cooker
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Equipment
- Large skillet
- Slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper – diced
- 1 can drained corn
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 ½ cups water
- 2 tbs taco seasoning
- 12 oz rotini pasta
Instructions
Cook ground beef:
- To a large skillet, add the ground beef and cook it through. Remove any excess grease.
Add to slow cooker:
- Add the cooked ground beef to your slow cooker along with the bell pepper, corn, crushed tomatoes, salsa, water, and taco seasoning. Stir with a spoon to combine.
- Slow cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
Add in pasta:
- After the time is up, turn the slow cooker to high and add the pasta to the meat mixture.
- Cook on high for 20-35 minutes or until the noodles are tender
- To serve, place on a plate and top with your favorite taco seasonings such as cheese, lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes, and more!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Taco Pasta
This slow cooker taco pasta makes for fantastic leftovers, perfect for quick lunches or another easy dinner. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy its delicious flavors for days to come.
Fridge Storage:
Once the taco pasta has cooled completely, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Make sure to seal the container tightly to maintain freshness and prevent other food odors from affecting the pasta’s flavor.
Freezer Storage:
For longer storage, this dish freezes surprisingly well! Place cooled taco pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions:
- Microwave: For individual portions, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly warmed.
- Stovetop: For larger amounts, transfer the pasta to a pot or skillet. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed, and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Slow Cooker Taco Pasta
Elevate your taco pasta game with these helpful tips and creative variations.
Meat to use:
While we enjoy using ground beef for its classic flavor and texture in this recipe, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute it with lean ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter meal without compromising on taste. For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based ground meat or a combination of black beans and lentils.
Can I use beef broth?
Absolutely! A fantastic way to add even more depth and savory flavor to this easy recipe is by using either beef broth or chicken broth in place of the water. While it’s not strictly necessary as the taco seasoning and salsa provide plenty of flavor, it certainly enhances the richness of this hearty meal. Experiment to find your preferred taste!
Pasta shapes to use:
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. While rotini pasta is our go-to for its ability to capture the sauce, many other pasta shapes work wonderfully too. Choose your favorite short-cut pasta that can stand up to a hearty sauce:
- Elbow macaroni (classic “helper” style)
- Shell pasta (small or medium pasta shells are great for scooping up the sauce)
- Penne pasta (its ridged surface holds flavor well)
- Other spiral pasta varieties similar to rotini
- Bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Favorite Toppings:
Toppings are key to any taco-inspired dish, and this pasta is no exception! They add freshness, texture, and a burst of complementary flavors. Don’t limit yourself to just one or two; offer a variety for a customizable experience:
- Fresh cilantro (chopped for a vibrant, herbaceous note)
- Pico de Gallo (fresh tomato, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño salsa for brightness)
- Guacamole or sliced avocado (for creamy texture and healthy fats)
- Crushed tortilla chips or strips (for a satisfying crunch)
- Black beans (added as a topping or stirred in with the meat mixture for extra protein and fiber)
- Extra shredded cheese or warm nacho cheese sauce (for ultimate cheesiness)
- Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled for heat)
- A squeeze of lime juice (to brighten all the flavors)
Pro Tips for the Best Results:
- Don’t Skip Browning the Beef: Browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker is essential. It develops a rich, savory flavor and a desirable texture that you won’t get from simply adding raw meat to the pot.
- Prevent Mushy Pasta: Add the pasta at the end of the cooking cycle. This prevents it from becoming overcooked and mushy. Different slow cookers and pasta shapes can vary in cooking time, so keep an eye on it during the last 20-35 minutes.
- Adjust Spice to Taste: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño along with the bell pepper. For a milder dish, ensure your salsa is mild.
- Creamy Factor: For an extra creamy taco pasta, stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese (cut into cubes) during the last 15 minutes of cooking the pasta, until melted and smooth. A splash of milk or heavy cream can also achieve a similar effect.
- Add More Veggies: Don’t hesitate to toss in other finely diced vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach when you add the bell pepper and corn for added nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making slow cooker taco pasta:
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground substitute, or use extra beans (like black beans or pinto beans) and corn. You could also add some diced mushrooms for a meaty texture.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can adapt this recipe for the stovetop or oven. For the stovetop, brown the beef in a large pot, then add all other ingredients (except pasta). Bring to a simmer, then add pasta and cook until tender, adding more liquid if necessary. For the oven, combine ingredients in a Dutch oven, bake covered, then add pasta and bake again.
Can I add cheese directly to the slow cooker?
While you can stir some cheese into the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking for an even cheesier base, we highly recommend adding most of the shredded cheese as a topping. This ensures it melts perfectly and creates that classic cheesy pull without getting grainy or clumpy in the sauce.
How much liquid should I add if I use a different pasta type?
Most short pastas will absorb similar amounts of liquid, but always ensure the pasta is mostly submerged when you add it. If the sauce looks too thick during the pasta cooking stage, add a little extra water or broth (1/4 to 1/2 cup at a time) until the pasta can cook properly.
More Taco-Inspired Dinner Recipes You’ll Love:
If you’re a fan of taco flavors and easy dinners, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes:
- 3 Ingredient Taco Mac
- Hamburger Tacos
- Easy Taco Skillet
- Meatless Taco Skillet
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- Family meal plans to help you organize your week.
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- Watch our cooking videos for visual guides and tips.
We hope this Easy Slow Cooker Taco Pasta becomes a staple in your home! It’s the perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and bold flavor, making weeknight dinners something to look forward to. If you give this recipe a try, make sure to tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and let us know how much you loved it!