This hearty and flavorful dish combines the comfort of pasta with the bold, savory essence of tacos. Ideal for busy weeknights, it comes together with minimal effort thanks to your slow cooker. Packed with protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness, it’s a satisfying one-pot meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
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1 pound lean ground beef
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 bell pepper, chopped
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1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
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1 cup jarred salsa (mild or medium)
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1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
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3 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
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2½ cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
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12 ounces shell pasta (uncooked)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. Crumble the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
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Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
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Add chopped bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, salsa, corn, taco seasoning, and water or broth. Stir well to combine.
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Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
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Stir in the uncooked shell pasta, making sure it’s fully submerged.
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Cook on high for an additional 15–30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
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Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly mixed.
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Serve hot. Optionally garnish with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or extra shredded cheese.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~500 kcal
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Protein: 30g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Fat: 20g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sodium: 800mg
Why the Slow Cooker Wins
The slow cooker isn’t just a tool—it’s a game-changer. It allows you to develop deep, rich flavors without babysitting a stovetop. The beauty of slow cooking lies in its ability to soften vegetables, infuse spices, and marry ingredients together in a way that’s both effortless and rewarding. For families, busy professionals, or anyone craving a low-maintenance cooking experience, the slow cooker version of taco pasta is a must-try.
Additionally, using a slow cooker helps retain the moisture of the dish while allowing the pasta to cook evenly and absorb all the flavorful juices from the meat, tomatoes, salsa, and seasoning.
Customizable for All Tastes
One of the greatest strengths of this dish is how adaptable it is to various dietary needs and preferences. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, vegetarians, or those with dietary restrictions, there’s a way to tweak taco pasta to fit your audience.
Want to make it vegetarian? Swap out the ground beef for black beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative. Add extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to bulk it up.
Looking for a healthier option? Use lean turkey instead of beef, whole wheat pasta in place of white, and opt for low-sodium broth and cheese to control salt levels.
Spicy food lover? Go for a hot salsa, add a chopped jalapeño, or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the mix.
These customizations allow you to cater to various tastes while still maintaining the core identity of the dish—bold, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Taco pasta holds up extremely well as leftovers. In fact, some might argue it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld. This makes it a prime candidate for meal prepping. Simply portion the pasta into individual containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days—or freeze for up to 3 months.
The dish reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce. Whether you’re packing lunches for the week or planning ahead for a busy night, having taco pasta on hand ensures a quick and delicious meal is never too far away.
Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved
If you’ve got little ones at home, you know how difficult it can be to find meals that are both nutritious and kid-approved. Taco pasta hits the sweet spot. The mild salsa, creamy cheese, and familiar pasta shape make it easy for kids to enjoy without complaints. You can also let kids personalize their bowls with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips—making dinner fun and interactive.
Involving children in the preparation process (like letting them add the ingredients to the slow cooker or sprinkle cheese at the end) can also foster an early appreciation for cooking and healthy eating habits.
Topping Ideas to Elevate the Experience
What truly takes taco pasta to the next level are the garnishes and toppings. Much like traditional tacos, this dish shines when you customize it with extra flavors and textures. Here are some crowd-pleasing ideas:
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Sour cream for a cool, creamy contrast to the warm spices
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Fresh cilantro or green onions for a burst of color and herbal brightness
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Diced avocado or a dollop of guacamole for richness
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Crushed tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch
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Lime wedges to squeeze over the top and cut through the richness
These finishing touches allow each person to make their bowl their own, turning a simple meal into a flavorful experience.
Budget-Friendly and Pantry-Friendly
Another notable advantage of this recipe is its cost-effectiveness. Most of the ingredients—like canned tomatoes, salsa, pasta, and seasoning—are pantry staples. Ground beef and cheese are generally affordable, and you can easily scale up the recipe to feed a larger group without significantly increasing the cost.
In tough economic times or for those sticking to a grocery budget, meals like this prove that delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive.
Great for Entertaining and Potlucks
Taco pasta isn’t just for family dinners—it’s also a crowd-pleaser for gatherings. Its vibrant color, appealing aroma, and satisfying flavor make it ideal for potlucks, parties, and casual dinners with friends. You can double the batch in a larger slow cooker and keep it warm for guests to serve themselves buffet-style. Just set out some topping options, and you’ve got a self-serve taco pasta bar that’s sure to impress.
Nutritional Balance
While taco pasta is indulgent in flavor, it also provides a balanced nutritional profile. A typical serving contains approximately 500 calories, with 30 grams of protein, 45 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of fat. It also includes fiber from the vegetables and corn, and calcium from the cheese.
To make it even more nutrient-dense, consider adding more vegetables (like spinach, tomatoes, or zucchini) or using whole grain pasta for added fiber. It’s a smart, hearty meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for nutrition.
Conclusion
Easy Slow Cooker Taco Pasta is more than just a recipe—it’s a lifesaver for busy schedules, a crowd-pleaser at the dinner table, and a flavorful reminder that simple ingredients can create something truly satisfying. Its adaptability, ease of preparation, and deliciously bold taste make it a go-to meal for anyone craving comfort food with a twist.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner learning the ropes, this dish proves that creating a memorable meal doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, taco pasta is your ticket to a warm, hearty dinner that’s sure to earn a place in your regular recipe rotation.
So go ahead—grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that tastes like a celebration of taco night and pasta night rolled into one!