If you’re looking for a dish that combines the comforting, hearty flavors of a traditional pasta dinner with the bold, exciting spices of a taco night, then Crockpot Taco Spaghetti is the perfect choice. This recipe is a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods — spaghetti and tacos — and it’s made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply want a convenient, flavorful meal to come home to, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights. Let your crockpot do the work while you enjoy the aroma of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and tender spaghetti that fills your kitchen.
Not only is this recipe incredibly easy, but it’s also a surefire hit with both adults and kids alike. The combination of taco-spiced beef, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a creamy, delicious meal that’s bound to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use your crockpot for a fuss-free dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:
- 1 lb ground beef: You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: Choose your preferred brand or make your own for more control over the spice level.
- 10 oz Rotel tomatoes (with green chilies): Adds a bit of heat and tang to the sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use regular diced tomatoes.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: A sharp cheddar works well to balance out the flavors, but you can opt for a Mexican blend or Monterey Jack.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This adds a creamy, gooey texture. Feel free to mix in other cheeses like pepper jack for extra spice.
- 4 cups beef broth: Provides a rich, savory base for cooking the pasta.
- 1 lb spaghetti, uncooked: You can use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta to fit your dietary needs.
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish): Adds a touch of freshness to the final dish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink. Break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once done, drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, coating the beef thoroughly. You can add a splash of water or beef broth if needed to help the seasoning stick.
- Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot:
- Add the seasoned ground beef to the bottom of the slow cooker. Next, pour in the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, spreading them evenly over the beef.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the beef mixture. This will melt into the beef and tomatoes, creating a rich and creamy sauce as it cooks.
- Add the Pasta and Broth:
- Break the spaghetti in half and spread it out evenly over the top of the cheese layer. Make sure the pasta is well-distributed so that it cooks evenly.
- Pour the beef broth over the spaghetti, ensuring that most of the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Stir gently to mix the ingredients slightly while keeping the layers intact.
- Slow Cook the Dish:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Every hour or so, give the spaghetti a stir to make sure the pasta is cooking evenly and not sticking to the bottom. The dish is done when the pasta is tender and the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the spaghetti is perfectly cooked, give the dish one final stir. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve the taco spaghetti warm, and feel free to top it with classic taco toppings like sour cream, diced avocado, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime.
Expert Cooking Tips
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep an eye on the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If the pasta absorbs too much liquid and becomes overcooked, it may become mushy. Stirring occasionally helps prevent this.
- Control the spice: If you’re cooking for kids or those sensitive to heat, consider using mild Rotel tomatoes or substituting with plain diced tomatoes. On the other hand, for heat lovers, add extra diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
- Cheese Variations: For a more complex flavor, mix in different cheeses like Colby Jack, Queso Blanco, or even some smoked Gouda. The creamier the cheese, the smoother the final dish.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to sneak in extra nutrition by adding vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans. These ingredients not only boost the flavor but also add texture and color to the dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Here’s a general estimate of the nutritional content per serving of Crockpot Taco Spaghetti:
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
This recipe provides a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, making it a filling, satisfying meal. However, for those watching their sodium intake, consider using a low-sodium taco seasoning or homemade seasoning mix.
Flavor Profile
The combination of taco seasoning with melty cheddar and mozzarella creates a creamy, rich sauce with just the right amount of spice. The Rotel tomatoes with green chilies give the dish a tangy kick, while the beef provides a hearty, savory base. Each bite offers a delicious contrast between the firm pasta and the saucy, cheesy goodness that clings to it. Garnishing with cilantro adds a fresh, zesty note that balances the richness of the dish.
Variations & Substitutions
- Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb option, substitute the spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. You’ll still get the comforting taco flavor without the extra carbs.
- Vegetarian Taco Spaghetti: To make this dish vegetarian, simply swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or black beans. You can also add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers to give it more texture.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta like rice noodles or a chickpea-based pasta. Be sure to adjust the cooking time as gluten-free pastas may require less time to become tender.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is rich and filling on its own, but you can complement it with side dishes or toppings for a complete meal. Here are some serving ideas:
- Taco toppings: Set up a small toppings bar with options like sour cream, diced tomatoes, salsa, shredded lettuce, jalapeños, and guacamole. Let everyone customize their serving!
- Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with a lime vinaigrette is the perfect refreshing side to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Cornbread or Tortilla Chips: Serve with warm cornbread or crunchy tortilla chips for dipping into the cheesy sauce.
- Beverage Pairings: A light beer or a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime is a great drink pairing to cut through the creamy texture of the pasta.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
This Crockpot Taco Spaghetti keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the spaghetti has soaked up too much liquid, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up during reheating.
For freezing, let the dish cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
