Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with this incredibly easy and flavorful Crockpot Taco Pasta. This recipe is the ultimate “dump and go” meal, combining the savory goodness of tacos with the comforting appeal of a creamy pasta dish. It’s a one-pot wonder that your slow cooker does almost all the work for, making it a perfect choice for busy families and anyone who loves a delicious, low-effort meal. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s guaranteed to be a hit, this is it.
Why This Crockpot Taco Pasta Recipe is a Game-Changer
You’re going to love how simple and satisfying this dish is. We’re talking minimal prep time and a straightforward process that delivers maximum flavor. Unlike other recipes that can leave you with mushy pasta, our method ensures perfectly cooked noodles every time. It’s a versatile dish that’s easily customized, and the creamy, cheesy taco sauce is absolutely irresistible. This is the kind of comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds.
The Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We use common pantry staples to create a rich and savory meal. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Savory Meat Sauce
- Ground Beef: One pound of lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 works best) forms the hearty base.
- Taco Seasoning: One packet of your favorite taco seasoning brings that classic, zesty flavor.
- Salsa: Use your favorite jarred salsa—mild, medium, or hot—to add moisture and a tangy kick.
- Onion & Garlic: Finely chopped onion and minced garlic build a delicious aromatic foundation.
- Beef Broth: This adds richness to the sauce and is the cooking liquid for the pasta.
For the Creamy Pasta Finish
- Uncooked Pasta: Small pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work best as they hold the sauce well.
- Cream Cheese: This is the secret to an ultra-creamy, luscious sauce. Use the full-fat block for the best results.
- Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully into the pasta.
- Optional Toppings: Think fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for a final flourish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Crockpot Taco Pasta
Making this Crockpot Taco Pasta is incredibly simple. Just follow these steps for a perfect result every time.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef and onion mixture to your crockpot. Stir in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, salsa, and beef broth.
- Cook Low and Slow: 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 together beautifully.
- Add the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta. Ensure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Cover and continue to cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in the cubed cream cheese and shredded cheese until they are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the taco pasta hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or extra cheese.
Expert Tips for the Best Taco Pasta
Want to ensure your pasta is absolutely perfect? Here are a few expert tips to elevate this simple dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Check the pasta at the 30-minute mark. Slow cookers can vary, and you want to avoid mushy noodles. It should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Cubing the cream cheese and letting it sit out for about 20 minutes will help it melt faster and more evenly into the sauce.
- Spice It Up: For extra heat, add a can of diced green chiles, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or use a hot salsa. You could also try a spicy taco seasoning packet. For a different kind of flavor, try our deliciously spicy red curry.
Fun Variations to Try
This Crockpot Taco Pasta recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Here are a few fun ideas to switch things up:
- Protein Swap: Try using ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. For a richer flavor, consider using half ground beef and half chorizo.
- Add Veggies: Stir in a can of drained corn or black beans with the pasta for extra texture and nutrients.
- Make it a Bake: Transfer the finished pasta to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden. For another cheesy favorite, check out this creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe.
What to Serve With Your Taco Pasta
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad, like this Italian grinder salad, adds a fresh contrast. You can also serve it with garlic bread or a side of steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This Crockpot Taco Pasta makes for fantastic leftovers. Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen it up as it reheats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can fully cook it and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors often meld and taste even better the next day. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Certainly! Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent leaner alternatives to ground beef in this recipe. Simply follow the same instructions for browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker.
Yes, you absolutely can! The key is to add the dry pasta during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking on high heat. Make sure it’s fully submerged in the sauce to cook properly and absorb all the delicious flavors.
To prevent mushy pasta, add it at the end of the cooking time and start checking for doneness after 30 minutes. Cook it until it’s ‘al dente’—tender but still has a slight bite. It will continue to soften slightly as it sits in the hot sauce.
For the creamiest sauce, use a full-fat block of cream cheese and let it soften slightly at room temperature before adding. Stir it in at the very end until it’s completely melted and smooth. You can also add an extra splash of heavy cream if you desire an even richer sauce.
More Delicious Recipes To Try
If you loved how easy and delicious this crockpot recipe was, be sure to check out some of our other fan favorites. From sweet treats like our homemade hard candy to savory dinners like these Slow Cooker French Dip sandwiches, we have something for everyone!
Crockpot Taco Pasta Recipe
Crockpot Taco Pasta: The Easiest, Creamiest Recipe!
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, salsa, and beef broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours.
- Stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it's submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes, until pasta is al dente.
- Stir in the cubed cream cheese and shredded cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings like fresh cilantro or sour cream.
Notes
To prevent mushy pasta, begin checking for doneness at the 30-minute mark after adding it.
Feel free to add a can of drained corn or black beans along with the pasta for extra flavor and texture.
Share This Delicious Recipe!
We hope you love this Crockpot Taco Pasta as much as we do! If you make it, please feel free to leave a comment and rating below. We love hearing from you! For more easy and delicious recipe ideas, be sure to follow us on Pinterest.
