Spice Up Dinner: Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe That Wows

Mixing crockpot taco spaghetti brings together two comfort food favorites in one incredible dish.

Slow cookers simplify meal preparation for busy households.

Pasta lovers will adore this simple one-pot wonder that combines zesty Mexican flavors with classic Italian ingredients.

Lean ground beef and tangy seasonings create a mouthwatering blend you cannot resist.

Cheese melts perfectly throughout this hearty meal, adding creamy richness to every bite.

Weeknight dinners become exciting with this effortless recipe that satisfies everyone around the table.

Let’s dig into a meal that promises convenience and bold, delicious flavor.

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Flavor Explosion

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, creating a hearty meal with minimal hands-on preparation.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and filling rice, this dish delivers a balanced meal in a single comforting pot.
• Kid-Approved Comfort Food: Cheesy, creamy texture and mild flavors make this recipe a crowd-pleaser that children and adults will love, perfect for family gatherings.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using a single crockpot means fewer dishes to wash, saving time and reducing kitchen mess after a delicious meal.

Ingredients For Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the base of the taco-inspired dish.
• Taco Seasoning: A zesty blend of spices that adds classic Mexican-inspired flavor to the ground beef.

• Diced Tomatoes: Provide a tangy and juicy foundation for the sauce.
• Salsa: Adds extra texture and a spicy kick to the dish.
• Beef Broth: Creates a rich and moist cooking liquid for the pasta.

• Spaghetti: The main carbohydrate that absorbs the flavorful sauce and creates a unique pasta dish.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds creaminess and a melty texture to the final dish.

• Sour Cream, Avocado, Cilantro: Fresh garnishes that add additional flavor, creaminess, and freshness to the final presentation.

Step-By-Step Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Preparation

Step 1: Sear and Season Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef. Drain away any extra grease and sprinkle with zesty taco seasoning, ensuring the meat is evenly coated and packed with flavor.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Salsa
• Beef broth

Stir everything together to create a mouthwatering sauce that will infuse the pasta with incredible taste.

Step 3: Prepare the Pasta

Snap spaghetti noodles in half and gently lay them across the beef mixture. Press the pasta slightly into the liquid without stirring, allowing it to absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. Occasionally stir the contents to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Create Cheesy Goodness

Once pasta is tender, fold in a blend of shredded cheeses until they melt into a creamy, dreamy sauce that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Dish out the spaghetti immediately and top with your favorite extras like sour cream, sliced avocado, or fresh cilantro for a restaurant-worthy meal.

Cooking Advice For Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

• Break spaghetti into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking and easier serving in the crockpot.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the dish healthier.
• Use low-sodium taco seasoning and beef broth to control salt levels in the recipe.
• Stir pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot.
• Add fresh toppings like diced green onions or jalapeños for extra flavor and crunch.

Variations To Try With Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

• Spicy Southwest Spaghetti: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo and add diced green chiles for extra heat. Include pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.
• Chicken Fiesta Pasta: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken and mix in black beans for protein-packed variation. Top with fresh pico de gallo.
• Vegetarian Mexican Noodles: Use plant-based ground meat substitute or hearty black beans instead of beef. Add roasted corn and bell peppers for robust flavor.
• Seafood Taco Spaghetti: Substitute ground beef with cooked shrimp or white fish. Incorporate lime juice and use lighter Mexican-style cheese blend for coastal flair.

Best Complements For Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

• Fiesta Pasta Night Delight
• Serve this zesty crockpot taco spaghetti in colorful individual bowls for a festive family dinner. Top with fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and crispy tortilla strips for added crunch.
• Taco Tuesday Twist
• Transform your classic taco night by presenting this one-pot wonder as a hearty casserole-style meal. Sprinkle extra cheese, diced jalapeños, and a drizzle of hot sauce for adventurous eaters who love bold flavors.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser
• Prepare this dish for sports gatherings or potlucks in a large serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions, crumbled queso fresco, and a side of warm garlic bread to make it extra satisfying for hungry guests.

Storing Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Correctly

• Transfer leftover taco spaghetti to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Freeze the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for maximum 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time and prevent forgotten meals.
• Warm refrigerated portions in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed, preventing dry or tough pasta.
• Divide leftovers into individual serving sizes before storing, making it easier to thaw and reheat exactly what you need without waste.

FAQs

• Why should I break the spaghetti in half?

Breaking spaghetti helps it fit better in the crockpot and ensures even cooking, preventing long strands from sticking out or cooking unevenly.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different flavor and protein option.

• How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot?

Stir occasionally during cooking and make sure there’s enough liquid in the pot to keep the pasta from drying out and sticking.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and salsa you use. Choose mild versions if you prefer less heat, or opt for spicier options if you like more kick.

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot taco spaghetti delivers Mexican-inspired comfort with minimal effort. Cheesy noodles and seasoned ground beef create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 8 oz (226 g) spaghetti, uncooked
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
• 1 can (10 oz / 280 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 cup (240 ml) salsa
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Sour cream (optional)
• Diced avocado (optional)
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, then drain excess fat and incorporate taco seasoning thoroughly.
2. Transfer seasoned beef to crockpot and pour in diced tomatoes, salsa, and beef broth, mixing ingredients evenly.
3. Carefully snap spaghetti into halves and layer over the liquid mixture, gently pressing pasta beneath the surface without stirring.
4. Cover and cook on high temperature for 2 hours or low temperature for 4 hours, occasionally rotating pasta to prevent clumping.
5. When pasta reaches al dente consistency, sprinkle shredded cheese varieties across the surface and allow them to melt completely.
6. Immediately transfer to serving dishes and customize with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, creamy sour cream, or sliced avocado.

Notes

• Prevent pasta sticking by using a non-stick crockpot liner or generously spraying the pot with cooking spray before adding ingredients.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease and make the dish healthier without compromising flavor.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta varieties like chickpea or rice noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Enhance protein content by adding black beans or swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for versatile meal options.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 530 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg