The Irresistible Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe Everyone Loves

Weeknight dinners demand a game-changing solution that satisfies hunger and saves time, and this crockpot taco spaghetti delivers deliciousness in every single bite.

Comfort food meets Mexican-inspired flavors in a single pot, creating magic with minimal effort.

Tender pasta absorbs rich, zesty seasonings while slow-cooking transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Ground beef melds seamlessly with tomatoes and spices, promising a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, letting you relax while an incredible dinner practically makes itself.

This one-pot wonder combines the best of two beloved dishes into a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both easy and irresistible.

Dinner just got a whole lot more exciting – and delicious.

Taco Spaghetti Mix-In Variations

• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor.
• Chicken Taco Transformation: Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken breast for a leaner protein option that keeps the zesty southwestern profile.
• Gluten-Free Pasta Alternative: Use gluten-free spaghetti or spiralized zucchini noodles to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Hack: Swap traditional spaghetti with cauliflower rice or cauliflower noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while preserving the classic taco-inspired taste.

Serving Taco Spaghetti Family Style

• Fiesta Plate Presentation: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and sliced green onions over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
• Creamy Comfort Finish: Add a dollop of cool sour cream or tangy Greek yogurt to balance the spicy taco-inspired pasta.
• Crunch Factor Topping: Scatter crushed tortilla chips or crispy jalapeño strips for an exciting textural contrast that elevates each bite.
• Side Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp Mexican-style salad with lime vinaigrette or warm garlic bread to complete the meal.

Storing Taco Spaghetti for Easy Reheating

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Cool completely, then place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe uses Rotel tomatoes, which can add a mild kick. You can control the heat by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning and Rotel variety.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe without changing the overall flavor profile.

• Do I need to pre-cook the spaghetti before adding it to the crockpot?

No, you’ll break the spaghetti and add it directly to the crockpot uncooked. The liquid and cooking time will soften the pasta perfectly.

• What cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese are ideal. They melt smoothly and complement the taco-style flavors well, adding a creamy texture to the dish.

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Fun Factor

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and walk away, letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you tackle other tasks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combines the beloved tastes of tacos and spaghetti in one comforting dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Minimal Cleanup Required: Uses just one pot for cooking, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time on dishwashing.
• Customize with Ease: Offers flexible topping options like sour cream, cilantro, or extra cheese, allowing everyone to personalize their meal.

Ingredients for Taco Spaghetti Lovers

• Ground Beef: A hearty base that provides rich flavor and substantial texture to the dish.

• Rotel, Tomato Sauce, Beef Broth: Canned ingredients that add moisture, tanginess, and depth of flavor to the recipe.

• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that infuses the dish with classic Mexican-inspired taste.
• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the main carbohydrate component of this recipe.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy richness and a melty finish to the dish.

• Sour Cream, Fresh Cilantro: Provides additional freshness and a cool contrast to the warm, spicy main dish.

Steps for Easy Taco Spaghetti in a Crockpot

Step 1: Sizzle and Sear the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned.

Drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Create a Flavor Explosion

• Taco seasoning
• Rotel tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth

Stir everything together to create a mouthwatering base for your meal.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Magic

Let the crockpot work its wonder by cooking on low heat for 3-4 hours or on high heat for 2 hours.

This allows all the flavors to mingle and dance together.

Step 4: Pasta Power

Break the spaghetti into smaller pieces and add them directly to the crockpot.

Mix thoroughly to ensure every strand gets cozy with the beef mixture.

Cook for an additional 30-40 minutes on high, giving it an occasional stir to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Cheese Transformation

When the spaghetti reaches perfect tenderness, sprinkle in the shredded cheese.

Stir until it melts completely, creating a creamy, dreamy texture that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out the taco spaghetti while it’s hot and steamy.

Feel free to top with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for an extra burst of flavor.

Get ready for a crowd-pleasing meal that combines the best of tacos and pasta!

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Tips for Flavor

• Remove as much fat as possible to prevent a greasy texture and ensure a cleaner, more robust flavor profile.
• Snap pasta into similar-sized pieces to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent some noodles from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Let cheese sit for a few minutes after stirring to create a smooth, creamy consistency that coats the pasta perfectly.
• Adjust taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños to increase heat for spice lovers or keep it mild for sensitive palates.
• Store in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering Crockpot Taco Spaghetti combines zesty Mexican flavors with classic pasta comfort. Cheesy, spicy, and incredibly easy, this one-pot wonder delivers hearty satisfaction that makes dinner deliciously simple for hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 8 ounces (227 grams) spaghetti, broken in half
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Tomato and Broth Ingredients:

• 1 can (10 ounces / 283 grams) Rotel tomatoes (with green chilies)
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth

Cheese and Optional Toppings:

• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: sour cream
• Optional toppings: diced green onions
• Optional toppings: fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet, eliminating excess grease for a leaner dish.
2. Transfer seasoned meat to crockpot and incorporate zesty Rotel, robust tomato sauce, and savory beef broth.
3. Allow flavors to meld by slow-cooking on low temperature for 3-4 hours or high for 2 hours.
4. Gently introduce broken spaghetti strands into the crockpot, ensuring even distribution throughout the meaty mixture.
5. Continue cooking for 30-40 minutes on high heat, periodically stirring to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
6. When pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, fold in shredded cheese until completely melted and creating a creamy consistency.
7. Plate the steaming taco spaghetti and garnish with optional fresh toppings like tangy sour cream or chopped cilantro for added brightness.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning or choosing mild/hot Rotel tomatoes for different heat preferences.
• Break spaghetti into smaller pieces before adding to ensure even cooking and easier serving in the crockpot.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content.
• Enhance protein by adding black beans or drained corn kernels during the cooking process for extra nutrition and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 445 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg