Description
Looking for a comforting yet exciting dinner option that’s easy to prepare and bursting with bold Tex-Mex flavor? This Quick Crockpot Taco Pasta is a slow cooker favorite combining taco-seasoned ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a cheesy, creamy finish. It’s a quick dinner, perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or meal prep. With ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, this dish delivers satisfying taste without the hassle. Add it to your list of easy dinner ideas, hearty food recipes, or simple crockpot meals and enjoy the best of tacos and pasta in one delicious pot!
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
15 oz can corn, drained
8 oz can tomato sauce
1 packet taco seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups beef broth
2 cups uncooked pasta shells
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess grease. Add diced onions and minced garlic, and sauté for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
2. Place the cooked beef, onions, and garlic into the crockpot. Add diced tomatoes, corn, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), and beef broth. Stir everything until well combined.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta shells. Re-cover and cook on HIGH for 25–30 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally if possible.
5. Once pasta is cooked, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
Add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers to restore the sauciness.
Make it extra creamy by stirring in 1/4 cup of cream cheese or sour cream at the end.
For a veggie boost, add diced bell peppers or black beans along with the corn.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 60mg