Crockpot Cheesy Taco Pasta

Looking for an easy slow cooker dinner the whole family will love? This Slow Cooker Cheesy Taco Pasta combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, taco seasoning, and plenty of melted cheese for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

this recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 oz packet taco seasoning
• ½ green bell pepper, diced
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or water)
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
• 1 cup frozen fire roasted corn
• 8 oz medium pasta shells
• 1 ½ cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped cilantro, for topping

Step By Step Instructions

STEP ONE – Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef, onions, and garlic until the beef is brown and onions soften. Drain any excess grease.

STEP TWO – Stir in the taco seasoning. Transfer the beef and onion mixture into the Crockpot.

STEP THREE – Add the bell peppers, chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and the frozen corn.

STEP FOUR – Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

STEP FIVE – During the last 30 minutes, stir in the uncooked pasta shells. Continue cooking for 20-30 minutes, until noodles are tender.

STEP SIX – Add the shredded cheese. Gently stir to combine. Cover and let heat for 5-10 minutes to melt the cheese.

STEP SEVEN – Top with chopped cilantro and serve.

Recipe Tips & Variations

Recipe Tips & Variations

Browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker adds extra flavor and helps keep the meat from clumping together. It’s a step worth taking for the best results.

Change up the protein by using ground turkey or ground Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

For extra heartiness, stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans.

Shell pasta works great, but you can easily substitute macaroni, penne, rotini, or cavatappi. Spaghetti is another delicious option if you’d like to turn it into taco spaghetti.

If you’d rather cook the pasta separately, reduce the broth or water in the slow cooker by about 1 cup. Cook the pasta on the stovetop until al dente, then stir it into the slow cooker just before serving.

Like a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, or stir in diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. Rotel is available in mild, original, and hot, so choose the variety that suits your taste.