Irresistible Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe: Fiesta in a Pot

Comfort meets excitement in this hearty crockpot taco spaghetti that promises an unforgettable meal.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more interesting with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Pasta lovers will go crazy for this mash-up of Mexican and Italian cuisines.

Rich ground beef melds perfectly with tangy tomatoes and zesty spices.

Creamy cheese binds everything together in a bubbling, irresistible dish.

Simple ingredients create magic inside your slow cooker, turning ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Ready to revolutionize dinner with one pot of pure deliciousness?

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Made Simple

• Streamline Dinner Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, minimizing hands-on cooking time and reducing kitchen cleanup.
• Crowd-Pleasing Fusion: Combines the beloved flavors of tacos with classic spaghetti, creating a kid-friendly meal that satisfies picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.
• Low-Maintenance Cooking: Perfect for busy families or anyone seeking a stress-free meal solution that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• One-Pot Wonder: Simplifies the cooking process by allowing all ingredients to simmer together, developing rich, deep flavors without multiple pots and pans.

Gather Ingredients for Taco Spaghetti

• Ground Beef: A flavorful base that provides hearty texture and rich protein for the taco spaghetti.

• Taco Seasoning: Adds classic Mexican-inspired spices and depth of flavor to the dish.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Brings a zesty combination of diced tomatoes and green chilies for extra kick.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates a smooth, rich sauce that helps bind the ingredients together.
• Beef Broth: Provides additional moisture and enhances the overall meaty flavor.

• Spaghetti: The classic pasta that serves as the main carbohydrate and foundation of the recipe.
• Cheese: Adds creamy richness and a melty finish to the completed dish.

Cooking Instructions for Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

Step 1: Sizzle Savory Ground Beef

Heat a skillet and cook ground beef until it turns golden brown.

Remove any extra fat by draining the meat thoroughly.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

Move the browned beef into your slow cooker.

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

Mix everything together to create a rich, zesty base.

Step 3: Slow Cook Magic

Cover the crockpot and let it simmer on low heat for 4-5 hours.

This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 4: Introduce Pasta Goodness

Gently add spaghetti into the sauce, making sure every strand gets coated.

Press the pasta down so it’s completely submerged.

Continue cooking on low for 30-40 minutes until the pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Cheesy Finale

Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese across the top.

Let it melt beautifully into the dish.

Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the melted cheese evenly.

Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort meal that combines Mexican and Italian flavors.

Pro Tips for Taco Spaghetti Success

• Remove all excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner flavor profile.
• Snap spaghetti into smaller pieces before adding to crockpot for easier serving and more even cooking.
• Let cheese rest for 5 minutes after sprinkling to create a perfect melted texture that coats the entire dish.
• Adjust spiciness by choosing mild or hot Rotel tomatoes based on your family's preference for zesty flavors.
• Check pasta at 30 minutes to avoid mushy texture, testing for al dente doneness directly in the crockpot.

Ways to Customize Your Taco Spaghetti

• Vegetarian Fusion: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils for a protein-packed meat-free version that keeps the zesty taco flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, or use a hot taco seasoning blend to kick up the heat and create a more intense flavor profile.
• Lean Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter, lower-fat alternative that maintains the recipe's core taste.

Serving Suggestions for Taco Spaghetti

• Fiesta Family Dinner: Serve this hearty dish with warm, soft tortillas to scoop up extra sauce and soak up all the delicious flavors.
• Southwest Topping Bar: Set out bowls of chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced onions, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips for everyone to customize their plate.
• Fresh Side Kick: Pair with a crisp green salad topped with avocado slices and a zesty lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, meaty pasta.
• Crowd-Pleasing Combo: Complement the meal with Mexican street corn or a simple black bean side dish to round out this crowd-pleasing dinner.

Proper Storage for Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little broth or water to maintain moisture. Stir gently and frequently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid after cooking.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the type of Rotel tomatoes you choose. For mild flavor, use original Rotel; for more kick, select the hot or spicy version.

• Do I need to break the spaghetti before adding it to the crockpot?

Break spaghetti in half to help it fit better and cook more evenly in the slow cooker. This ensures all pasta gets properly cooked in the sauce.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and sauce mixture in advance and refrigerate. When ready to cook, add the pasta and finish in the crockpot.

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy crockpot taco spaghetti combines Mexican and Italian flavors in one hearty dish. Cheesy pasta with ground beef and zesty seasonings delivers comfort and convenience for busy home cooks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 packet taco seasoning

Tomato and Liquid Base:

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

Pasta and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) spaghetti, broken in half
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Sear ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned, eliminating any excess fat.
2. Relocate the meat to the crockpot and integrate taco seasoning, diced Rotel tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth, creating a rich, flavorful base.
3. Seal the crockpot and allow the mixture to simmer on low temperature for 4-5 hours, developing deep, complex flavors.
4. Gently introduce uncooked spaghetti into the liquid, ensuring each strand is completely immersed, and continue cooking on low for 30-40 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency.
5. Generously distribute shredded cheese across the top, letting it slowly melt and create a luxurious, creamy layer.
6. Gently fold the melted cheese into the pasta, blending all ingredients, and serve hot for a comforting, zesty meal.

Notes

• Prevent Mushy Pasta by breaking spaghetti noodles in half before adding to ensure even cooking and better texture in the slow cooker.
• Swap Ground Beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s robust flavor profile.
• Control Spice Level by selecting mild or hot taco seasoning and choosing original or fire-roasted Rotel tomatoes to customize heat intensity.
• Enhance Meal Prep by preparing this dish ahead and storing in airtight containers for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and making weeknight dinners easier.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 475 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 880 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg