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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Sear ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned, eliminating any excess fat.
- Relocate the meat to the crockpot and integrate taco seasoning, diced Rotel tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth, creating a rich, flavorful base.
- Seal the crockpot and allow the mixture to simmer on low temperature for 4-5 hours, developing deep, complex flavors.
- 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.
- Generously distribute shredded cheese across the top, letting it slowly melt and create a luxurious, creamy layer.
- 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