The Ultimate Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe You’ll Crave Forever

Nothing beats a cozy weeknight crockpot taco spaghetti that combines two beloved comfort foods into one incredible dish.

Pasta lovers will go crazy for this magical mashup of Mexican and Italian flavors.

Cheesy, spicy, and ridiculously easy to prepare, this meal comes together with minimal effort.

Ground beef melts into a rich sauce that coats every single noodle perfectly.

Forget complicated dinner plans because this recipe simplifies your evening cooking routine.

Cheese, salsa, and tender pasta create a crowd-pleasing meal you can’t resist.

Scoop up this delightful dinner and watch everyone ask for seconds!

How to Prepare Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Grab your skillet and sizzle ground beef over medium heat until it turns a delicious golden brown. Tip out any extra grease to keep things lean and tasty.

Step 2: Spice Up The Meat

Shake in taco seasoning and give the beef a good mix, making sure every morsel gets coated with zesty flavor.

Step 3: Transfer To Crockpot

Slide the seasoned beef into your trusty crockpot.

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth

Stir everything together so the flavors start mingling.

Step 4: First Slow Cook

Pop the lid on and let the crockpot work its magic on low heat for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to develop and dance.

Step 5: Add Spaghetti

Gently nestle the spaghetti into the liquid, making sure it’s completely submerged. Cover and continue cooking on low for another 1-2 hours, giving an occasional stir to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

When the pasta reaches perfect tenderness, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top. Cover and cook for 5 more minutes until the cheese melts into gooey goodness.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Dish out your creation and let everyone customize with optional toppings.

Insider Tips for Taco Spaghetti Perfection

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
• Use whole wheat spaghetti for added nutrition and a heartier texture.
• Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking in the crockpot.
• Adjust liquid amounts if using different pasta types to maintain perfect consistency.
• Customize heat levels by choosing mild or spicy taco seasoning based on family preferences.

Delicious Twists on Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils for a plant-based protein option. Follow the same cooking method, adjusting liquid as needed.
• Gluten-Free Fiesta: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free and use appropriate substitutes.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced green chilies, increase taco seasoning, or incorporate chipotle peppers for an extra kick of heat and flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use spiralized vegetables like spaghetti squash instead of pasta. Reduce cooking time and monitor liquid absorption to prevent overcooking.

Pairing Suggestions for Taco Spaghetti

• Fiesta Night Feast: Pile the taco spaghetti into warm tortillas for a handheld meal that's perfect for casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Loaded Taco Bowl: Serve the spaghetti in deep bowls, topped with crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, and a generous dollop of sour cream for a hearty dinner option.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Transform the dish into a nacho-style appetizer by spreading it on a large platter, adding extra cheese, and garnishing with fresh green onions and sliced jalapeños.
• Meal Prep Magic: Package individual portions in sealed containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch that brings exciting Mexican-Italian fusion flavors to your workweek.

Best Practices for Storing Taco Spaghetti

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to a storage container.
• Avoid leaving the spaghetti at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you use. If you want less heat, choose a mild taco seasoning or make your own with reduced chili powder.

• Do I need to precook the spaghetti?

No, the spaghetti cooks directly in the crockpot with the other ingredients, absorbing all the delicious flavors during the cooking process.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free spaghetti or another gluten-free pasta alternative to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti That Wows

• Simplify Meal Preparation: Combine taco and pasta flavors in one easy dish, eliminating the need for multiple cooking steps and reducing kitchen cleanup.
• Kid-Approved Comfort Food: Merges two beloved foods – tacos and spaghetti – creating a crowd-pleasing meal that delights children and adults alike with its familiar, hearty taste.
• Hands-Off Cooking Method: Leverage the crockpot's slow-cooking magic to develop rich, deep flavors while allowing you to multitask or relax during meal preparation.
• Customize with Ease: Top with favorite garnishes like sour cream, cilantro, or jalapenos to personalize the dish and cater to individual taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Taco Spaghetti

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the taco spaghetti.
• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the base of this comforting one-pot meal.
• Taco Seasoning: A flavorful blend that gives the dish its signature Mexican-inspired taste.

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and a tangy freshness to the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates a smooth, rich base for the dish.
• Beef Broth: Provides depth of flavor and helps cook the pasta.

• Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Cilantro, Jalapenos: Optional garnishes that add extra flavor, creaminess, and a fresh kick to the final dish.

Hearty Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Crockpot Taco Spaghetti blends Mexican and Italian cuisine into one comforting dish. Ground beef, pasta, and zesty seasonings merge for a simple weeknight dinner that families will devour with enthusiasm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) ground beef

Pasta and Seasoning:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti, broken in half
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Sauces and Liquids:

• 1 can (10 ounces/284 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (8 ounces/227 grams) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth

Cheese and Optional Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream (optional)
• Chopped cilantro (optional)
• Diced tomatoes (optional)
• Sliced jalapenos (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium flame and thoroughly brown ground beef, discarding any accumulated fat.
2. Incorporate taco seasoning into the meat, ensuring even distribution and robust flavor infusion.
3. Migrate seasoned beef into crockpot, introducing diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth while gently integrating all components.
4. Secure crockpot lid and simmer on low temperature for 120 minutes, allowing flavors to meld harmoniously.
5. Gently submerge spaghetti into liquid mixture, guaranteeing complete coverage and preventing pasta from protruding above surface.
6. Continue cooking for an additional 60-90 minutes, intermittently stirring to prevent potential sticking and ensure uniform pasta tenderness.
7. During final cooking stage, cascade shredded cheddar cheese across dish’s surface, allowing five minutes for complete melting and subtle cheese integration.
8. Garnish with optional embellishments such as tangy sour cream, fresh cilantro sprigs, or zesty sliced jalapenos to elevate culinary presentation.

Notes

• Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned to enhance flavor and prevent raw meat texture.
• Drain excess fat completely to avoid greasy, heavy dish and maintain clean taste profile.
• Use low-sodium taco seasoning for better control of salt content, especially for health-conscious individuals.
• Whole wheat spaghetti works great for added nutrition and a healthier twist on this comfort meal.
• Break spaghetti noodles in half before adding to crockpot for easier stirring and more even cooking.
• For gluten-free version, substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles.
• Allow slight extra cooking time if using frozen ground beef to guarantee proper meat and pasta doneness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg