The Zesty Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe Everyone Loves

My weeknight meal planning just got a serious boost with this crockpot taco spaghetti that combines two beloved comfort foods into one delicious dish.

Pasta lovers will adore how Mexican and Italian flavors mingle perfectly in this simple recipe.

Slow cooking creates magical moments of tender noodles swimming in zesty seasonings.

Quick ingredients like ground beef, tomatoes, and cheese make assembly a breeze.

taco seasoning adds that signature kick we all crave in a hearty meal.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment for busy families seeking something different.

You can practically smell the aromatic spices bubbling away while this incredible one-pot wonder cooks itself to perfection.

Grab a fork and prepare to be amazed by this game-changing dinner solution!

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Insights

• Savor Quick Comfort: Dive into a creamy pasta dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something deliciously satisfying.
• Master Simple Gourmet: Impress family and friends with a restaurant-quality meal using basic ingredients and minimal cooking skills, transforming ordinary pasta into an extraordinary experience.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, swap cheeses, or add protein like chicken or shrimp to make this recipe uniquely yours, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their perfect plate.
• Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Guaranteed to win over both kids and adults with its rich, cheesy sauce and mild flavors that appeal to multiple taste preferences without complicated techniques.

Ingredients Required For Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

• Ground Beef: A lean protein that adds rich flavor and hearty texture to the taco spaghetti.

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that absorbs the delicious taco-inspired sauce and provides a comforting base for the dish.

• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the dish its signature Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes that add moisture and a tangy, bright taste to the recipe.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides a smooth, rich base for the sauce and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Broth: Adds liquid and depth of flavor to ensure the pasta cooks perfectly and stays moist.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating a creamy and indulgent finish to the dish.
• Sour Cream, Avocado: Optional fresh toppings that add extra creaminess and freshness.

How To Make Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook ground beef until it’s completely browned. Make sure to break up the meat into small crumbles while cooking.

Drain off any excess grease from the pan to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.

Step 2: Combine Flavor Base

Transfer the cooked beef into the crockpot.

• Taco seasoning
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Broth

Stir everything together until the beef is well coated with the seasonings and sauces.

Step 3: Initial Slow Cooking

Cover the crockpot and let it cook.

If using low setting, cook for 3 hours. If using high setting, cook for 1.5 hours. This allows the flavors to develop and blend together beautifully.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Continue Cooking

Break the spaghetti into smaller pieces and add directly into the crockpot. Gently stir to ensure the pasta is completely submerged in the liquid.

Cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the dish. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely and create a creamy, gooey topping.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Sour cream
• Diced avocado
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños

Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, flavor-packed meal!

Helpful Notes For Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
• Break spaghetti into smaller pieces before adding to ensure even cooking and easier serving.
• Stir pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and achieve consistent texture.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter alternative.
• Top with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or green onions for extra flavor and color boost.

Flavorful Options For Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

• Chicken Fiesta: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken breasts, using taco seasoning for a lighter protein option.
• Vegetarian Mexican: Swap beef with black beans, diced bell peppers, and corn for a meat-free version packed with plant-based protein.
• Spicy Southwest: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and increase taco seasoning for a bolder, more intense flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Zest: Substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.

Recommended Sides For Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

• Fiesta Taco Spaghetti Party Platter
• Create a build-your-own taco spaghetti bar with small bowls of chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced onions, and crushed tortilla chips. Guests can customize their plates with fresh toppings for a fun, interactive meal.
• Tex-Mex Dinner Night
• Pair the spaghetti with warm cornbread, a crisp side salad with lime vinaigrette, and refreshing Mexican-style street corn. This complete meal brings vibrant flavors and textures to the dinner table.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser
• Serve in individual mini cast-iron skillets or colorful ceramic dishes. Top with extra cheese, green onions, and a dollop of salsa for a hearty game day dish that feeds a hungry crowd with minimal effort.

Storing Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Correctly

• Store leftover Crockpot Taco Spaghetti in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Transfer cooled spaghetti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Warm in microwave with a splash of extra broth to prevent drying. Stir halfway through heating to ensure even temperature distribution.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Warm in microwave or skillet, adding extra liquid to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure consistent heating.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe. Simply cook and drain it the same way as ground beef.

• Do I need to pre-cook the spaghetti before adding to the crockpot?

No, you’ll break the spaghetti into pieces and add it directly to the crockpot. It will cook right in the liquid with the meat and seasonings.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

Not in its current form. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti and ensuring your taco seasoning is gluten-free.

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot taco spaghetti delivers a mouthwatering fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisines. Cheese-laden noodles and spicy ground beef combine for a comforting meal families will crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 oz (226 g) spaghetti, broken in half
• 1 can (10 oz / 280 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (8 oz / 226 g) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken or beef broth
• sour cream (optional)
• fresh cilantro (optional)
• diced avocado (optional)

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked, carefully draining away excess fat.
2. Relocate seasoned meat to the crockpot, incorporating taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth into a harmonious mixture.
3. Simmer the sauce on low temperature for 3 hours or high heat for 1.5 hours to develop rich flavors.
4. Gently introduce broken spaghetti strands into the sauce, ensuring complete submersion, and continue cooking for 30-40 minutes while occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
5. Once pasta reaches perfect tenderness, generously scatter shredded cheese across the surface, allowing it to melt and create a luxurious creamy layer.
6. After cheese melts completely, remove from crockpot and plate immediately, garnishing with optional toppings like tangy sour cream or creamy avocado slices for added texture and freshness.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning or adding a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers.
• For a leaner version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content.
• Use gluten-free spaghetti or replace pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Prepare the dish ahead of time by browning beef and mixing ingredients the night before, then slow-cooking in the morning for a convenient meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg