Slow Cooker Taco Pasta
235
18
1.30k
Why make this recipe
There are countless reasons to try slow cooker taco pasta, as this dish combines comfort and convenience effortlessly. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but it’s also budget-friendly and packed with flavor. With its hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. Plus, kids typically love the cheesy, saucy mix, making this a surefire hit at the dinner table. You may also find 4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Pasta useful.
"This is my go-to meal for busy weeknights! It’s quick to toss together, and everyone loves it." You may also find 4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Italian Tomato Pasta useful.
How to make Slow Cooker Taco Pasta
So, what does it take to create this delicious taco pasta? The process is straightforward and only requires a few simple steps: chopping, browning, mixing, and slow cooking. You may also find Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions Pasta useful.
- First, brown your ground beef in a skillet until it’s well-cooked.
- Drain excess fat and rinse the beef to keep it light.
- In your slow cooker, combine the browned beef, beef broth, taco seasoning, onion, green and red peppers, garlic, and pasta sauce.
- Stir everything thoroughly, place the lid on, and set it to low for 3 to 4 hours.
- After that, add the softened cream cheese and let it cook for another 30 minutes.
- Lastly, mix in the pre-cooked medium shell pasta and shredded cheese, cover, and let it cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until melted.
With just a few easy steps, you’ll be enjoying a scrumptious meal that warms the heart.
Ingredients
To prepare your slow cooker taco pasta, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 14 oz beef broth
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning
- 1 large green pepper (chopped)
- 1 large red pepper (chopped)
- 1 large sweet onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 24 oz pasta sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 6 cups medium shell pasta (cooked)
- 12 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: sour cream, chopped peppers, salsa, avocado, parsley or cilantro
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients; for instance, you could substitute ground turkey for a lighter option or adjust the spices to your taste.
Directions
To create this delicious taco pasta, follow these detailed steps:
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown your ground beef over medium heat, ensuring it’s fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and rinse with water to keep it lean.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, followed by taco seasoning, chopped onion, both types of peppers, minced garlic, and pasta sauce. Stir well to integrate the flavors.
- Slow Cook: Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for about 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Cream Cheese: After 3 to 4 hours, stir in the cream cheese and let it melt for about 30 minutes.
- Mix in Pasta: Finally, add the cooked medium shell pasta and the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover and cook for another 20 to 30 minutes, just until the cheese is fully melted. Stir everything together to ensure a creamy consistency.
- Serve: Once ready, transfer to a large serving bowl, garnish with parsley or cilantro, and let everyone serve themselves with optional toppings like sour cream and salsa.
This method makes for a hassle-free dinner that everyone will love.
How to serve Slow Cooker Taco Pasta
When it comes to serving slow cooker taco pasta, creativity can elevate your dish. Consider pairing it with a fresh green salad to balance the richness, or serve it with tortilla chips for a fun crunch. You might also want to create a taco bar where everyone can customize their bowls with garnishes like avocado, cheese, or salsa.
How to store
The best way to ensure your taco pasta remains fresh is by following proper storage practices. Allow the leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you wish to keep them longer, consider freezing individual portions; they can last up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to make
Here are a few extra tips to enhance your slow cooker taco pasta experience:
- Beef Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lighter meal, ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully as substitutes for beef.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a delightful vegetarian twist.
Variations
Feel free to get creative by adding different ingredients or adjusting flavors to suit your taste! For instance, you may include corn or black beans for added nutrition. Experimenting with various toppings, such as guacamole or pico de gallo, can also enhance the dining experience.
FAQs
How long does it take to prepare slow cooker taco pasta?
Preparation takes about 15-20 minutes, while cooking time varies from 3 to 4 hours depending on your slow cooker setting.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily replace the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or quinoa for a nutritious vegetarian option.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you may substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt, though the texture might vary slightly.
Conclusion
Slow cooker taco pasta is an easy, yet delightful dish perfect for busy weeknights. If you’re looking for more variations or similar recipes, check out Easy Slow Cooker Taco Pasta – Kristine’s Kitchen, or explore Slow Cooker Taco Pasta – Cravings of a Lunatic. For those who enjoy cheesy pasta, you might also love Slow Cooker Cheesy Taco Pasta – Persnickety Plates. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Taco Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and rinse the beef with water.
- Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Add the beef broth, taco seasoning, chopped onion, both chopped peppers, minced garlic, and pasta sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low for 3 to 4 hours.
- After 3 to 4 hours, stir in the softened cream cheese and let it melt for about 30 minutes.
- Add the pre-cooked medium shell pasta and shredded cheddar cheese. Cover and cook for another 20 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Transfer to a large serving bowl, garnish with parsley or cilantro, and serve with optional toppings like sour cream and salsa.
