Slow Cooker Taco Pasta – Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Easy Slow Cooker Taco Pasta recipe. This delectable dish combines the savory goodness of tacos with the creamy satisfaction of pasta, resulting in a culinary masterpiece that will leave your taste buds begging for more. With a perfect blend of ground beef, zesty salsa, and a hint of heat from taco seasoning, this recipe is a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes. Get ready to embark on a flavor-filled journey that will keep you coming back for seconds!
Picture this: it’s a chilly winter evening, and the aroma of a mouthwatering meal fills the air. As I lovingly prepared our Easy Slow Cooker Taco Pasta, the anticipation grew. This recipe has become a beloved favorite in our household, especially for my husband and our little family. There’s something magical about the way the flavors meld together during the slow cooking process, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
Every time we prepare this recipe, it takes us back to the first time we tried it. We couldn’t get enough of the tender ground beef, the vibrant bell peppers, and the explosion of flavors from the crushed tomatoes and jarred salsa. The addition of corn and the perfect blend of spices in the homemade taco seasoning added an irresistible touch. And let’s not forget the moment when we stirred in the cheddar cheese, watching it melt and envelop the pasta in a creamy embrace. It was love at first bite, and it has since become a staple in our home, bringing us together around the dinner table.
Why This Recipe Will Win You Over?
- Fusion of Flavors: Our Easy Slow Cooker Taco Pasta takes the best elements of tacos and pasta, blending them harmoniously to create a symphony of flavors. With the perfect balance of spices, hearty ground beef, and a medley of vegetables, this dish is a true celebration of taste.
- Effortless Preparation: The slow cooker does all the work for you, making this recipe a breeze to prepare. Simply brown the ground beef, combine the ingredients in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. It’s a time-saving wonder that allows you to focus on other things while the tantalizing aromas fill your kitchen.
- Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to personalize this recipe to suit your taste. Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing mild or hot salsa, or experiment with different types of pasta shapes to add variety to your meals. The possibilities are endless, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
- Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults alike. It’s a fantastic way to introduce new flavors to picky eaters, as the familiar taco elements are combined with the beloved comfort of pasta. Prepare for smiles around the table and empty plates all around!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (454 grams)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes (425 grams)
- 1 cup jarred salsa, mild or your preferred heat level
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained (425 grams)
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (see our easy recipe below)
- 2 ½ cups water or low-sodium chicken broth (590 grams) – Alternatively, use 1 can (14.5 ounces) of chicken broth plus enough water to reach 2 ½ cups
- 12 ounces shell pasta shapes, whole grain or white (340 grams)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season it with salt and pepper. Cook the beef, stirring often, until it’s browned. Transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker.
Add the chopped bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, jarred salsa, drained corn, taco seasoning, and water or chicken broth to the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook the mixture for 5-6 hours, or you can set it to high heat and cook for 2-3 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and meld together.
Once the cooking time is almost up, stir in the shell pasta. Cook on high heat for an additional 10-20 minutes. The cooking time for the pasta may vary depending on your slow cooker, so begin checking for doneness at around 10 minutes. The pasta should be tender but still slightly firm.
Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy coating for the pasta and beef mixture.
Serve your Easy Slow Cooker Taco Pasta while it’s still warm and enjoy the wonderful blend of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Notes:
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences. You can add additional spices like garlic powder, cumin, or chili powder to enhance the flavors further.
- For a healthier twist, you can use whole grain shell pasta or even substitute with a gluten-free pasta if desired.
- This recipe is a great opportunity to sneak in some extra vegetables. Consider adding diced onions, zucchini, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
In conclusion, our Easy Slow Cooker Taco Pasta recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines the best of both worlds: the bold flavors of tacos and the comforting allure of pasta. It’s a dish that brings families together, creating lasting memories around the dinner table. The convenience of the slow cooker makes it effortless to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
With each bite, you’ll savor the tender ground beef, the vibrant bell peppers, and the harmonious blend of spices that make this dish truly exceptional. The creamy cheddar cheese adds a luscious finishing touch, enveloping the pasta in a delightful layer of richness.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests at a gathering, our Easy Slow Cooker Taco Pasta is a guaranteed hit. Its versatility allows for personalization and experimentation, making it a go-to recipe for every occasion.
So, gather your loved ones, let the slow cooker work its magic, and indulge in the delightful symphony of flavors that await you. Get ready to create cherished moments and a culinary experience that will leave everyone craving more. Give our Easy Slow Cooker Taco Pasta a try, and prepare to be amazed by the taste sensations that unfold with every bite. Bon appétit!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a delicious and lean alternative to ground beef in this recipe. It will still provide a great flavor and texture to the dish.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Follow the same instructions, but use the sauté function to brown the ground beef and then switch to the pressure cooking setting. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, then do a quick release. Add the pasta and cook on high pressure for an additional 4 minutes, followed by a quick release. Stir in the cheese and serve.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for future meals. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Slow Cooker Taco Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef 454 grams
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 1 can 15 ounces crushed tomatoes (425 grams)
- 1 cup jarred salsa mild or your preferred heat level
- 1 can 15 ounces corn, drained (425 grams)
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning see our easy recipe below
- 2 ½ cups water or low-sodium chicken broth 590 grams - Alternatively, use 1 can (14.5 ounces) of chicken broth plus enough water to reach 2 ½ cups
- 12 ounces shell pasta shapes whole grain or white (340 grams)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season it with salt and pepper. Cook the beef, stirring often, until it's browned. Transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker.
- Add the chopped bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, jarred salsa, drained corn, taco seasoning, and water or chicken broth to the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook the mixture for 5-6 hours, or you can set it to high heat and cook for 2-3 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and meld together.
- Once the cooking time is almost up, stir in the shell pasta. Cook on high heat for an additional 10-20 minutes. The cooking time for the pasta may vary depending on your slow cooker, so begin checking for doneness at around 10 minutes. The pasta should be tender but still slightly firm.
- Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy coating for the pasta and beef mixture.
- Serve your Easy Slow Cooker Taco Pasta while it's still warm and enjoy the wonderful blend of flavors and textures. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
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