Comforting Crock Pot Taco Shells And Cheese Recipe For Families

Crafting a mouthwatering crock pot taco shells and cheese brings comfort food to an entirely new level of deliciousness.

Home cooking just got more exciting with this creative twist on a classic favorite.

Cheese lovers will absolutely adore how simple ingredients merge into something spectacular.

Busy families can rejoice in a meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Mexican-inspired comfort food doesn’t get easier than this hearty dish that promises to satisfy everyone around the table.

Creamy, cheesy goodness combined with zesty taco seasonings creates an irresistible combination you’ll want to make again and again.

Prepare to experience a recipe that turns ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Why Crock Pot Taco Shells & Cheese Stands Out

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A cheesy, hearty dish that combines the beloved flavors of tacos and mac and cheese, guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings where you want a delicious, stress-free meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses simple, affordable ingredients to create a filling and satisfying meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on taste.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Taco Shells & Cheese

• Taco Shells: Crispy, crunchy corn tortilla shells perfect for a Mexican-inspired dish.
• Cheese: Rich, melty and creamy base for the recipe.
• Ground Beef: Hearty protein that adds robust flavor.

• Taco Seasoning, Chili Powder: Warm and zesty spice blend that gives the dish its signature Mexican taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance overall flavor.

• Milk, Heavy Cream: Smooth and creamy base that helps combine all ingredients.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky texture.

How to Make Crock Pot Taco Shells & Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker

Grab your trusty 6-quart slow cooker and give it a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

This will make cleanup a breeze later.

Step 2: Combine Core Ingredients

• Uncooked pasta shells
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Monterey jack cheese
• Cream cheese
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Taco seasoning
• Diced green chiles

Step 3: Stir and Blend Thoroughly

Mix all the ingredients until they’re well combined.

Make sure the cheeses and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the pasta shells.

Step 4: Set Cooking Time

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat.

Let the magic happen for 2-3 hours, or if you’re short on time, use high heat for 1-1.5 hours.

Give the mixture a gentle stir every 30-45 minutes to prevent any pasta from sticking.

Step 5: Check Pasta Consistency

After the cooking time, check that the pasta shells are tender and the cheese is melted and creamy.

If the mixture seems too thick, splash in a bit more milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once done, sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro or green onions on top.

Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy taco-inspired pasta creation!

Tips for Taco Shells & Cheese in the Crock Pot

• Stir the mixture every 30-45 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent noodles from clumping together at the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or Mexican blend for a more complex and flavorful dish.
• Add cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or black beans to transform this side dish into a hearty main course.
• If the mixture seems too dry, gradually add a little milk or chicken broth to maintain a creamy texture without becoming soupy.
• Use homemade taco seasoning for a fresher taste and better control of sodium levels compared to pre-packaged mixes.

Storing Crock Pot Taco Shells & Cheese

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled taco shells and cheese to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain consistent texture.

What to Serve With Taco Shells & Cheese

• Spice Up Your Flavor Profile: Add a zesty pico de gallo or fresh salsa on top to brighten the creamy cheese and add a fresh, tangy kick.
• Pair with Crisp Beverages: Select a cold Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or a light, citrusy wheat beer to cut through the richness of the cheesy dish.
• Complement with Fresh Sides: Serve alongside a crisp, lime-dressed green salad or quick cucumber salad to balance the heavy, comforting texture of the taco shells and cheese.
• Transform with Protein Boost: Top with grilled chicken, ground beef, or chorizo to elevate the dish from a side to a complete, satisfying meal with added protein and depth.

Crock Pot Taco Shells & Cheese Recipe Twists

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free macaroni or chickpea shells, ensuring the dish remains safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Swap ground meat with black beans, lentils, or crumbled plant-based meat alternatives to create a protein-rich vegetarian option.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap regular cheese blend with pepper jack for a fiery kick that elevates the classic comfort food.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Switch: Use cauliflower rice or riced cauliflower instead of pasta to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the creamy, cheesy taco flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne. Just ensure they’re similar in size for consistent cooking.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, crumbled tofu, or extra beans to maintain the protein content and flavor profile.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or use a spicy taco seasoning blend. You can also include hot sauce or red pepper flakes to increase the heat level.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate. Simply place the insert in the slow cooker and start cooking when ready.

Crock Pot Taco Shells And Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, zesty crock pot taco shells and cheese blend Mexican-inspired flavors with comforting mac and cheese magic. Cheesy goodness meets spicy excitement, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this irresistible southwestern-style comfort dish.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef, browned and drained
• 3 cups uncooked pasta shells, cooked al dente and drained
• 16 ounces Velveeta, cubed

Seasoning:

• 2 ounces taco seasoning (2 1-ounce packets)

Dairy and Accompaniments:

• 12 ounces evaporated milk (can)
• 1/4 cup butter, sliced into thin pats

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Instructions

1. Grease the interior of a 6-quart slow cooker with a light coating to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Combine uncooked pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, milk, taco seasoning, and diced green chiles in the slow cooker, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Stir the mixture thoroughly to integrate the seasonings and cheeses, coating the pasta uniformly.
4. Cover the slow cooker and set to low temperature, allowing the ingredients to meld and cook for 2-3 hours, occasionally stirring to prevent pasta from clumping and ensure even cooking.
5. Alternatively, if time is limited, use the high temperature setting for 1-1.5 hours, maintaining the same stirring technique.
6. Check pasta for tenderness and sauce consistency, adjusting cooking time if needed to achieve a creamy, well-incorporated texture.
7. Once pasta is cooked and cheese is melted, give a final gentle stir to create a smooth, cohesive dish.
8. Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional cheese, chopped cilantro, or crispy tortilla strips for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or plant-based crumbles to create delicious variations that cater to different dietary preferences.
• Add extra spice by incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a fiery kick to their mac and cheese.
• Elevate the dish’s nutritional value by mixing in finely chopped spinach or bell peppers, which blend seamlessly with the creamy cheese sauce.
• Crisp up taco shells in the oven before serving to maintain their crunch and prevent sogginess when layered with the cheesy mixture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 hours on low or 1-1.5 hours on
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg