Hearty Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe That Kids Love

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this mouthwatering crockpot taco spaghetti that combines zesty Mexican flavors with comforting pasta.

The one-pot wonder blends tender ground beef, melted cheese, and bold spices into a seriously addictive meal.

Each bite delivers a perfect fusion of classic Italian and southwestern tastes that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly in your slow cooker, creating a stress-free cooking experience.

The rich, hearty sauce coats every strand of pasta with incredible depth of flavor.

Crispy tortilla chips or fresh cilantro make fantastic optional toppings that add extra crunch and brightness.

Prepare to fall in love with this ultimate crowd-pleasing dinner that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Why Taco Spaghetti Is a Fun Twist

• Kid-Approved Flavor Fusion: Combining classic taco ingredients with spaghetti creates an exciting meal that appeals to both children and adults, transforming traditional pasta night into a zesty adventure.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Taste: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal culinary skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this hearty meal serves multiple people and satisfies diverse taste preferences with its crowd-pleasing Mexican-Italian mashup.

Ingredients for Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that forms the base of the dish.

• Spaghetti Noodles: A classic pasta with a satisfying texture.
• Rotel Diced Tomatoes: Spicy and tangy tomatoes that add zest.
• Beef Broth: Rich liquid that enhances the overall flavor.
• Water: Essential for cooking the pasta.

• Taco Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Spice blend that gives the dish its signature taco taste.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright and herbal herb that brings freshness.

• Olive Oil: Helps to brown the meat smoothly.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Creamy and sharp topping that melts beautifully.

Cooking Instructions for Taco Spaghetti

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil.

Add ground beef, yellow onion, salt, and black pepper.

Cook until the beef turns nicely browned and onions become soft and translucent, roughly 5-6 minutes.

Carefully drain away any extra fat from the meat.

Step 2: Build Crockpot Magic

Transfer the cooked beef mixture into a 6-quart crockpot.

• Taco seasoning
• Rotel diced tomatoes
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Broken spaghetti noodles
• Beef broth
• Water

Stir everything thoroughly to ensure spaghetti is completely covered by liquid.

Step 3: Slow Cook Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set to HIGH temperature for 2 hours (or LOW for 3½-4 hours).

Peek inside around 1½ hours to prevent pasta from overcooking.

Step 4: Cheese and Garnish

Switch off the crockpot and gently stir spaghetti to distribute ingredients evenly.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and remaining cilantro on top.

Serve hot directly from the crockpot and savor every delicious bite.

Tips for Bold Crockpot Taco Pasta

• Check the spaghetti at 1½ hours to ensure it doesn't become mushy, as slow cookers can vary in heat intensity.
• After browning the beef, drain all fat completely to avoid a greasy texture and maintain the dish's clean flavor profile.
• Adjust the taco seasoning based on personal heat preference by using mild, medium, or hot varieties to suit different taste buds.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian alternative without compromising the dish's robust taste.
• Top with crispy tortilla strips, sliced jalapeños, or diced fresh avocado just before serving to add extra crunch and freshness.

Saving and Reheating Taco Spaghetti

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm the spaghetti in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Transfer cooled spaghetti to freezer-safe containers, storing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Taco Pasta Sides You’ll Love

• Enhance Taco Spaghetti Flavor Companions
• Pair with Crisp Mexican Lager: A refreshing Corona or Modelo Especial cuts through the rich, spicy dish, balancing its robust flavors with light, clean notes.
• Serve Alongside Zesty Guacamole: Creamy, tangy guacamole provides a cool contrast to the warm, hearty spaghetti, adding freshness and complementary texture.
• Complement with Crunchy Tortilla Salad: A simple side salad with crisp romaine, tortilla strips, and lime vinaigrette introduces a bright, crunchy element that elevates the main course.
• Add Fresh Pico de Gallo: Bright, acidic pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro brings a vibrant, fresh dimension that brightens the entire meal.

New Takes on Taco Spaghetti

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, maintaining the same spicy flavor profile while creating a protein-rich vegetarian option.
• Gluten-Free Fiesta: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta noodles, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the same hearty meal without compromising taste.
• Chicken Lovers' Version: Substitute ground beef with lean ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein alternative that still delivers robust southwestern flavors.
• Low-Carb Mexican Bowl: Transform the recipe into a cauliflower rice base instead of pasta, reducing carbohydrates while preserving the zesty taco-inspired seasoning and toppings.

FAQs

• What makes this recipe different from traditional spaghetti?

This recipe combines Mexican taco flavors with classic pasta, creating a unique one-pot meal that merges two popular cuisines into a single, delicious dish.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean protein substitute. Just ensure you brown it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid to maintain the recipe’s texture.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes you choose. If you prefer mild flavors, select a mild taco seasoning and use original Rotel; for more kick, opt for hot varieties.

• Do I need to pre-cook the spaghetti noodles?

No, the broken spaghetti noodles cook directly in the crockpot with the broth and other ingredients, absorbing the delicious taco-inspired flavors as they soften.

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crockpot taco spaghetti blends Mexican and Italian cuisines into one mouthwatering comfort dish that promises delicious simplicity. Hearty pasta mingles with zesty ground beef and melted cheese, creating a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 pound dried spaghetti noodles
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Liquid and Flavor Ingredients:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 3 cups water
• 20 ounces (2 10-ounce cans) Rotel Original diced tomatoes with green chilis
• 1 ounce packet of taco seasoning

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3/4 cups diced yellow onion
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare ground beef by sautéing with onions in a skillet over medium-high heat until meat is thoroughly browned and onions become translucent, ensuring excess fat is fully drained.
2. Transfer seasoned beef mixture into the crockpot, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
3. Add taco seasoning to intensify the Mexican-inspired flavor profile of the meal.
4. Pour Rotel diced tomatoes into the crockpot, which will contribute moisture and tangy complexity to the recipe.
5. Sprinkle most of the fresh cilantro into the mixture, reserving a small portion for garnishing at the end.
6. Carefully break spaghetti noodles and distribute them evenly throughout the crockpot, ensuring they’re completely submerged in liquid.
7. Pour beef broth and water into the crockpot, creating the perfect cooking environment for the pasta.
8. Cover the crockpot and set to HIGH temperature, allowing the ingredients to meld together for approximately 2 hours, or alternatively use LOW setting for 3½-4 hours.
9. Monitor the cooking process around 1½ hours to prevent pasta from becoming overly soft or mushy.
10. Once cooking is complete, gently stir the spaghetti to ensure uniform distribution of ingredients.
11. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, allowing it to melt into the warm dish.
12. Garnish with remaining fresh cilantro for a vibrant finishing touch.
13. Serve directly from the crockpot while hot, creating a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal.

Notes

• Prevent Mushy Pasta by checking the spaghetti early and stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly and stop overcooking.
• Customize Spice Levels by adjusting the taco seasoning quantity or choosing mild/hot varieties to match personal heat preferences.
• Create Gluten-Free Version by substituting regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta noodles without changing other recipe ingredients.
• Enhance Flavor Depth by using homemade taco seasoning or adding a splash of lime juice just before serving for extra brightness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg