CROCKPOT TACO PASTA FIESTA

Picture this: the aroma of sizzling taco spices filling your kitchen, a comforting bowl of pasta ready to devour, and minimal effort required on your part. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, get ready to make it a reality with our Saucy Crockpot Taco Pasta – A Fiesta in Every Bite! This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the cheesy, carb-loaded goodness of pasta with the zesty, flavorful punch of tacos, all cooked to perfection in your trusty slow cooker. Get ready to ditch the takeout and embrace a homemade meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Gathering Your Fiesta Ingredients

Before we embark on this culinary adventure, let’s make sure we have all the right ingredients ready to go. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty straightforward list!

For the Taco Pasta Foundation:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (I prefer low-sodium to control the salt)
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 cup chicken broth (or beef broth)
• 1 pound pasta (I like rotini, penne, or shells)

For the Saucy, Cheesy Goodness:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, diced onions, sliced jalapenos

Getting Started: The Prep Work Fiesta

While this recipe is incredibly easy, a little bit of prep goes a long way. Let’s get organized!

Browning the Beef:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Be sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy pasta!
3. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another minute until fragrant. This really wakes up those taco flavors.

Layering the Flavors: Crockpot Magic Begins

Now for the fun part! We’re going to layer all those delicious ingredients into our crockpot, ready for the magic to happen.

Building the Crockpot Masterpiece:

1. Pour the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and green chilies, black beans, corn, and chicken broth into the crockpot.
2. Add the browned and seasoned ground beef. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
3. Gently stir in the uncooked pasta. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a little more chicken broth.

The Slow Cooker Serenade: Time for Patience

This is where the slow cooker really shines. Just set it, forget it, and let the flavors meld together beautifully.

Cooking to Perfection:

1. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Cooking times can vary depending on your crockpot, so keep an eye on it.
2. The pasta should be cooked through and the sauce should be thickened. If the pasta is still a little firm, cook for another 30 minutes to an hour.

The Grand Finale: Cheesy Creaminess Awaits

Almost there! This is where we add the creamy, cheesy elements that take this dish from good to absolutely amazing.

Adding the Cream Cheese and Cheddar:

1. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is the secret ingredient for ultimate richness.
2. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and gooey. Reserve some cheddar for topping, if desired.

Serving Suggestions: Let the Fiesta Begin!

Now that your Saucy Crockpot Taco Pasta is ready, it’s time to get creative with the toppings! This is where you can really personalize the dish to your liking.

Topping Ideas Galore:

• Top with a dollop of sour cream for a cool and tangy contrast.
• Add a scoop of guacamole for extra creamy goodness and healthy fats.
• Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
• Dice some red onions for a bit of a bite.
• Add sliced jalapenos for some heat!
• A sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese never hurts!

Troubleshooting Taco Pasta: Tips and Tricks

Even the easiest recipes can sometimes present a challenge. Here are a few common issues and how to solve them.

Pasta Problems:

• Pasta is mushy: You likely cooked it for too long. Keep a close eye on the pasta during the last hour of cooking and adjust the time accordingly. Next time, reduce the cooking time slightly.
• Pasta is still hard: Your crockpot might not have enough liquid. Add a little more chicken broth, about 1/2 cup at a time, and cook for another 30 minutes until the pasta is tender.

Sauce Sensations:

• Sauce is too thick: Add a little more chicken broth to thin it out.
• Sauce is too thin: Let the crockpot cook on low with the lid slightly ajar for about 30 minutes. This will allow some of the excess liquid to evaporate.

Variations and Customizations: Make It Your Own

The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs. Let’s explore some exciting variations!

Spice it Up:

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Use a spicier taco seasoning.
• Include a can of diced jalapenos.

Make it Vegetarian:

• Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground beef crumbles or an extra can of black beans.

Add More Veggies:

• Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms would all be delicious additions. Add them to the crockpot along with the other vegetables.

Serving a Crowd: Taco Pasta Party!

This recipe is perfect for potlucks, parties, or any gathering where you need to feed a lot of people. Simply double or triple the recipe, depending on the size of your crowd. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough!

Beyond Taco Pasta: Exploring More Taco Flavors

If you’re a fan of taco-inspired dishes, you’re in for a treat! There are so many delicious variations to explore. Have you ever tried CHICKEN ENCHILADAS? They’re always a crowd-pleaser. Or maybe a quick and easy TACO RICE BOWL for a weeknight dinner? For a cozy night in, try CHICKEN TACO SOUP. If you are feeling casserole crazy, you’ll love CROCKPOT TACO CASSEROLE and TACO LASAGNA. And for another easy crockpot meal, you MUST try CROCKPOT CHICKEN ENCHILADA. The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts: Your Taco Pasta Triumph

Congratulations! You’ve just created a delicious and satisfying Saucy Crockpot Taco Pasta that’s sure to impress. So gather your family, grab a bowl, and get ready for a fiesta in every bite! Remember, cooking should be fun and enjoyable, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!

Crockpot Taco Pasta Fiesta

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Crockpot Taco Pasta Fiesta combines the comforting flavors of pasta with the zesty taste of tacos, all cooked in a slow cooker for an easy and delicious meal. It’s a perfect family-friendly dish that’s customizable with your favorite taco toppings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican-American

Servings 6

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Spoon
• Colander
• Crockpot (slow cooker)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 pound pasta rotini, penne, or shells
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: sour cream
• Optional toppings: guacamole
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro
• Optional toppings: diced onions
• Optional toppings: sliced jalapenos

Instructions

 

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
• Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
• Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Pour the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and green chilies, black beans, corn, and chicken broth into the crockpot.
• Add the browned and seasoned ground beef to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
• Gently stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Add a little more chicken broth if needed.
• Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
• Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the softened cream cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and gooey. Reserve some for topping, if desired.
• Serve hot and top with your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, diced onions, and sliced jalapenos.

Notes

For spicier taco pasta, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapenos. To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, check it periodically during the last hour of cooking. If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, cook with the lid slightly ajar for 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.