Looking for a delicious, hassle-free dinner that combines the bold flavors of tacos with the comfort of spaghetti? This Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe is your answer! This one-pot meal is kid-approved, budget-friendly, and packed with zesty Mexican-inspired flavors, perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and the magic of a slow cooker, you’ll have a hearty, cheesy dish ready to serve in just a few hours. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this gluten-free adaptable recipe is a game-changer. Let me share this crowd-pleaser that’s become a staple in my kitchen, inspired by cozy family taco nights!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Taco Spaghetti
This recipe is a fusion of two family favorites: tacos and spaghetti. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, melding seasoned ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and creamy cheese into a mouthwatering sauce that coats every strand of pasta. It’s naturally high in protein, can be customized for dietary needs (like low-carb or dairy-free), and requires just 10 minutes of prep. Plus, it’s a fun way to switch up Taco Tuesday without extra dishes. Now let’s learn how to prepare this delicious dish!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful meal. Ingredients are listed in order of use, with substitutions for flexibility.
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade blend for lower sodium)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (or diced tomatoes for a milder version)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 8 oz spaghetti (or gluten-free spaghetti for dietary needs)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend for extra flavor)
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free alternative)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sour cream
- Diced avocado
How to Make Crockpot Taco Spaghetti?
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious crockpot taco spaghetti that’s sure to impress your family. It’s so easy with the slow cooker!
- Brown the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove extra fat. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
- Add to crockpot: Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, then add Rotel, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix to blend.
- Cook the base: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add pasta: Break the spaghetti in half and stir into the crockpot. Ensure the pasta is submerged in liquid. Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until the pasta is al dente.
- Finish with cheese: Stir in the cream cheese and half the shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes to melt.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, or sour cream, and serve warm!
Can You Cook Pasta in a Crockpot?
Yes, you can cook pasta in a crockpot, and it’s a game-changer for one-pot meals like taco spaghetti! The key is to ensure there’s enough liquid (like broth or sauce) to fully submerge the pasta. In this recipe, the beef broth and tomato sauce cook the spaghetti to a perfect al dente texture. Cooking pasta in the slow cooker saves time and infuses it with the dish’s bold flavors. Just be sure to check the pasta after 20 minutes to avoid overcooking, as slow cookers vary in heat intensity.
Do You Cook Pasta Before Adding It to the Crockpot?
For this crockpot taco spaghetti recipe, you do not need to cook the pasta beforehand. Adding dry spaghetti directly to the slow cooker allows it to absorb the savory taco-flavored sauce as it cooks, enhancing the dish’s taste. Pre-cooking pasta can lead to a mushy texture, so stick with dry pasta for the best results. If you’re using gluten-free or alternative pasta, check cooking times, as they may vary slightly.
How Long to Cook Taco Spaghetti in a Slow Cooker?
The total cooking time for crockpot taco spaghetti depends on your slow cooker setting:
- Low setting: 4 hours for the base sauce, plus 20-30 minutes for the pasta, totaling about 4.5 hours.
- High setting: 2 hours for the base, plus 20-30 minutes for the pasta, totaling about 2.5 hours.
Always check the pasta’s doneness before serving, as some slow cookers may cook faster or slower. The cheese-melting step adds just 5 minutes at the end.
Can You Use Ground Turkey for Taco Spaghetti?
Absolutely, you can use ground turkey for taco spaghetti! It’s a fantastic lean alternative to ground beef, offering a lower fat content while still delivering great flavor. To ensure the turkey doesn’t dry out, cook it with the onion and garlic as directed, and don’t skip the fat-draining step if needed. Ground turkey pairs well with the taco seasoning and cheesy sauce, making this dish just as satisfying. For a vegetarian option, try plant-based ground meat crumbles.
What Cheese Is Best for Taco Spaghetti?
The best cheese for taco spaghetti is a combination of cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Cheddar adds a sharp, melty finish, while cream cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that clings to the pasta. A Mexican blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, and asadero) is another excellent choice for authentic Mexican flavor. Try pepper jack for a spicier twist. If you’re dairy-free, opt for vegan cheddar and cream cheese alternatives, which melt surprisingly well in slow cookers.
Can You Make Taco Spaghetti Without Rotel?
Yes, you can make taco spaghetti without Rotel! If you don’t find Rotel or prefer a milder flavor, substitute with a 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes. Add a pinch of chili powder or a diced green bell pepper to the beef mixture for a slight kick without Rotel’s green chilies. This keeps the dish family-friendly while maintaining its tangy, tomatoey base. Adjust seasoning to taste to ensure the flavor pops.
How Spicy Is Crockpot Taco Spaghetti?
The spiciness of crockpot taco spaghetti depends on your ingredients. Using standard taco seasoning** and Rotel with mild diced tomatoes results in a mild to medium heat level, perfect for most palates. If you prefer a spicier dish, opt for spicy Rotel, hot taco seasoning, or add red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeños. For a kid-friendly version, use mild ingredients and skip the extra heat. Always taste the sauce before adding pasta to adjust with salt or spices if needed.
Can You Freeze Taco Spaghetti?
Yes, crockpot taco spaghetti freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep! To freeze:
- Cool completely: Let the dish cool to room temperature to prevent freezer burn.
- Portion: Store in airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving a small amount of space for expansion.
- Freeze: Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
The cheese may slightly change texture upon freezing, but the flavors remain delicious. Avoid freezing garnishes like cilantro or avocado.
What to Serve with Taco Spaghetti?
Crockpot taco spaghetti is a complete meal, but these sides and drinks complement its bold flavors:
- Mexican Street Corn salad or a lime-cilantro dressing.
- Tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa for dipping.
- Simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Drinks: Pair with a refreshing horchata, margarita, or sparkling water with lime.
For dessert, try churros or flan to keep the Mexican-inspired theme going!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Servings: 6
Note: Values are approximate and depend on specific brands or substitutions.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe is your ticket to a stress-free, flavor-packed dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its cheesy goodness and slow cooker ease, it’s perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings. Try it out, tweak it with your favorite toppings, and let me know how it goes in your kitchen!
Related Recipes To Read:-
- Hobo Casserole Recipe
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
- Easy Biscuits and Gravy Casserole Recipe
- The Ultimate Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with diced onion until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add to crockpot: Transfer beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add taco seasoning, Rotel, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Cook the base: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- Add pasta: Break spaghetti in half and stir into the crockpot, ensuring it’s submerged. Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until pasta is al dente.
- Finish with cheese: Stir in cream cheese and half the cheddar until melted. Sprinkle remaining cheddar on top, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes to melt.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, sour cream, or avocado, and serve warm.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth.
- Substitutions: Use zoodles for low-carb or quinoa pasta for extra protein.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for more heat.
- Make Ahead: Brown meat and assemble sauce a day ahead; refrigerate, then cook as directed.
- Freezing: Cool completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.