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Crockpot Taco Pasta

Crockpot Taco Pasta
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Crockpot Taco Pasta is a flavorful and hearty slow cooker meal combining classic taco seasoning with creamy pasta, ground meat, beans, and cheese. This effortless recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering comforting, family-friendly goodness with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey

Pasta & Grains

  • 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)

Cheese

  • 1 to 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables & Beans

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Optional: 1-2 jalapeños, diced

Liquids & Broth

  • 2 cups chicken broth

Seasonings

  • 1 packet (about 1–2 tablespoons) taco seasoning mix

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Meat and Aromatics: In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey together with the chopped onion and minced garlic until fully cooked and fragrant. Drain any excess fat if needed. This step builds a flavorful base before combining ingredients in the crockpot.
  2. Combining Ingredients in the Crockpot: Transfer the browned meat mixture into the slow cooker. Add the uncooked rotini pasta, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, chicken broth, taco seasoning, and any optional vegetables or spices like diced jalapeños at this stage.
  3. Cooking Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally if possible. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors and become tender without turning mushy.
  4. Adding Cheese and Finishing Touches: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

  • Use uncooked pasta carefully by adding it partway through cooking if possible to prevent it from becoming overly soft.
  • Browning the meat and sautéing aromatics before slow cooking intensifies the flavors.
  • If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, add extra broth or water to maintain a creamy texture.
  • Add cheese near the end to achieve a melty, creamy consistency without curdling.
  • Taste before serving and adjust taco seasoning for your preferred flavor balance.
  • This recipe can be customized easily for various dietary needs and spice preferences.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crockpot, Taco Pasta, Slow Cooker, Easy Dinner, Family-Friendly, Tex-Mex, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/crockpot-taco-pasta/