Description
Hearty Crockpot Taco Spaghetti delivers a zesty Mexican-inspired fusion that combines comfort and bold flavors in one satisfying dish. Cheesy pasta studded with seasoned ground beef creates an irresistible meal perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 15 ounces (425 grams) crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces (425 grams) canned corn, drained
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 package taco seasoning (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Cheese:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh minced cilantro
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles and seasoning with salt and pepper until fully cooked and no pink remains.
- Transfer the beef to a 6-quart slow cooker, layering in diced bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, salsa, drained corn, taco seasoning, and chicken broth, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Cover and cook on high temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to develop and blend seamlessly.
- Gently submerge spaghetti pasta into the liquid mixture, ensuring complete coverage, and continue cooking for 10-20 minutes while stirring periodically until pasta reaches desired tenderness.
- Distribute shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the dish, then cover and let sit for 5 minutes to enable complete melting.
- Stir the melted cheese into the pasta, creating a creamy texture throughout the entire dish.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant flavor finish and serve hot, offering a zesty taco-inspired spaghetti experience.
Notes
- Lean Ground Beef Swap: Choose ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option that reduces fat content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Spice Level Control: Adjust taco seasoning and salsa heat intensity by selecting mild, medium, or hot versions based on personal preference.
- Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute meat with black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles to create a satisfying meatless version of this comforting dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg