Save for Later
Nothing beats coming home to the aroma of taco-seasoned meat and tomatoes simmering away in your crockpot. This taco spaghetti combines two family favorites into one irresistible meal. Over the years of making this dish, I've discovered that the slow cooking allows all those Mexican-inspired flavors to really sink into the pasta, creating something truly special.
I stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something new for my weekly meal prep. My family was getting tired of regular spaghetti, but they love tacos. The moment I combined these two favorites, it became our most requested dinner - even my mother-in-law asked for the recipe!
Key Ingredients
- Ground beef: Go for 85/15 lean ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. The slow cooking process helps keep it tender.
- Taco seasoning: Either store-bought or homemade works great. I prefer making my own to control the salt and spice levels.
- Crushed tomatoes: These break down beautifully during cooking, creating a rich sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- Spaghetti: Regular or thin spaghetti both work well. Breaking them in half helps them cook evenly and makes serving easier.
- Cheddar cheese: Freshly grated melts much better than pre-shredded. Trust me, it's worth the extra effort.
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Prepare Your Base
- Brown your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it into small, even pieces as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper while cooking. Cook until no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat carefully - you want to keep some for flavor. Transfer to your slow cooker.
- Layer Your Flavors
- Add your diced bell peppers on top of the meat. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and salsa. Add the corn - don't skip draining it first. Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly across the top. Pour chicken broth around the edges. Stir everything gently to combine.
- The Slow Cook
- Cover and set your crockpot to high. Let everything simmer for 3-4 hours. The sauce will start to develop a deeper color. Stir occasionally if you're around, but no worries if you can't. You'll know it's ready when the sauce is rich and fragrant.
- Adding the Pasta
- Break your spaghetti in half and add to the pot. Stir gently to submerge all pasta in the liquid. Check after 15 minutes. Keep testing until pasta is just tender. Don't overcook - nobody likes mushy spaghetti!
- The Final Touch
- Sprinkle cheese over the top. Cover for 5 minutes to let it melt. Stir everything together until creamy. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save for Later
My family has a tradition of "Taco Tuesday," but this dish has become our new "Fusion Friday" favorite. The kids love helping break the spaghetti and sprinkling the cheese on top. It's become our go-to meal for busy sports nights and weekend gatherings.
Perfect for Entertaining
This dish has saved me countless times when hosting dinner parties. I love setting up a topping bar with diced avocados, extra cheese, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños. Everyone gets to customize their bowl, and it's always a hit.
Making It Ahead
The beauty of this recipe is how well it reheats. I often make a double batch on Sunday and portion it out for lunches throughout the week. The flavors actually get better after a day or two in the fridge.
Leftovers Magic
Turn leftover taco spaghetti into a new meal by baking it with extra cheese on top, or wrap it in large tortillas for unique burritos. I've even used it as a filling for stuffed peppers!
Save for Later
After making this dish countless times, I can say it's truly foolproof comfort food. It's become my signature potluck dish, and friends always ask for the recipe. Remember, the key to success is being patient with the slow cooking process - it really lets those taco flavors shine through. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this crockpot taco spaghetti never disappoints.
Keywords: crockpot taco spaghetti, slow cooker pasta, Mexican fusion pasta, easy family dinner, taco pasta recipe, one-pot meals
Recipe Tips & FAQs
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
- Yes, ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
- Yes, use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure the taco seasoning is gluten-free.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
- Yes, diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach would be great additions.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- → Can I freeze this dish?
- Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.