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Crockpot Taco Pasta

Crockpot Taco Pasta

A super easy and flavorful weeknight meal where creamy texture meets zesty taco seasoning, all conveniently made in the slow cooker.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Taco Pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix or 2 tablespoons of homemade blend
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes undrained
  • 10 oz Ro-tel (diced tomatoes and green chilies) mild or original
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 8 oz penne pasta or rotini
  • 4 oz cream cheese cubed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Optional Toppings
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Transfer the browned beef and onion mixture to the basin of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
  3. Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes (undrained), Ro-tel (undrained), and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Cook on LOW for 3 hours or HIGH for 2 hours. Stir halfway through cooking.
  5. After the initial cooking time, stir in the dry penne pasta and the cubed cream cheese until the cream cheese begins to melt and incorporate. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the pasta is tender (al dente) and the sauce is creamy. Stir occasionally during this last hour.
  7. Turn off the slow cooker. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  8. Ladle the Crockpot Taco Pasta into bowls, top with reserved shredded cheddar cheese, and garnish with sour cream and fresh cilantro if desired before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy. Check for doneness around the 1-hour mark of the final cooking stage. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or extra broth before serving.