Crockpot Taco Spaghetti is a delicious, easy, and hearty dish that combines the flavors of tacos with spaghetti, all cooked in a slow cooker for maximum convenience and flavor. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting but don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. Here’s a simple recipe to make this tasty dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 8 oz uncooked spaghetti (break into halves or thirds for easier mixing)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Taco toppings (such as jalapeños, cilantro, or lettuce, optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning according to the packet instructions or use your homemade taco seasoning. Add a splash of water if needed to help distribute the seasoning.
2. Prepare the crockpot:
- In the crockpot, combine the cooked ground beef, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and broth (either beef or chicken). Stir well to combine.
3. Add uncooked spaghetti:
- Break the uncooked spaghetti in half or thirds to fit easily into the slow cooker. Stir the pasta into the sauce mixture, making sure it’s well coated. Add a bit more water if needed to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged.
4. Cook in the crockpot:
- Cover and cook on low for about 3-4 hours or on high for 2 hours. The pasta should be tender, and the flavors should be well blended. Make sure to stir the spaghetti a couple of times during cooking to prevent it from sticking.
5. Add the cheese:
- About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top. Cover again and cook on low until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Once the cheese is melted, stir everything together. Serve the Taco Spaghetti hot, garnished with chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and any additional taco toppings you prefer.
Tips for Success:
- Customize the spice: Adjust the taco seasoning and the use of jalapeños or hot sauce to fit your spice preference.
- Make it creamy: If you like a creamier texture, stir in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream toward the end of cooking.
- Be mindful of pasta: Depending on your slow cooker, you may need to check the pasta to ensure it’s cooked to your liking. If the sauce looks too thick and the pasta isn’t quite done, add a bit more liquid and stir.
This Crockpot Taco Spaghetti is an easy, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for a busy day. It combines the flavors of tacos with cheesy, comforting pasta, making it a family favorite! Enjoy!
