Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti is a comforting and flavorful fusion of two favorites—tacos and spaghetti—combined into one easy, cheesy, and satisfying dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe lets your slow cooker do the work while delivering bold Tex-Mex flavors and tender pasta that the whole family will love.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefoniongarlictaco seasoningdiced tomatoes with green chiliestomato saucetomato pastebeef brothuncooked spaghetti (broken in half)shredded cheddar cheeseshredded Monterey Jack cheesefresh cilantro (optional)

directions

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.

Add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine.

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked spaghetti. Make sure it’s submerged in the sauce.

Cover and cook on high for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

Stir in the shredded cheeses until melted and well combined.

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesInitial cooking time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)Pasta cooking time: 25-30 minutesTotal time: 5-6 hours (low) or 3-3.5 hours (high)

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.

Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.

Try pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.

Serve with a dollop of sour cream or sliced avocado on top.

Substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short or long pasta like penne or linguine will work—just adjust cook time as needed.

Will the pasta get mushy?

Not if you add it at the end of the cooking time and monitor it closely.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, or use hot taco seasoning.

Do I have to brown the meat first?

Yes, browning the meat helps develop flavor and removes excess grease.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely—bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms all work well.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it has familiar flavors and a cheesy finish that most kids enjoy.

Can I cook the pasta separately?

Yes, cook the pasta separately and stir it in just before serving to maintain ideal texture.

What if my sauce is too thick?

Add a bit of extra broth or water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Skip the meat and use lentils or plant-based crumbles with vegetable broth.

Can I prep this the night before?

Yes, prep and store the meat mixture in the fridge, then add to the crockpot the next day.

Conclusion

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings together the best of both worlds. With minimal prep and maximum comfort, this recipe is a weeknight dinner win that will quickly earn a spot in your regular meal rotation.

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