The Best Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe for Zesty Family Dinners

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy everyone at the table.

This creamy crockpot taco spaghetti recipe brings zesty Mexican-inspired flavors right to your slow cooker.

Comfort meets convenience with tender pasta and savory ground beef melding together perfectly.

Spices dance through each bite, creating a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Cheese melts luxuriously, binding ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that screams home-cooked goodness.

Minimal prep and maximum flavor make this recipe a weeknight champion.

Dive into a meal that promises to become a new family favorite.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean protein alternative and absorbs the taco seasoning flavors well.

• Do I need to pre-cook the spaghetti before adding it to the crockpot?

No, the uncooked spaghetti will cook directly in the crockpot with the liquid and meat, absorbing all the delicious flavors.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add a diced jalapeño, use hot taco seasoning, or include a few dashes of hot sauce to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish reheats wonderfully and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for quick meals during the week.

Taco Spaghetti Crockpot Fun

• Quick and Simple Prep: Minimal kitchen skills needed, with basic ingredients easily found in most pantries.
• Minimal Cleanup Delight: One-pot wonder that reduces dish washing and saves precious time after cooking.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Combines two beloved dishes – tacos and spaghetti – creating a unique meal that kids and adults will adore.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Customize with favorite toppings like jalapeños, green onions, or avocado for personalized flavor experience.

Taco Spaghetti Ingredient Essentials

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich meaty texture to the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Add moisture and tangy depth to the taco spaghetti.
• Beef Broth: Creates a savory liquid base for cooking the pasta and enhancing overall flavor.

• Spaghetti: The classic pasta that serves as the main carbohydrate component of the recipe.
• Taco Seasoning: Brings authentic Mexican-inspired spices and zesty flavor to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides creamy, melty richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Sour Cream, Cilantro: Fresh garnishes that add brightness and complementary flavors to the finished dish.

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Directions

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble ground beef into the pan, cooking until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains.

Drain away any excess fat, then transfer the beef to your trusty crockpot.

Step 2: Spice Up the Mixture

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth

Stir everything together until well combined, creating a flavor-packed base for your dish.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let it work its magic.

Cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and develop.

Step 4: Introduce the Pasta

Break spaghetti into smaller pieces and add them to the crockpot.

Stir thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed.

Cook on high for 30 minutes, giving an occasional stir to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Once the pasta is tender, sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese.

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, gooey texture.

Step 6: Serve and Customize

Dish out the taco spaghetti into bowls.

Top with your favorite taco accompaniments.

Tips for Cheesy Taco Spaghetti

• Break spaghetti into smaller pieces evenly to ensure consistent cooking and avoid sticky, uneven noodles.
• Use low-sodium taco seasoning and broth to control salt intake without compromising flavor.
• Remove as much grease as possible from ground beef to create a lighter, less greasy dish.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for diverse dietary needs.
• Stir cheese in gradually and let it melt completely for a smooth, creamy texture throughout the spaghetti.

Taco Spaghetti Twist Ideas

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Gluten-Free Fiesta: Swap regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour. Ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free certified.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced jalapeños, use hot taco seasoning, and sprinkle pepper jack cheese for extra heat. Top with sliced green onions for a zesty finish.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Option: Substitute spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles. Reduce cooking time to prevent overcooking and maintain vegetable texture.

Serving Up Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

• Mexican Fiesta Platter: Spread the taco spaghetti on a large platter, garnished with vibrant toppings like fresh chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and crumbled queso fresco for a colorful presentation.
• Loaded Nacho-Style Serving: Top the spaghetti with crispy tortilla chips, dollops of sour cream, diced avocados, and a sprinkle of green onions to create a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.
• Family-Style Taco Bar: Set up a DIY topping station with chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, salsa, extra cheese, and hot sauce, allowing everyone to customize their own spaghetti bowl.

Storing Taco Spaghetti Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled spaghetti to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Stays good for up to 3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of beef broth to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until steaming hot.
• Pour leftovers into skillet. Add small amount of broth or water. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Heat until thoroughly warmed and cheese melts smoothly.

Bountiful Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot taco spaghetti combines Mexican and Italian flavors in one comforting dish. Rich ground beef, zesty seasonings, and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies hungry families with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (10 ounces / 280 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (8 ounces / 227 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Liquid and Pasta:

• 3 cups (710 milliliters) beef broth
• 8 ounces (227 grams) spaghetti, broken in half

Cheese and Optional Toppings:

• 1 cup (115 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream (optional)
• Chopped cilantro (optional)
• Jalapenos (optional)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly sear ground beef in a hot skillet until completely browned, eliminating excess grease, then transfer meat to the slow cooker.
2. Incorporate taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth, mixing ingredients until evenly distributed.
3. Secure crockpot lid and simmer on low temperature for 4 hours or high temperature for 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld together.
4. Carefully break spaghetti into smaller segments and gently fold into the meat mixture, ensuring pasta is fully submerged in liquid.
5. Continue cooking on high setting for approximately 30 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. When pasta reaches desired tenderness, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese throughout the dish and allow it to melt completely.
7. Plate the spaghetti immediately while hot, garnishing with classic taco accompaniments such as fresh cilantro, dollops of sour cream, or additional cheese for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Ensure ground beef is browned thoroughly to develop rich, deep flavors and eliminate any raw meat texture.
• Break spaghetti into smaller pieces before adding to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking throughout the crockpot.
• Customize the dish by using lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option that maintains the same delicious taco-inspired taste.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising the recipe’s hearty essence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg