Sizzling Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe Everyone Will Love

Whipping up a delightful crockpot taco spaghetti promises pure comfort and excitement for dinner tonight.

Pasta lovers will adore this effortless Mexican-inspired fusion dish that combines classic Italian and southwestern flavors.

Slow cookers simplify meal preparation, letting ingredients meld into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Lean ground beef, zesty spices, and tender noodles create a one-pot wonder that everyone craves.

Weeknight dinners just got more interesting with this crowd-pleasing recipe that saves time and delivers maximum flavor.

Simple ingredients come together seamlessly, making this dish a go-to option for busy households.

You’ll be amazed how quickly this hearty meal becomes a family favorite that sparks conversation around the dinner table.

Why Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Is Always A Hit

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Combine taco and pasta flavors in one pot, reducing kitchen cleanup and saving precious evening time.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Blend familiar Mexican-inspired ingredients with classic spaghetti for a kid-friendly meal that satisfies everyone's taste buds.
• Master Hands-Off Cooking: Slow cooker method means minimal active cooking, allowing busy home cooks to enjoy a delicious meal without constant monitoring.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe welcomes additional toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or different cheese varieties to match personal preferences and dietary needs.

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: Rich meat that provides a hearty base for the dish.
• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that adds extra texture and flavor.

• Taco Seasoning: Zesty blend that brings classic Mexican-inspired flavor to the recipe.
• Minced Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall taste profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's flavors.

• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy ingredient that adds moisture and tangy sweetness.
• Green Chiles: Mild peppers that contribute subtle heat and depth.
• Chicken Broth, Water: Liquid base that ensures proper cooking and prevents dryness.
• Spaghetti Noodles: Pasta that serves as the hearty foundation of the one-pot meal.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Creamy topping that melts and adds richness.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides bright, clean flavor.
• Sour Cream: Cool, tangy garnish that complements the spicy elements.

How To Make Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

Step 1: Sizzle and Crumble Ground Beef

Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles until the meat is no longer pink. Drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Combine Flavor Powerhouses

• Shredded chicken
• Minced garlic
• Taco seasoning
• Diced tomatoes
• Green chiles
• Chicken broth
• Water
• Salt
• Black pepper

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

Step 3: Nestle the Noodles

Break spaghetti noodles in half and gently push them into the meat mixture. Make sure the noodles are mostly covered by the liquid to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and cook on low setting for 3-4 hours. Occasionally stir the mixture to prevent noodles from sticking together and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Final Check and Cheese Magic

During the last 30 minutes of cooking, check the pasta for tenderness. Ensure enough liquid remains to prevent burning. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt for 5-10 minutes.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Turn off the crockpot and let the dish rest for 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to blend beautifully. Top with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream before serving hot directly from the crockpot.

Helpful Hints For Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

• Break Noodles Strategically: Split spaghetti precisely in half to ensure even cooking and perfect texture throughout the crockpot dish.
• Monitor Liquid Levels Carefully: Check moisture periodically during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking or burning, adding extra broth if needed.
• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the surface for smooth melting and consistent flavor distribution.
• Rest for Flavor Fusion: Allow the dish to sit for 10 minutes after cooking to let ingredients blend and sauce naturally thicken.
• Enhance with Fresh Garnishes: Top with crisp cilantro and cool sour cream to add brightness and contrast to the rich, hearty meal.

Different Styles Of Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef and chicken with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meat-free version that maintains hearty texture and protein content.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free spaghetti or zucchini noodles instead of traditional wheat pasta to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners while keeping the dish's core flavors intact.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Increase heat by adding diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or using hot taco seasoning for those craving extra kick and bold southwestern flavors.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute spaghetti with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables to reduce carbohydrate content while preserving the dish's savory, comforting essence.

Tasty Pairings For Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

• Pair with Zesty Mexican Margarita: Blend refreshing lime margarita with salt-rimmed glass to complement the spicy, hearty flavors of the beef and chicken spaghetti dish.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with avocado, red onion, and tangy lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, meaty crockpot meal and provide a fresh contrast.
• Enhance with Crunchy Tortilla Chips: Scatter homemade or store-bought tortilla chips around the dish for added texture and a classic Mexican-inspired side that scoops up every delicious bite.

Easy Storage For Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack cooled dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through to 165°F.
• Pour leftovers into skillet, add small amount of broth or water. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Stir gently to maintain pasta and meat texture.

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Frequently Asked Questions

• Why use a crockpot for this recipe?

Crockpots create tender, flavorful meals with minimal effort. Slow cooking allows meat to become incredibly soft and helps ingredients blend seamlessly, developing rich, deep flavors without constant monitoring.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken work perfectly. They provide similar texture and absorb seasonings just as well as beef, making the dish versatile and adaptable to dietary preferences.

• Is this recipe considered spicy?

The dish has mild to moderate heat from taco seasoning and green chiles. If you prefer less spice, use mild taco seasoning or reduce green chiles. For more heat, add extra chiles or include some jalapeños.

• How do I prevent pasta from becoming mushy?

Break spaghetti into smaller pieces and ensure they’re mostly submerged in liquid.

Generous Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes – 4 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crockpot taco spaghetti brings Tex-Mex comfort straight to dinner tables with minimal effort. Mexican-inspired flavors meld perfectly, creating a simple one-pot meal that satisfies hungry families and spice enthusiasts looking for quick weeknight magic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup shredded chicken

Pasta and Base:

• 8 oz spaghetti noodles
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (4 oz) green chiles

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup water

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles until no longer pink, then drain excess fat.
2. Transfer browned beef to crockpot and add shredded chicken, minced garlic, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, green chiles, chicken broth, water, salt, and black pepper. Stir ingredients to combine thoroughly.
3. Break spaghetti noodles in half and nestle them into the meat mixture, ensuring they are mostly submerged in liquid.
4. Cover crockpot and cook on low setting for 3-4 hours, gently stirring occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking together.
5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, check pasta for tenderness and ensure there’s enough liquid to prevent burning.
6. Once pasta is cooked and meat is tender, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt for 5-10 minutes.
7. Turn off crockpot and let the dish rest for 10 minutes to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
8. Garnish with chopped cilantro and dollop sour cream before serving hot directly from the crockpot.

Notes

• Elevate flavor by using homemade taco seasoning for a more authentic and customizable taste profile.
• Break spaghetti noodles evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent clumping in the crockpot.
• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this comfort dish.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian adaptation, using plant-based protein alternatives like crumbled tofu or meat substitute.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-4 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg