Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe

There's nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of Crockpot Taco Spaghetti filling your home after a busy day. This recipe combines two favorites—tacos and spaghetti—into a savory, comforting dish that’s perfect for the whole family.

this Recipe

I first tried this recipe on a whim, inspired by a love for tacos and the simplicity of slow cooker meals. To my surprise, it became an instant hit! Now, it’s my go-to for those nights when I need something effortless yet crowd-pleasing. Let’s dive in and discover what makes this dish so special.

Why You'll Love This Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

Get ready to embrace your new favorite slow-cooked comfort meal. This Crockpot Taco Spaghetti is the ultimate fusion of flavors and convenience.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. With the help of your crockpot, you can set it and forget it, letting the flavors meld together beautifully throughout the day.

It’s a hit with both kids and adults alike. The classic taco flavors paired with tender spaghetti are irresistible, even for picky eaters. You might even find everyone asking for seconds (or thirds)!

Another big plus? This dish is budget-friendly. Using simple pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, and taco seasoning keeps costs low without sacrificing flavor.

Lastly, it’s versatile enough to suit your preferences. Whether you want to swap the ground beef for turkey or load it up with extra veggies, this recipe adapts effortlessly to your needs.

Ready to give it a try? Let’s start with the ingredients!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Crockpot Taco Spaghetti lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each component plays an important role in building layers of flavor.

• Ground Beef: The base of your dish, providing a hearty, savory flavor. Feel free to substitute it with ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
• Taco Seasoning: This is where the signature taco taste comes in! You can use a store-bought packet or make your own blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: A can of these adds a slight kick and tangy flavor to the sauce. If you prefer milder flavors, swap them for plain diced tomatoes.
• Spaghetti: The star of the show! Broken into smaller pieces, it cooks perfectly in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
• Cheese: A generous topping of shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese adds a gooey, melty finish to the dish.
• Broth: Chicken or beef broth keeps the pasta from drying out while adding depth to the sauce.

You’ll also need a slow cooker for this recipe. A 6-quart model works best, giving you enough space for all the ingredients to cook evenly.

How To Make This Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

Creating this comforting dish couldn’t be easier. With just a few steps, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting!

Start by browning ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. This step locks in flavor and prevents excess grease from entering your crockpot. Drain any fat before transferring the beef to your slow cooker.

Next, add your diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, and broth. Stir everything together to create a flavorful base. Let this mixture cook on low for 4-5 hours, allowing the spices to meld and intensify.

About 30 minutes before serving, break the spaghetti into thirds and stir it into the crockpot. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce to ensure even cooking. Cover and let it cook until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping.

Once the spaghetti is cooked, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top. Cover for another 5-10 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a gooey topping.

In total, the recipe takes about 4.5 to 5.5 hours, with only 15 minutes of active prep time. It’s the perfect hands-off dinner!

Storage Options

Leftovers of Crockpot Taco Spaghetti are just as delicious the next day—if you manage to have any left!

For refrigeration, store the dish in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep the pasta from drying out. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.

If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or microwave.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly adaptable! Here are some ways you can switch it up:

• Protein Swap: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the mix for extra texture and nutrition.
• Spice Level: If you like things spicy, stir in some chopped jalapeños or use a spicier taco seasoning. For a milder version, stick to mild diced tomatoes and reduce the seasoning slightly.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti and double-check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free.
• Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or queso fresco for a fun twist.

Feel free to make this dish your own—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!

Closing Thoughts

This Crockpot Taco Spaghetti is a hearty, comforting meal that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. So, grab your crockpot and get ready to serve up some serious smiles at the dinner table!

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