Finding Easy Dinner Recipes For Family nights can feel like a never ending quest. You want something that tastes amazing but does not require hours standing over a hot stove. We have all been there. It is 5 PM. Everyone is hungry. You need a solution fast.
That is where this slow cooker taco pasta comes in. It brings together the comfort of pasta with the zesty kick of taco night. It is a meal that pleases both picky eaters and adults alike.
This dish is one of those Quick Dinner Recipes For Family schedules that actually delivers on flavor. You do not have to sacrifice taste for convenience here. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting for you.
If you are a fan of Dump And Go Crockpot Dinners, this recipe fits right into your rotation. It requires just a little browning of the meat first. Then the rest is smooth sailing.
We are diving deep into how to make this delicious meal. I will guide you through every step to ensure your pasta turns out just right. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to keep this recipe in your back pocket. First and foremost is the simplicity. We all need Easy Dinner Recipes For Family routines that do not add stress to our day.
Another huge plus is the cost. This is one of those Cheap Dinners For A Family that helps stretch your grocery budget. Ground beef and pasta are affordable staples.
The texture is absolutely delightful. The pasta shells catch all the cheesy sauce and seasoned beef. Every bite is packed with savory goodness.
It is also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Use mild salsa for the kids or kick it up with medium salsa for more heat.
Cleanup is a breeze too. Since most of the action happens in the slow cooker, you have fewer dishes to wash at the end of the night. Who doesn’t love that?
This dish also qualifies as one of the best Lazy Dinners around. Once the ingredients are in the pot, you are free to help with homework or just relax.
Finally, it is a complete meal in a bowl. You get your protein, carbs, and veggies all in one scoop. You can serve it with a side salad if you like, but it is filling enough on its own.
If you have been hunting for Easy Dinner Recipes For Family gatherings that everyone will actually eat, your search ends here. This taco pasta is a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple ingredient list. You likely have many of these items in your pantry already. Here is what you will need to get started.
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup jarred salsa (mild or medium)
- 15 ounce can corn (drained)
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 ½ cups water or low sodium chicken broth
- 12 ounces shell pasta shapes (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
When selecting your ground beef, lean is usually best to avoid excess grease. However, you can use whatever you have on hand since you will drain it anyway.
For the broth, chicken broth adds a nice depth of flavor. If you do not have any, water works just fine. The taco seasoning provides plenty of punch on its own.
We recommend shell pasta because the shape holds the sauce beautifully. You could also use rotini or penne if that is what is in your cupboard. Just keep an eye on cook times.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this dish is straightforward. It is designed to be one of those Easy Dinner Recipes For Family success stories. Follow these steps for a tasty result.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium high heat. Place your ground beef in the pan. Season it generously with salt and pepper.
Cook the meat thoroughly. Use a wooden spoon to crumble it as it cooks. Stir often to ensure even browning. Once it is fully cooked, drain off any excess grease. Transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Liquids
Now add the chopped bell pepper to the slow cooker. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the jarred salsa. Add the drained corn.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture. Pour in your broth or water. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors. This base is what makes these Quick Dinner Recipes For Family meals so rich.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Place the lid on your slow cooker. You can cook this on low for 5 to 6 hours. Alternatively, you can cook it on high for 2 to 3 hours.
Do not worry if there seems to be a lot of extra liquid at this stage. This is normal. The liquid is essential for cooking the pasta in the next step.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Once the initial cooking time is up, it is time for the pasta. Stir in the uncooked pasta shells. Make sure you press them down into the liquid so they cook evenly.
Cover the pot again and cook on high for 15 to 30 minutes. The time will vary based on your specific slow cooker. Check the pasta for doneness periodically.
Note that if you cooked the base on low, it might take a bit longer for the liquid to heat up enough to cook the pasta. Just be patient.
Step 5: Cheese and Serve
When the pasta is tender, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Let it melt into the sauce. This creates that creamy texture we all love.
Serve immediately while it is hot. It is delicious topped with a spoonful of sour cream or fresh chopped cilantro. You can add more shredded cheese on top if you like.
How To Store Leftovers
Leftovers are often the best part of Easy Dinner Recipes For Family cooking. This pasta reheats very well for lunch the next day.
To store, let the pasta cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.
When you are ready to eat, you can reheat it in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge. This helps bring the creaminess back.
Freezing is possible but pasta can sometimes change texture when frozen and thawed. If you do freeze it, use a freezer safe container. Consume within 2 months for the best quality.
Tips
Here are some helpful hints to ensure your taco pasta turns out great every time. These tips are key for mastering Easy Dinner Recipes For Family success.
First, shred your own cheese if you can. Pre shredded cheese often has anti caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated cheese yields a silkier sauce.
Do not overcook the pasta. Mushy pasta can ruin the dish. Start checking it around the 15 minute mark after adding it to the crockpot.
Feel free to customize the veggies. If your family loves onions, sauté them with the beef. Black beans or kidney beans are also great additions for extra fiber and protein.
If you want to make this even faster, you can use pre cooked ground beef from your freezer. This is a classic trick for Lazy Dinners.
Adjust the liquid as needed. If the pasta absorbs too much liquid before it is cooked, add a little more hot water. If it is too soupy, let it cook uncovered for a few minutes.
Top creatively. Crushed tortilla chips add a nice crunch. Diced avocado brings freshness. A squeeze of lime juice cuts through the richness.
Conclusion
This slow cooker taco pasta proves that Easy Dinner Recipes For Family nights can be both simple and delicious. It checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal.
From the savory beef to the cheesy pasta, every bite is comforting. It is one of those Cheap Dinners For A Family that feels special without breaking the bank.
We hope this dish makes your weeknight routine a little smoother. It is wonderful to have a meal that cooks itself while you attend to other things.
Give this recipe a try tonight. Gather the family around the table and enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of taco pasta. It might just become your new favorite.
FAQ
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead?
Yes you absolutely can. Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent leaner alternatives to beef. The taco seasoning is strong enough that you likely will not notice a huge difference in flavor.
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Certainly. Simply swap the regular pasta shells for your favorite gluten free pasta. Be aware that gluten free pasta can be more delicate so check it frequently to prevent it from falling apart.
Do I Have to Brown the Meat First?
For the best flavor and texture we highly recommend browning the meat first. It removes excess grease and prevents the meat from clumping together in the slow cooker. However some Dump And Go Crockpot Dinners do skip this but the texture will be different.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely. Zucchini, spinach, or extra peppers work well. If you add softer veggies like spinach stir them in at the very end so they just wilt rather than overcook.
Slow Cooker Taco Pasta
This Slow Cooker Taco Pasta combines the comfort of pasta with the zesty flavors of taco night. It’s creamy, cheesy, and incredibly filling, using simple pantry staples for an easy weeknight meal that everyone will actually eat without complaining.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the lean ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper. Once browned, drain any excess grease and transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
- Add the chopped bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, jarred salsa, drained corn, and taco seasoning to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Pour in the water or low sodium chicken broth. Stir all ingredients until well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked shell pasta. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Serve hot.
Notes
Each ingredient plays a specific role here. The lean ground beef provides the hearty protein base. Using lean beef ensures the dish is not too greasy, as we are not draining grease from the slow cooker later.
The salsa and taco seasoning bring that signature zest. You can choose mild, medium, or hot salsa depending on your preference. This control over heat is why homemade meals are often better than store bought options.
Shell pasta is the ideal choice for this sauce. The shape acts like a little scoop. It holds onto the ground beef, corn, and tomato sauce. This ensures you get a perfect mix of flavors in every single bite.
This recipe is also versatile. You can adjust the spice level for younger kids or add extra veggies if you want to boost the nutrition. It’s adaptable to whatever you have in your fridge.
Nutrition
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