Some days just call for an easy dinner. You know the ones. The calendar is full, the kids are hungry, and the thought of cooking a complicated meal is just too much. On those nights, having a few go to Crockpot Recipes in your back pocket feels like a superpower.
This slow cooker taco pasta is exactly that. It’s a warm, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful meal that practically makes itself. It combines the comfort of pasta with the zesty taste of tacos, all in one pot. It is one of my favorite Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner because it is so simple and satisfying.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? This recipe is the definition of convenience. It’s one of those fantastic Dump And Go Crockpot Dinners where you just add the ingredients and let the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. There’s no need to stand over a stove for an hour.
The flavors are a huge hit with everyone, from kids to adults. The rich ground beef, zesty salsa, and sweet corn create a beautiful combination. Then, at the end, you stir in pasta and cheese. It becomes this creamy, delicious masterpiece.
It’s also a budget friendly meal. Using common pantry staples like canned tomatoes, pasta, and salsa helps keep costs down without sacrificing taste. This is truly one of the best Lazy Dinners you can make.
Plus, cleanup is so easy. Since everything cooks together in the slow cooker, you are left with minimal dishes. That’s a huge win on a busy weeknight. Easy prep and easy cleanup make for a happy cook.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to get started. The ingredients are simple and easy to find at any grocery store. Many of these might already be in your pantry, making this one of those great last minute Crockpot Recipes.
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup jarred salsa (mild)
- 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
Step-By-Step Instructions
Following these steps will give you a delicious meal with very little effort. Let’s walk through how to make these amazing Crockpot Recipes for dinner tonight.
Step 1: Brown The Ground Beef
First things first, heat up a large skillet over medium high heat. Add your ground beef to the pan. Sprinkle it with a little salt and pepper for that initial layer of flavor.
Cook the meat, using a spoon to crumble it into small pieces. Stir it often until it is nicely browned all over. Once it’s cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease. Then, transfer the browned beef into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add The Other Ingredients
Now for the really easy part. This is why we love Dump And Go Crockpot Dinners. Add the chopped bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, salsa, corn, and taco seasoning right on top of the beef.
Pour in the water or chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to make sure it is all mixed together well. This mixture will become a savory sauce that the pasta will cook in later.
Step 3: Let The Slow Cooker Work
Put the lid on your crockpot and set it to cook. You can cook it on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. At this point, you will notice there is a lot of liquid in the pot. Don’t worry about it! This is totally normal. That extra liquid is needed to cook the pasta later on.
Step 4: Cook The Pasta
Once the initial cooking time is up, it’s time to add the pasta. Stir in the uncooked pasta shells, making sure to press them down so they are submerged in the liquid. This is a key step to ensure they cook evenly.
Put the lid back on and turn the crockpot to high. Let it cook for another 15 to 30 minutes. The exact time can vary depending on your slow cooker. Just check the pasta every so often until it’s tender.
Step 5: Add The Cheese And Serve
Your kitchen probably smells amazing right now. The final touch is the cheese. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and gooey. And that’s it! Your delicious dinner is ready.
Serve it hot, maybe with a dollop of sour cream, some fresh cilantro, and a little extra cheese on top. This is one of those Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner that everyone gets excited about.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Just let the pasta cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 or 4 days.
When you are ready to eat it again, you can reheat it in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth before heating to help loosen up the sauce. It makes for a fantastic and quick lunch the next day. These types of Lazy Dinners are often even better the second time around.
Tips
Want to customize your dish? Here are a few simple ideas to change things up. Good Crockpot Recipes are always adaptable.
- Try different meats. Ground turkey or chicken would also be delicious in this recipe. Just make sure to brown it first.
- Add more vegetables. Feel free to toss in a can of drained black beans or some diced onions with the bell pepper for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the spice level. If you like it spicy, use a hot salsa or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a milder taste, stick with mild salsa.
- Change the cheese. Monterey Jack, a Mexican cheese blend, or even a sprinkle of cotija cheese would be wonderful alternatives to cheddar.
- Use different pasta. Any short pasta shape will work. Try rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni if you do not have shells.
These simple swaps can make you feel like you’re creating brand new Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner every time.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that is sure to become a family favorite. This recipe proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something wonderful.
It’s the kind of comforting food that brings everyone to the table. For anyone searching for reliable Crockpot Recipes, this one is a definite keeper. It is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights and a star among Lazy Dinners. Give it a try, and enjoy every cheesy bite.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Meat?
Absolutely. This is one of those flexible Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner that works well with substitutes. Ground turkey or ground chicken are great lean alternatives. You could even try a plant based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
Is This Recipe Spicy?
The spice level depends entirely on the salsa you choose. The recipe calls for mild salsa to keep it family friendly. If you prefer more heat, simply use a medium or hot salsa. You could also add a diced jalapeño for an extra kick.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten Free?
Yes, making this gluten free is very easy. Just swap the regular shell pasta for your favorite gluten free pasta variety. Also, double check that your taco seasoning and chicken broth are certified gluten free. It’s a simple switch for one of our favorite Dump And Go Crockpot Dinners.
Slow Cooker Taco Pasta
This Slow Cooker Taco Pasta is a warm, cheesy, and flavorful one-pot meal that practically makes itself. It combines comforting pasta with zesty taco flavors, perfect for a busy weeknight.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook, crumbling with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess grease and transfer to a slow cooker.
- Add chopped bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, salsa, drained corn, and taco seasoning to the slow cooker. Pour in water or chicken broth and stir well to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The mixture will be liquidy, which is normal for cooking the pasta later.
- Once the initial cooking time is complete, stir in the uncooked shell pasta, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Cooking time may vary by slow cooker.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and gooey. Serve hot, optionally topped with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or extra cheese.
Notes
If you have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Customize your dish: try ground turkey or chicken, add black beans or diced onions, adjust spice with hot salsa or red pepper flakes, or use Monterey Jack, a Mexican cheese blend, or cotija cheese.
Any short pasta like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni can be used instead of shells.
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