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Quick Crockpot Taco Pasta

Quick Crockpot Taco Pasta
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Quick Crockpot Taco Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make slow cooker dish combining savory taco-seasoned ground meat, pasta, and cheese for a comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey

Pasta

  • 2 cups dry rotini or penne pasta

Vegetables

  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers

Liquids & Sauces

  • 1 cup tomato sauce or salsa
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth or vegetable broth

Seasonings & Cheese

  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: Start by browning the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat; this step amplifies flavor and removes excess fat before adding to the crockpot.
  2. Mix Ingredients In Crockpot: Combine browned meat, diced onions, bell peppers, tomato sauce or salsa, taco seasoning, and broth right in the slow cooker. Stir well to evenly distribute taste.
  3. Add Pasta: Pour in dry pasta and give everything a good stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in liquid, so it cooks evenly and absorbs the spices.
  4. Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low heat for about 3 to 4 hours, checking occasionally to avoid pasta overcooking or sticking to the sides.
  5. Stir in Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, then gently fold it in to melt into creamy perfection.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese has melted and the pasta is tender, scoop out generous portions and garnish as you like before digging in.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat after browning the meat to prevent grease pooling in the crockpot.
  • Add pasta halfway through cooking if possible to avoid mushy texture.
  • Use enough broth or salsa to ensure pasta cooks evenly without drying out.
  • Add cheese at the end to maintain creamy texture and prevent overcooking.
  • Toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley after cooking for extra freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, taco pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, cheesy pasta, ground beef, ground turkey, Tex-Mex, one-pot dish

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/quick-crockpot-taco-pasta/