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Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe

4.8 from 72 reviews

This Crockpot Taco Spaghetti is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines classic taco spices with comforting spaghetti noodles, slow-cooked to perfection. It’s an easy one-pot meal that is ideal for busy weeknights, combining lean ground beef, mild taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and melted cheddar cheese, all topped with fresh cilantro for a bright finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • ¾ cup diced yellow onion
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • 2 ounces (2 1-ounce packets) mild taco seasoning
  • 28 ounces can Rotel mild diced tomatoes and green chilies
  • 12 ounces dry regular spaghetti noodles
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred variety)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro (Divide into 2 tablespoons for filling and 1 tablespoon for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the yellow onion and chop the fresh cilantro, separating 2 tablespoons for mixing and reserving 1 tablespoon for garnish.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef with diced onion until beef is browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the cooked beef and onion mixture to the crockpot. Add taco seasoning, Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  4. Add Spaghetti Noodles: Break the dry spaghetti noodles in half and stir them evenly into the crockpot mixture, ensuring they are submerged in liquid.
  5. Cook in Crockpot: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the spaghetti noodles are tender and have absorbed the flavors.
  6. Add Cheese and Cilantro: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in 6 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro, allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly.
  7. Serve: Scoop the taco spaghetti into bowls and garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped cilantro and the remaining 2 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Enjoy warm.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, use hot taco seasoning or add extra diced jalapeños.
  • Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • If you prefer, use gluten-free spaghetti noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Adding black beans or corn can enhance texture and nutrition.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: crockpot taco spaghetti, slow cooker spaghetti, taco pasta, ground beef recipe, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food