Print

Slow Cooker Taco Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 95 reviews

This Slow Cooker Taco Pasta recipe combines the hearty flavors of ground beef, beans, vegetables, and taco seasonings with tender pasta and melted cheese, offering a comforting and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy days. Cooked slowly to meld flavors and topped with gooey cheeses and optional fresh toppings like green onions and sour cream, it’s a delicious twist on traditional taco night.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • ½ cup red onion, chopped
  • 10 ounces frozen corn
  • 14.5 ounces roasted tomatoes, 1 can
  • 4 ounces diced green chilis, 1 can
  • 15 ounces black beans, 1 can, rinsed and drained
  • 1 envelope taco seasoning mix (3 tablespoons)
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 10–12 ounces shell pasta, uncooked (adjust amount for sauce preference)
  • 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, shredded & divided
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • Chopped green onions (optional, for serving)
  • Sour cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Brown Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble the ground beef. Drain the excess fat and transfer the cooked beef to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the chopped red onion, red bell pepper, roasted tomatoes, diced green chilis, frozen corn, rinsed black beans, taco seasoning mix, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients well.
  3. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3½ hours to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
  4. Add Pasta: About 40 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked shell pasta. Use 10 ounces for a saucier consistency or 12 ounces for a thicker dish (increase cooking time to 45 minutes if using 12 ounces). Cover and continue cooking until the pasta is tender.
  5. Incorporate Cheese: When the pasta is cooked, stir in 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese thoroughly into the mixture in the slow cooker.
  6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes so the cheese melts on top.
  7. Serve: Spoon onto plates and serve with optional toppings such as chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese, or sour cream. Enjoy your flavorful and comforting taco pasta meal!

Notes

  • 1 envelope taco seasoning mix equals approximately 3 tablespoons.
  • Use 10 ounces of pasta for a saucier texture; use 12 ounces for a thicker texture and increase cooking time accordingly.
  • Calorie estimates are based on 12 servings of approximately 1 cup each; nutritional values may vary depending on brands and specific ingredients used.
  • Drain excess fat from cooked beef before adding to the slow cooker to reduce greasiness.

Keywords: slow cooker taco pasta, taco pasta, slow cooker recipes, ground beef pasta, easy pasta recipes, cheesy taco pasta, slow cooker dinner

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/slow-cooker-taco-pasta-recipe/