Description
This Easy Slow Cooker Taco Pasta is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal combining seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and pasta in a rich tomato and salsa sauce. Perfect for a hassle-free dinner, it utilizes a slow cooker for tender, melded flavors and requires minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup jarred salsa (mild preferred)
- 15 ounce can corn, drained
Seasonings and Liquids
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 ½ cups water or low sodium chicken broth (one 14.5 ounce can plus additional water to total 2 ½ cups)
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 ounces shell pasta shapes, uncooked (whole wheat or white)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook while crumbling and stirring frequently until browned. Drain the excess grease and transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the chopped bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, jarred salsa, drained corn, taco seasoning, and the broth or water to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine.
- Slow Cook the Mixture: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. There will be extra liquid at this stage, which is expected as it will be absorbed when the pasta is added.
- Add Pasta and Finish Cooking: Stir the uncooked pasta into the slow cooker and press it down into the liquid. Cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes until the pasta is tender. Note that actual pasta cooking time may vary based on your slow cooker model; if cooked initially on low, the pasta will take longer to cook due to temperature ramp-up.
- Stir in Cheese and Serve: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with a spoonful of sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, and extra shredded cheddar cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Taco seasoning can be adjusted for spice level or substituted with homemade blends.
- If you prefer, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Adding salsa enhances flavor and reduces the need for extra salt.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated gently with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
