CrockPot Taco Spaghetti

Featured in Family-Favorite Main Dishes.

Brown beef, add ingredients to slow cooker, cook 3-4 hours, add pasta for final 20 minutes. Serves 6.
Rehan Magic House Recipes
Recipe by Reham
Updated on Mon, 10 Feb 2025 22:20:31 GMT
CrockPot Taco Spaghetti Save this recipe
CrockPot Taco Spaghetti | magichouserecipes.com

CrockPot Taco Spaghetti is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the comfort of pasta with the bold, zesty flavors of tacos. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is creamy, cheesy, and packed with Tex-Mex spices. With minimal prep and the slow cooker doing all the work, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe has become a staple in my home because it’s so versatile and satisfying. The aroma of the spices and cheese filling the house is always a welcome treat.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

  • Ground Beef: Lean ground beef adds protein and richness. I prefer using 90% lean to keep it flavorful without too much grease.
  • Bell Pepper: Diced red or green bell pepper adds a sweet crunch and a pop of color. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies.
  • Crushed Tomatoes: These form the base of the sauce, providing a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. I always use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best taste.
  • Salsa: Salsa adds a zesty kick and depth of flavor. Choose your favorite variety—mild, medium, or hot—depending on your spice preference.
  • Canned Corn: Drained corn kernels add a touch of sweetness and texture. I love how they balance the savory elements of the dish.
  • Taco Seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning brings all the classic Tex-Mex flavors. You can use store-bought or make your own blend for a personalized touch.
  • Chicken Broth: This keeps the dish moist and helps the pasta cook evenly. I use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
  • Spaghetti: Breaking the spaghetti in half makes it easier to stir and serve. It’s the perfect pasta for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar melts into the dish, adding creaminess and a rich, cheesy flavor. I always shred my own cheese for the best texture.
  • Fresh Cilantro: A garnish of chopped cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the dish.
Slow Cooker Taco Spaghetti – Cheesy, Spicy & Effortless! Save this recipe
Slow Cooker Taco Spaghetti – Cheesy, Spicy & Effortless! | magichouserecipes.com

Cooking the Perfect CrockPot Taco Spaghetti

Browning the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s crumbled and no longer pink. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too heavy.
Building the Base:
Transfer the cooked beef to the bottom of a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add the diced bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, salsa, drained corn, taco seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir everything well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Slow Cooking the Base:
Cover the CrockPot and cook on high for 3–4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich, aromatic base for the dish.
Adding the Pasta:
Break the spaghetti in half and stir it into the CrockPot. Cover and cook for 10-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Melting the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the spaghetti. Cover the CrockPot and let the cheese melt for about 5 minutes. Stir gently to incorporate the melted cheese into the dish.
Garnishing and Serving:
Finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, taco-flavored bite.

The combination of taco seasoning and melted cheese is my favorite part of this recipe. It’s a flavor explosion that never fails to satisfy. My family loves how hearty and flavorful it is, and it’s become a regular on our weekly menu.

Serving It Right

CrockPot Taco Spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple additions. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish. For a fun twist, set up a topping bar with options like sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, sour cream, or extra shredded cheese. This lets everyone customize their plate to their liking. I love pairing it with a refreshing limeade or a cold beer for a casual dinner vibe.

Customizing Your Dish

  • Protein Swap: If you’re not a fan of ground beef, try using ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
  • Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the CrockPot for an extra kick. You can also use spicy taco seasoning instead of mild.
  • Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, Colby, or queso fresco to change up the flavor profile. Each cheese brings its own unique twist to the dish.
  • Extra Veggies: Stir in black beans, zucchini, or extra bell peppers for added nutrition and texture. I often add a handful of spinach for a pop of color and vitamins.
  • Creamy Upgrade: For an even richer dish, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream at the end. It adds a luxurious creaminess that’s hard to resist.
Crockpot Taco Spaghetti – Easy, Save this recipe
Crockpot Taco Spaghetti – Easy, | magichouserecipes.com

Storing and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, use the microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.
  • Freezing: Allow the spaghetti to cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Final Thoughts

CrockPot Taco Spaghetti is a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify dinner without sacrificing flavor. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with bold Tex-Mex spices that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something comforting, this dish is sure to hit the spot. Give it a try tonight and make it a regular in your meal rotation—it’s a recipe that never disappoints.

Recipe Tips & Questions

→ Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, any long pasta works. Adjust cooking time slightly based on pasta thickness.
→ Can I cook this on low?
Yes, cook 6-7 hours on low, then add pasta until tender.
→ Can I prep this ahead?
Brown meat and prep vegetables ahead. Add all ingredients to slow cooker when ready to cook.
→ How do I prevent mushy pasta?
Don't add pasta until final 20 minutes and check frequently for desired doneness.
→ Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze up to 3 months. Pasta may be softer when reheated.

Slow Cooker Taco Spaghetti

A slow cooker fusion dish combining taco-seasoned beef and vegetables with spaghetti for an easy weeknight dinner.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
240 Minutes
Total Time
255 Minutes
Recipe by: Reham

Recipe Type: Main Courses

Skill Level: Perfect for Beginners

Cuisine Style: Mexican-Italian Fusion

Makes: 6 Servings

Dietary Notes: ~

What You'll Need

→ Main

01 1 pound lean ground beef
02 12 ounces spaghetti pasta
03 1 medium bell pepper, diced

→ Sauce and Seasonings

04 15 ounces crushed tomatoes
05 1 cup salsa
06 15 ounces canned corn, drained
07 1 package (3 tablespoons) taco seasoning
08 2½ cups chicken broth
09 Salt and pepper to taste

→ Toppings

10 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
11 Fresh cilantro for garnish

Let's Cook!

Step 01

Brown ground beef in skillet, season with salt and pepper. Transfer to slow cooker.

Step 02

Add bell pepper, tomatoes, salsa, corn, taco seasoning, and broth. Stir to combine.

Step 03

Cover and cook on high 3-4 hours. Add pasta, cook 10-20 minutes more until tender.

Step 04

Top with cheese, cover 5 minutes to melt. Stir well and garnish with cilantro.

Recipe Notes

  1. A Mexican-inspired fusion dish combining classic spaghetti with taco flavors, all made in the slow cooker.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • 6-quart or larger slow cooker
  • Large skillet

Allergy Information

Always check ingredients carefully for allergens. When in doubt, please consult your healthcare provider.
  • Dairy (cheese)
  • Wheat (pasta)