Cravings of a Lunatic

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Slow Cooker Taco Pasta

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This slow cooker taco pasta is an easy cheesy dinner the whole family will love. Whip up a big batch today!

Slow Cooker Taco Pasta with fresh parsley sprinkled over top.

Can I just begin by saying I’m really out of practice when it comes to photography?

Seriously, I struggled hard to take photos of this recipe. It’s hard to shoot slow cooker recipes, especially pasta with no colour that pops out.

It’s all good though. I managed and some recipes are so tasty we can overlook the lack of fancy photos. Am I right?

What I love about slow cooker recipes is that you can just toss everything in a giant pot and go live your life. No muss, zero fuss. I dig that!

And if I’m being honest, it really flows with my laziness level during the sheltering in place point of 2020. Anyone else been a bit lazy lately?

Crock pot pastas are easy to make, not to mention they’re actually super tasty. This slow cooker taco pasta is always a hit with family and friends.

This taco pasta was inspired by Fake Ginger’s Taco Pasta. Hers looked so good I just had to make my own version of it. Honestly, everything she makes looks delicious, especially her drinks.

Let me know if you get a chance to make this. I’ll be sharing an instant pot version of taco pasta in the coming weeks too. I mean, you can never have enough pasta in your life!

Slow Cooker Taco Pasta in a white crock pot with flowers on it.

Ingredient Notes:

For the Pasta:

  • Ground Beef – You can swap ground turkey or chicken if you prefer either of those. Personally, I love the flavour of beef.
  • Broth – I used beef broth for this recipe but you can substitute vegetable broth easily.
  • Taco Seasoning – You can use store bought or make your own.
  • Peppers – I used green and red peppers in the original recipe but you can use any kind of peppers. I’m a sucker for red peppers.
  • Onion – Sweet onions are my favourite. I’m partial to Vidalia onions. Spanish onions would be great in this too.
  • Garlic – Use fresh garlic if possible. Also, use as much as you want. The more, the better in my humble opinion.
  • Pasta Sauce – I used jarred pasta sauce but you could also use diced tomatoes.
  • Cream Cheese – I’m a huge fan of Philly cream cheese but use any brand you love.
  • Dried Pasta – For this recipe, I used dried medium shell noodles. Cook them prior to adding them to the slow cooker.
  • Cheese – I used shredded cheddar cheese. Feel free to substitute whatever kind of cheese you love.

Optional Garnish Options:

  • Sour cream – Including sour cream in your garnish options is a must!
  • Peppers – Chopped up peppers are especially good on taco pasta.
  • Onions – Not only do they add flavour, but they look good too.
  • Salsa – Whether you make your own or use store bought, salsa is an amazing garnish for this pasta.
  • Avocado – Again, not only does slices avocado taste great but it looks impressive.
  • Cheese – Extra cheese adds more flavour as well as an added pop of colour.
  • Parsley or Cilantro – Honestly, if you hate cilantro you can use parsley. Lots of folks have an aversion to cilantro.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pasta:

  1. First, brown the ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat and rinse.
  2. Then, add that cooked ground beef to your slow cooker.
  3. Next, add the beef broth, taco seasoning, onion, peppers, garlic and pasta sauce to the slow cooker. Stir really well then place the lid on.
  4. Turn the slow cooker on the low setting and cook for approximately 3 to 4 hours.
  5. Add the cream cheese, place the lid back on, and then cook for another 30 minutes. Give the mixture a stir.
  6. Then, add the pre-cooked pasta noodles and the shredded cheese. Place the lid back on and cook for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until cheese melts. Give it a good stir once it’s done.
  7. Next, transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl and add some parsley or cilantro.
  8. Scoop into individual bowls and garnish with whatever makes you tummy happy!
  9. Serve!

Slow cooker taco pasta in a multi-coloured pasta bowl with lots of garnish on top.

How to Store:

  • Allow the pasta to cool down before storing.
  • Store in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days in the fridge.

Slow Cooker Taco Pasta in a white crock pot with a red gingham napkin next to it.

Can it be Frozen:

  • Yes, this a great freezer-friendly recipe. It freezes beautifully.
  • Make sure you allow the pasta to cool completely if freezing it.
  • You can store in an airtight container or freezer bags for about 2 to 3 months. Personally, I like to use mine within about a month.

Slow Cooker Taco Pasta in s grey bowl with a wooden spoon in it.

Tips for Reheating Pasta:

Method 1:

  • Your first option is to reheat this in the microwave by adding some water or broth to it before heating it up. Stir the pasta halfway through. Add more liquid if needed.

Method 2:

  • Your second option for reheating this is to do it on the stovetop. Honestly, this is the preferred option. Again, add extra liquid to the pasta before heating it up. This will keep it moist and allow it to reheat perfectly.

Slow cooker taco pasta served in a brightly coloured bowl.

More Dinner Ideas:

overhead image of Slow Cooker Taco Pasta

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Slow Cooker Taco Pasta with fresh parsley sprinkled over top.
Print Pin

Slow Cooker Taco Pasta

This slow cooker taco pasta is an easy cheesy dinner the whole family will love!
Course Dinner, Pasta
Cuisine American
Keyword slow cooker taco pasta, taco pasta
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 598kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 14 oz beef broth
  • 1/4 cup taco seasoning
  • 1 large green pepper chopped
  • 1 large red pepper chopped
  • 1 large sweet onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 24 oz pasta sauce
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 6 cups medium shell pasta cooked
  • 12 oz shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish:

  • sour cream
  • chopped peppers
  • salsa
  • avocado
  • parsley or cilantro
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Brown your ground beef in a skillet or pan until browned. Drain excess fat and rinse.
  • Now pop that into your slow cooker.
  • Add beef broth, taco seasoning, onion, peppers, garlic, and pasta sauce the slow cooker. Give it all a really good stir. Place the lid on.
  • Turn the slow cooker on the low setting and cook for about 3 to 4 hours.
  • Add the cream cheese place lid back on, and cook for another 30 minutes.
  • Next, add the pre-cooked pasta noodles and the shredded cheese. Again, place the lid back on.
  • Cook for 20 to 30 minutes more, basically until the cheese melts. Give it a good stir.
  • Transfer slow cooker taco pasta to a large serving bowl and add parsley or cilantro as a garnish.
  • Scoop into individual size bowls and let everyone go nuts with the optional garnish.
  • Serve with a big old pasta loving smile!

Video

Notes

This makes a giant batch. 
We freeze extra for future meals so I always make a big batch. 
Originally posted on January 21, 2012.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 598kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 1078mg | Potassium: 660mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1724IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 265mg | Iron: 4mg

Slow cooker taco pasta in a mutli-coloured pasta bowl with a red and white napkin in the background.

Thanks for visiting today!

If you’re looking for more dinner recipes be sure to check out my recipe index. You can also find a lot more slow cooker recipes as well.

Be sure to follow me on Pinterest while you’re here. I love pinning great recipes! Also, make sure you follow me on Instagram. It’s a great way to stay up to date with the blog.

Toodles! xx

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Comments

  1. Ann says

    I am SO proud of you for tackling your foodie-touchie-thingy! I LOVE having my food touch! I also had no idea you didn't like salsa or sour cream! I'm scratching my head over that one, but I love ya anyway!

    Reply

  6. Ann says

    I also follow your other blog. Honestly, I hope you don't get a restraining order out! If there's a way to follow you – I do!

    Reply

  14. Anna @ hiddenponies says

    Mmmm, sour cream 🙂 And I would LOVE this subscription, and can't wait to see the new look up your sleeve!

    Reply

  17. Alyssa says

    Yum! I've got a pin on pintrest that is like this, but it's stuffed shells that I've been dying to try. My sister is the same way about touching foods, so funny!

    Reply

  20. Katherine Martinelli says

    Kim you are too funny! But you know your tastes and you know how to cook to make yourself happy, so that's all that matters 😀 Happy birthday again!!! You know I follow you in all those ways but I'm going to have to pass on this contest 🙁 Since I live with a foot in two continents, and mostly in one far away, it's more fair to give it to someone who will be able to enjoy them each month. But great giveaway!!

    Reply

  21. Anne Regalado says

    Kim , that pasta looks sensational !!!! & with cream cheese , too ! Droolness hahaha 1 year subscription of Bon Appétit ? YOU ARE MORE THAN COOL 😀 😀 😀

    Reply

  24. Lizzy says

    This would be a hubby approved recipe here, too! And such a fun giveaway….who wouldn't want a year of Bon Appetit????

    Reply

  30. Jill @ MadAboutMacarons says

    Love the look of this pasta – incredibly tasty. So sweet of Chef Dennis with that cake – wonderful! Happy belated birthday and hugs from Paris xo

    Reply

  31. Quiche-ing Queen says

    This recipe has my family's name all over it. I enjoy sour cream and I know we would love this. What a generous giveaway! I would love to win a subscription for the magazine. Drool. Looking forward to the changes to come.

    Reply

  40. BecHeflin says

    From one Pinterest junkie to another… I adore sticking pins into everything you post (not at all in a voodoo doll way)

    Reply

  49. Cindy B. says

    Hi I'm new to your blog, I were lead to it by that delicious-looking apple cake. So glad I found you. Happy Birthday!!

    Reply

  58. celiacasaurus.com says

    Hi Kim,

    Great looking recipe, I'm sure my hub would love it too. There's some secret cosmic connection between men and sloppy ground beef dishes, don't ya think? Add a big dollup of sour cream to mine, and I'm in heaven. I'm one of those freaks that licks the sour cream spoon before putting it in the dishwasher (will you ever see me the same way again…have I ruined a friendship?)
    I of course subscribe to your blog (duh) and you tweet my world baby!
    As far as the changes go…I'm nervous Kim…don't change, please don't change…I need my daily dose of Lunatic!
    xo, Christie

    Reply

  60. Emily says

    I think you did pretty good since most of the things in a normal taco pasta dish you don't like. I have been meaning to make something like this for a while too. Glad too know it makes a ton. I like leftovers but not a week's worth.

    Reply

  61. The Cookinglady says

    Well, you've done it again. Great post I love it. That is a good dish for the slow cooker. Hope you have a great day

    Reply

  65. Dee Hurter says

    LOL! You always crack me up. This dish looks like it's right up our ally. Yum! Love that it's crock potable too. Happy Birthday to you! That cake looks so freaking good! How lucky are you. I hope that you had an awesome day BBFF! xoxo, Dee

    Reply

  67. Marina says

    Dear Kim, you made my day! My son is looking at me laughing, and my husband just asked me if I am ok. Of course, I am OK, I am more than ok and just having some fun here! What do they know? Men… What do they know is hot to eat that pasta in like 5 minutes! Great post!

    Reply

  68. The Mom Chef says

    You crack me up. I'm all about foods the mush together. I think that's why I'm so fond of shepherd's pie. And sour cream is one of my close kitchen buddies. This pasta looks delicious and I'm sure I'd be on the 'yeah' side of the coin with it.

    A food magazine? Imagine anyone wanting one of those. 🙂

    Reply

  69. Amalia says

    Taco pasta sounds amazing right about now! It looks delicious! And this is a great giveaway, I love cooking magazines 🙂

    Reply

  73. [email protected] says

    oooo, this pasta looks amazing, twin!! taco flavored anything is gonna be good but this looks REALLY good.

    Even though I follow you practically everywhere (gee, I feel like a stalker now) Don't enter me in the giveaway. I already receive the magazine and it wouldn't be fair were I to actually win. I just wanted to tell you how fantastic the pasta looks 🙂

    Reply

  76. Cassie/Bake Your Day says

    Happy birthday, Kim! I already get Bon Appetit so I'll let someone else win. This pasta sounds fabulous!

    Reply

  78. A Canadian Foodie says

    You got me at the big dollop of sour cream! Loved reading the recipe – great idea. Are you from Alberta? Where are you from?
    🙂
    Valerie

    Reply

  79. The Harried Cook says

    Happy Birthday, Kim! 🙂 You never fail to crack me up! 😀 I hope you had a wonderful day filled with laughter, love and tons of good food! This pasta looks fabulous! I am sooper-dooper excited about the giveaway because we can't buy the magazine here… so I am crossing my fingers!!! I missed your birthday guest post, and I am off to visit that now 🙂 Thanks for sharing and for being you!

    Reply

  94. Kim Bee says

    Aw, cute if you don't live with me. Not cute if you ever do my dishes and I forty ramekins so nothing touches. Lol! Thanks.

    Reply

  129. Kim Bee says

    Thanks. And lol at the spoon thing. I do that with cherry pie filling. I think I've been caught licking the inside the can once or twice. No judging!

    Woot.

    I will not change in the least but the blog will be much prettier and easier to us. My writing and nuttiness stays the same. Do not panic, it's good change.xx

    Reply

  131. Kim Bee says

    I know right. I have this thing about a taco looking like a taco. My quirks are many and annoying to those around me. Lol! Yah this is huge.

    Reply

  136. Kim Bee says

    I love anything crock potable. It just crocks my world. Thank you. I am so lucky this week. I had a blast. Thanks for swinging by BBFF! xx

    Reply

  138. Kim Bee says

    Lol, I do that when I read some blogs too. Once I spit my pop all over the place. Hubs has a 5 foot rule for drinks and blogging now. Men!

    Reply

  139. Kim Bee says

    I love shepherd's pie cuz it reminds me of my mom. But I have to eat it with my eyes shut and not think about it. Sour cream is evil. So is mayo.

    I know right. Who would want this thing? Lol!

    Reply

  143. Kim Bee says

    Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear spinachandspice.com, Happy Birthday to you! And many more!

    Reply

  144. Kim Bee says

    Thanks twin. Hey guess what? I drank a coke today. I was all out of pepsi and desperate. It stank and I ended up dumping it out and sent hubs to the store in the cold. Thought you must know that. Lol!

    Aw you are so sweet twin. I almost forgive you for being a coke fan. Mwuah! xx

    Reply

  149. Kim Bee says

    Hi Valerie! I am in Ontario. Down near Windsor. I may be out in Alberta this spring/summer depending where my son gets in to do his PHD. I told him I'd drive him to wherever he is moving to. Road trip!

    Thanks.

    Reply

  150. Kim Bee says

    Thanks. I had a great birthday. I now weigh a ton but it was fun. This is perfect for you. Good luck. Aw you are so sweet. Thank you!

    Reply

  155. Tina says

    Happy belated birthday sweet Kimmie! I am trying to catch up from the weekend, sorry it is a little late. I am sure you enjoyed your special day and I wish you many more. Your taco pasta does look like a great one to put on the dinner table. I love all things Tex-Mex so it does get a thumbs up from me! Great subscription give away, I have been getting Bon Appetit for over 10 years and it is a great magazine, so count me out on the giveaway. I am sure the lucky winner will enjoy the subscription as much as I have mine!

    Reply

  166. Kim Bee says

    Thanks Tina! No worries, I partied for days. Well my idea of partying is eating not drinking but still, got a total sugar high going on. It's a great magazine. Thanks for stopping by and if your number comes up I shall redraw. Thanks again.xx

    Reply

  178. Tina (PinayInTexas) says

    Tasty looking pasta, Kim! Awesome giveaway too…would surely like a yr subscription of Bon Appetit!

    Reply

  185. Cake says

    This is a great giveaway and your taco pasta sounds really tasty to me (with or without sour cream!) Both my brother-in-law and a friend have the same (or very similar) food touchy-thingy so you're not alone at all. 🙂

    Reply

  193. dena says

    My daughter loves tacos and I bet she'll love love LOVE this casserole. I'm heading over to her house next week to help her recover from cancer surgery. I'll pack a copy of the recipe to make a version for her (she hates cream cheese almost as much as you hate sour cream). Thanks!

    Reply

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