This slow cooker taco pasta is an easy cheesy dinner the whole family will love! Whip up a big batch today!
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!
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:
- First, brown the ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat and rinse.
- Then, add that cooked ground beef to your slow cooker.
- 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.
- Turn the slow cooker on the low setting and cook for approximately 3 to 4 hours.
- Add the cream cheese, place the lid back on, and then cook for another 30 minutes. Give the mixture a stir.
- 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.
- Next, transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl and add some parsley or cilantro.
- Scoop into individual bowls and garnish with whatever makes you tummy happy!
- Serve!
How to Store:
- Allow the pasta to cool down before storing.
- Store in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days in the fridge.
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.
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.
More Dinner Ideas:
- Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu
- Easy Cheesy Pasta Bake with Sausage and Peppers
- Sloppy Joe Casserole
- Pizza Pull Apart Bread
- Slow Cooker Huli Huli Chicken
- 30 Minute Chicken Vegetable Skillet Pasta
- Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
- Smoked Bacon Macaroni and Cheese
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest
Instagram ~ YouTube ~ Kiss My Smoke
Slow Cooker Taco Pasta
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
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!
Notes
Nutrition
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
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!
Ann says
I follow you on twitter!
Ann says
….and Pinterest! (you love pinning horses!)
Ann says
I'm also subscribed to your blog! ….cuz you're awesome!
Ann says
….and your FACEBOOK page! Who wouldn't "like" it!?
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!
Kim Bee says
It's such a horrible phobia. But some I can't get over. I know right, what kind of foodie dislikes so many foods.
Kim Bee says
Woot!
Kim Bee says
Woot!
Kim Bee says
Lol!
Kim Bee says
Lol again!
Kim Bee says
I may have to file paperwork but I kinda like it. Lol!
amy beth marantino says
i would love to win this prizw
Anna @ hiddenponies says
Mmmm, sour cream 🙂 And I would LOVE this subscription, and can't wait to see the new look up your sleeve!
Anna @ hiddenponies says
And I totally follow you on Twitter 🙂
Anna @ hiddenponies says
And I follow you on Pinterest now – yay!
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!
Alyssa says
I'm following you on Pinterest
Alyssa says
I follow you on twitter
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!!
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 😀 😀 😀
doxie99 says
OmG, I am cracking up at reading this! But I am gonna try the dish soon
Curry and Comfort says
Kim, you and your food "issues" are too cute. I'm so happy you had a great birthday!!
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????
Lizzy says
I follow you on Twitter~
Lizzy says
I am a facebook fan~
Lizzy says
I follow you on Pinterest~
Lizzy says
I follow you on GFC 🙂
Lizzy says
I follow your second blog, too!!!
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
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.
Quiche-ing Queen says
I am following you on Pinterest now.
Quiche-ing Queen says
I am now a FOLLOWER of your blog and am looking forward to more yummies from your kitchen.
Quiche-ing Queen says
I LIKED your page on Facebook.
Quiche-ing Queen says
I am also FOLLOWING your other blog as well.
Charlie says
Kim: I would absolutely love a subscription to Bon Appetit!
sweets says
I'm following you by email.
BecHeflin says
Anything easy peasy gets my vote of attention… even if you don't like sour cream, you salsa hater you :p
BecHeflin says
Of course I follow you on Twitter! What do I look like…. some sort of lunatic? Wait…don't answer that 🙂
BecHeflin says
From one Pinterest junkie to another… I adore sticking pins into everything you post (not at all in a voodoo doll way)
BecHeflin says
I subscribe via email, because frankly, I love stalking you. That's not a problem, is it?
BecHeflin says
I'm sorry, Kim…. I don't "like" your Facebook page. I LOVE your Facebook page. It simply must be done <3
BecHeflin says
I Tweeted about the giveaway on 1/22/12 via @ItsYummilicious
Cindy says
Happy Birthday Kim!!!! Great recipe, we'll be trying it out soon!
Cindy says
I follow you on Facebook through my blog page-Hun, What's for Dinner?
Cindy says
I follow you on Twitter- @HunWFD
Cindy says
I follow you on Pinterest- Cindy (HunWFD)
Cindy says
I also follow Loosing it like a Lunatic :o)
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!!
Cindy B. says
I'm following you on TWITTER
Cindy says
I Tweet Tweeted- @HunWFD
Cindy B. says
I'm following you on PINTEREST
Cindy B. says
I follow your blog by RSS feed.
Cindy says
Oh and I also follow you through GFC…. I'm really not a stalker, LOL.
Cindy B. says
I follow you on FACEBOOK
Cindy B. says
I follow your other blog, LOSING IT LIKE A LUNATIC, by GFC.
Cindy B. says
I tweeted about this giveaway.
https://twitter.com/#!/Cinbat03
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
mike @the culinary lens says
Following you on Pininterest
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.
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
Emily says
I follow on Twitter.
Emily says
I follow on Pinterest.
Emily says
I like on FB.
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
Cucina49 says
That pasta is cheesy, to-die-for goodness! It would disappear in my house in a heartbeat.
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!
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. 🙂
Amalia says
Taco pasta sounds amazing right about now! It looks delicious! And this is a great giveaway, I love cooking magazines 🙂
Amalia says
I follow you through google friend connect 🙂
Amalia says
I follow your other blog too 🙂
spinachandspice.com says
Ooh, I love Bon Appetit! And happy belated birthday 🙂 Mine was Friday!
[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 🙂
Eliotseats says
You kill me! Timothy Olyphant? How did you ever get back to pasta?!?!?!?!?
Torviewtoronto says
this looks wonderful
Cassie/Bake Your Day says
Happy birthday, Kim! I already get Bon Appetit so I'll let someone else win. This pasta sounds fabulous!
Pegasuslegend says
Happy birthday great now I am hungry and I just ate after looking at these drool worthy photos!
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
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!
livingthesweetlifeblog says
Taco pasta … 2 comfort foods all in one place. YUUUUMMMM!! This is such a great dish!!
livingthesweetlifeblog says
I follow you on twitter 🙂
livingthesweetlifeblog says
I also follow you on pinterest 🙂
livingthesweetlifeblog says
And, I follow you on facebook 😀
Kim Bee says
Good luck!
Kim Bee says
Thanks. I am so excited!
Kim Bee says
Woot!
Kim Bee says
Woot!
Kim Bee says
You must try it. So good.
Kim Bee says
Woot!
Kim Bee says
Woot!
Kim Bee says
Aw Katherine you are just so wonderful. No wonder I adore you like mad. xx
Kim Bee says
Lol thanks.
Kim Bee says
Thanks. It's super de dooper good!
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.
Kim Bee says
Right!
Kim Bee says
Woot!
Kim Bee says
Woot!
Kim Bee says
Woot woot!
Kim Bee says
Wooters!
Kim Bee says
Wootles!
Kim Bee says
Thanks so much Jill. I wish I was in Paris with you! xx
Kim Bee says
Thanks, thanks, and thanks. Good luck! xx
Kim Bee says
Woot!
Kim Bee says
Woot woot!
Kim Bee says
Wootarific!
Kim Bee says
Wootastic!
Kim Bee says
Good luck Charlie! xx
Kim Bee says
Woot!
Kim Bee says
Right! Easy peasy and salsa no pleasey!
Kim Bee says
Er….um…ah….
Kim Bee says
There is a certain aggressive aspect to it. Like punching bags but prettier!
Kim Bee says
Nopers, I tore the restraining up after we met last time.
Kim Bee says
Bah that cracked me up!
Kim Bee says
Coolio!
Kim Bee says
Thanks and thanks!xx
Kim Bee says
Woot!
Kim Bee says
Wootaroo!
Kim Bee says
Woot woot!
Kim Bee says
Wootamundo!
Kim Bee says
Thanks! Happy to have you here. xx
Kim Bee says
Woot!
Kim Bee says
Wootatweetaroo!
Kim Bee says
Woot woot!
Kim Bee says
Wootaful!
Kim Bee says
Pfftt, stalker shmalker!
Kim Bee says
Woot woot!
Kim Bee says
Woot-toot!
Kim Bee says
Woot woo!
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
Kim Bee says
Yeah and woot woot!
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.
Kim Bee says
Thank you so much. Enjoy your day as well.
Kim Bee says
Woot!
Kim Bee says
Wooterest!
Kim Bee says
Wootmedia!
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
Kim Bee says
It is pretty pleasing. The dudes loved it.
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!
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!
Kim Bee says
Thanks and thanks and thanks. Good luck! xx
Kim Bee says
Woot!
Kim Bee says
Wootiful!
Kim Bee says
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear spinachandspice.com, Happy Birthday to you! And many more!
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
Kim Bee says
Oh he is a hottie! A cutie patootie! A hunka hunka burning love! What pasta?
Kim Bee says
Thanks!
Kim Bee says
Aw thanks Cassie. You are so sweet. xx
Kim Bee says
Lol Claudia. I aim to please and make the world hungrier. All in a days work. I should buy a cape.
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.
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!
Kim Bee says
Thank you! xx
Kim Bee says
Woot!
Kim Bee says
Woot woot!
Kim Bee says
Woot pi!
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!
Kiri W. says
Mmmmm, looks tastey! 😉 And yay for a giveaway! I kind of want to nom the cover page.
Kiri W. says
I follow you ont witter already (kirikiri1)
Kiri W. says
I like you on FB (Kerstin Wolff)
Kiri W. says
I already follow Loosing It Like A Lunatic Via RSS (uh, …[email protected]?)
Kiri W. says
Annnnd I tweeted (@kirikiri1)
Leah Z says
i have wanted this magazine for a while and i just haven't gotten around to subscribing yet! it would be awesome to win this giveaway!
email: [email protected]
Leah Z says
I like you on facebook! (Leah Zebovitz)
email: [email protected]
Bergen says
Going to follow this blog, especially after seeing this recipe, this has my husband written all over it!
Bergen says
And I liked you on facebook! 🙂
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
Mmmm, taco pasta! This looks excellent, Kim!
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
Kim Bee says
Thanks. Me too!
Kim Bee says
Woot!
Kim Bee says
Woot wolf whistle!
Kim Bee says
Wootle!
Kim Bee says
Twoot!
Kim Bee says
Good luck!
Kim Bee says
Woot!
Kim Bee says
Thanks, always happy to have a new follower. This is a real manly meal. My dudes loved it.
Kim Bee says
Thanks Stephanie! xx
Kim Bee says
Woot woot!
Julie Croxton says
Love your blog. happy birthday month!
Tina (PinayInTexas) says
Tasty looking pasta, Kim! Awesome giveaway too…would surely like a yr subscription of Bon Appetit!
Tina (PinayInTexas) says
I am following you on Twitter via @PinayInTexas…
Kim Bee says
Thanks Julie!
Kim Bee says
Thanks Tina! Good luck!
Tina (PinayInTexas) says
I am an FB fan…
Tina (PinayInTexas) says
and a GFC follower too…
Tina (PinayInTexas) says
I am also following you now on Pinterest!
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. 🙂
Cake says
I followed you on twitter (@jesshose).
Kim Bee says
Check!
Kim Bee says
Check!
Kim Bee says
Check!
Kim Bee says
Check!
Kim Bee says
Thanks so much. I am so happy to hear I am not the only nutball on the planet.
Kim Bee says
Great! Good luck!
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!
Kristen says
Happy Late Birthday! 🙂
Kristen says
I follow you on Twitter
Kristen says
Follow you on Facebook too! 🙂
Kristen R says
I follow you on pinterest too! 🙂
Kim Bee says
Aw Dena I am so sorry she's sick. Thinking about you.
Kim Bee says
Thanks.
Kim Bee says
Thanks.
Kim Bee says
Thank you.
Kim Bee says
Thanks.
Leann says
Great mag! Thanks for the chance to win. [email protected]
Kim Bee says
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED. NO MORE ENTRIES! THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED. xx
Erika Layne says
This pasta looks so amazing! I'm excited to try it!