Description

This Crockpot Taco Spaghetti recipe combines the best of Tex-Mex flavors with creamy, cheesy pasta, creating an irresistible comfort food dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easy to make, family-friendly, and full of bold, zesty flavors. Let your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy a delicious, low-maintenance dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
2 cups chicken broth
8 oz spaghetti (broken in half)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup cream cheese (softened)
1 15 oz can black beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
1 cup frozen corn (optional)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños (for garnish)

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions until the meat is browned and the onions are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drain any excess grease.
Assemble in the Crockpot: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to your Crockpot. Stir in the diced tomatoes, Rotel, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, chicken broth, black beans (if using), and corn. Mix well to combine.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Add the Spaghetti: About 20-25 minutes before serving, break the spaghetti in half and stir it into the Crockpot. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce. Cook on high until the spaghetti is tender (approximately 20 minutes).
Add the Cheeses: Once the spaghetti is cooked, stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish and Serve: Spoon the taco spaghetti into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

For a leaner version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
If you like more heat, add extra jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce.
Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and using plant-based crumbles or extra beans.
If the sauce is too thin, let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking to thicken, or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Keywords: taco spaghetti, crockpot taco spaghetti, taco spaghetti slow cooker, slow cooker pasta, easy weeknight dinner, Tex-Mex spaghetti, taco pasta