Introduction

Taco spaghetti in a slow cooker is the kind of comfort food you didn’t know you needed—until now. It’s cheesy, rich, and loaded with bold Tex-Mex flavors that make every bite irresistible. This one-pot wonder turns your favorite taco night into a cozy, slow-simmered pasta dish that’s just as good reheated as it is fresh.

This easy crockpot taco spaghetti recipe combines seasoned ground beef, salsa, and cheddar cheese with tender spaghetti noodles cooked right in the slow cooker. The result? A hearty meal that’s satisfying, affordable, and simple to prepare. You can also tweak it based on your preferences—use ground turkey for a lighter version or spice it up with jalapeños or hot salsa.

For busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, it doesn’t get easier (or tastier) than this. If you love Tex-Mex comfort food or you’re simply looking for a new twist on pasta, this recipe is about to become a go-to in your meal rotation. For more slow cooker inspiration, check out easy freezer meal prep ideas that work perfectly with this kind of recipe.

Want to know why taco seasoning is the hero of this dish? Explore the flavorful history of taco seasoning here and learn how those familiar spices came together in American cuisine.

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Why This Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Is So Popular

What makes crockpot taco spaghetti such a hit? It’s the ideal fusion of two beloved favorites—tacos and pasta. Here’s why this dish wins over families and picky eaters alike:

• One pot = less cleanup

• Slow cooking builds deeper flavor

• Perfectly tender spaghetti noodles every time

• Kid-approved and adult-friendly

• Freezes and reheats beautifully

The slow cooker makes it incredibly hands-off—just a quick sear of the meat and the rest is basically set-it-and-forget-it. And if you’re a fan of meal prep, this dish holds up well in the fridge and freezer. Check out more slow cooker-friendly meal prep tips if you’re stocking your week with easy meals.

This dish also gives you flexibility: Want it spicier? Use hot salsa. Prefer it creamier? Add a dollop of sour cream before serving. Looking for a vegetarian version? Sub in black beans and corn.

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Ingredients for Easy Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

This recipe keeps it simple with everyday ingredients, many of which you may already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef – Can substitute with ground turkey for a leaner version. Learn more about ground beef uses in cooking.

• 1 small onion, diced – Adds aromatic sweetness and texture.

• 1 packet taco seasoning – Pre-mixed or homemade for a custom flavor blend.

• 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies – Like Rotel; adds heat and acidity.

• 1 cup salsa – Choose mild, medium, or hot to control the spice level.

• 3 cups beef broth – Use chicken broth if cooking with turkey.

• 8 oz uncooked spaghetti noodles – Break in half so they cook evenly in the slow cooker.

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into the pasta for creamy goodness.

Optional Toppings

• Sour cream

• Diced green onions

• Sliced jalapeños

• Fresh chopped cilantro

For more inspiration on building Tex-Mex flavor, take a peek at pasta dishes with bold flavor profiles to mix and match toppings and side pairings.

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Optional Add-ins and Variations

This recipe is super adaptable. Feel free to get creative with mix-ins based on your pantry or your personal flavor preferences:

• Black beans or corn – For added texture and fiber

• Cream cheese or Velveeta – For a creamier texture

• Taco sauce or enchilada sauce – For bolder flavor

• Bell peppers or zucchini – For extra vegetables

• Chili flakes or cayenne pepper – To boost the spice

You can also make it more kid-friendly by sticking to mild salsa and cheddar, or go full fiesta with fiery hot sauce and Monterey Jack.

Looking for more slow cooker dinner inspiration? Explore some easy crockpot pasta recipes that use the same cooking method.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

No fancy tools required—just the essentials:

• Slow cooker (4–6 quarts) – Ideal size for this recipe

• Large skillet – For browning meat before slow cooking

• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – For stirring ingredients evenly

• Sharp knife and cutting board – To dice onions and prep toppings

• Measuring cups and spoons – Accuracy helps balance seasoning and liquid

If you’re wondering whether your noodles will overcook in the crockpot, don’t worry—adding them near the end of cooking keeps them just the right texture.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Taco Spaghetti in the Crockpot

1. Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey with diced onions until fully browned. Drain off excess fat if necessary.

2. Transfer to Crockpot: Pour the cooked meat into the slow cooker. Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, salsa, and broth. Stir until well combined.

3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3 hours to let the flavors build.

4. Add Pasta: Stir in the uncooked spaghetti noodles, making sure they’re submerged in the liquid. Cook for 25 to 30 more minutes, stirring once halfway through.

5. Finish with Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s melted and creamy.

6. Serve and Top: Dish it up hot and garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños.

If you’re new to slow cooking pasta, this guide to pasta techniques can be helpful for understanding cook times and noodle behavior in liquid.

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Serving Suggestions for Taco Spaghetti

This dish is a meal in itself, but a few extras can elevate your plate:

• Side salad with avocado ranch dressing

• Mexican-style corn or elote

• Tortilla chips and salsa

• Warm garlic bread or cornbread muffins

It’s also fantastic for potlucks or family dinners. You can easily double the batch and keep it warm in the crockpot for serving.

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How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you—this dish stores and reheats like a dream.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Cool completely and freeze in individual portions for quick meals.

• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out.

Want to batch-prep more of your meals? Browse freezer-friendly pasta recipes for more ideas.

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Make-Ahead Tips & Meal Prep Ideas

• Brown the meat ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Assemble the ingredients (minus pasta) in the crockpot insert and refrigerate overnight.

• Cook, cool, and freeze in freezer bags for future use—just thaw overnight and reheat.

Perfect for busy parents, college students, or anyone who loves prepping meals ahead of time.

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FAQs – People Also Ask

Can I use different pasta instead of spaghetti?

Yes, short pasta like penne or rotini works well—just adjust the cooking time slightly.

Do I need to cook the noodles first?

Nope! The uncooked pasta cooks directly in the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Skip the meat and add black beans, corn, and extra veggies for a delicious meatless version.

How spicy is this recipe?

It depends on the salsa and tomatoes you use. Choose mild for less heat or hot for a spicy kick.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough and you add extra broth for the noodles.

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