This CrockPot Taco Spaghetti is a fun twist on your favorite tacos! It combines spaghetti noodles, flavorful taco meat, and zesty spices—all cooked together for a tasty meal.
The best part? Just throw everything in the CrockPot and let it do the work! A quick mix of cheese on top makes it extra cheesy and delicious. Who doesn’t love a one-pot meal? 🍝🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef/Turkey: You can use either ground beef or turkey depending on your preference. Turkey is leaner, so it might be a healthier choice. For a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or a meat substitute that you like.
Taco Seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning makes this recipe easy, but feel free to make your own. Common spices to mix include cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This gives you control over the flavor and spice level.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Rotel is a popular choice, but any brand will work. If you want it spicier, try using diced tomatoes with habanero. If you prefer milder, plain diced tomatoes work well, just add a bit of taco seasoning for flavor.
Enchilada Sauce: You can swap this with salsa for a different taste. Try green enchilada sauce if you want a zestier option. Making your own sauce can add freshness, too!
Spaghetti: Other types of pasta can be used as well. Smaller pasta shapes like penne or macaroni can work nicely. Remember to cook them less if they require less time than spaghetti.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Spaghetti in a Slow Cooker?
Getting spaghetti just right in a CrockPot takes a little timing. Here’s how to ensure it’s perfectly tender without becoming mushy:
- First, make sure the uncooked spaghetti is completely submerged in the cooking liquid. This helps it cook evenly.
- If you’re cooking on low (4-6 hours), it’s ideal for those who want a fuss-free meal ready when they come home.
- On high, stir occasionally if you can. This encourages even cooking and prevents clumping.
- Check the spaghetti towards the end. It should be tender but still have a bit of bite to it. If it’s ready too early, just keep it covered until you’re ready to serve.
How to Make CrockPot Taco Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 oz spaghetti (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This CrockPot Taco Spaghetti takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then needs around 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high to cook. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet and cook it until it’s browned all the way through. Once it’s cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Then, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and mix it well with the meat. This will bring all those delicious flavors together!
2. Combine Ingredients in the CrockPot:
Grab your CrockPot and add the seasoned ground beef. Next, pour in the canned diced tomatoes (make sure to include the juices), the enchilada sauce, and the beef broth. Stir everything together to make sure it’s well mixed.
3. Add the Spaghetti:
Now, it’s time to add the uncooked spaghetti to the CrockPot. Lay it on top of the mixture, making sure that it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. This will help it cook evenly and soak up all the delicious flavors!
4. Cook the Taco Spaghetti:
Cover the CrockPot with its lid and set it to cook. If you’re cooking on low, let it go for 4-6 hours. If you need it done sooner, set it to high for 2-3 hours. Stir it occasionally if you can, to help the spaghetti cook evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when the spaghetti is tender and the sauce looks nice and thick.
5. Add Cheese and Serve:
Once it’s cooked, stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the warm spaghetti. Get your bowls ready and serve the spaghetti topped with the remaining cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro. If you like, you can adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works great in this recipe. Just be aware that it may need a little more seasoning since it’s milder than beef. You can increase the taco seasoning slightly if you prefer a stronger flavor.
Can I Substitute the Spaghetti with Another Type of Pasta?
Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like penne or rotini. However, cooking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on it and adjust as necessary. Just ensure the pasta is uncooked when you add it to the CrockPot!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Taco Spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian! Substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils, and use vegetable broth in place of beef broth. The rest of the ingredients can remain the same for a delicious vegetarian taco spaghetti.
