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Crockpot Taco Pasta

Creamy Crockpot Taco Pasta That Kids Will Love

Crockpot Taco Pasta is a kid-friendly, one-pot meal that brings the flavors of Tex-Mex to your table with minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner option
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or garlic powder in a pinch
  • 15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained or fresh diced tomatoes
  • 15 oz can corn, drained or black beans for extra fiber
  • 2 cups beef broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
For the Saucy Goodness
  • 8 oz can tomato sauce or any tomato puree
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin or chili powder for added heat
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder optional
  • salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Creaminess
  • 2 cups uncooked pasta shells or other short pasta shapes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack/plant-based cheese for dairy-free option
For the Finishing Touches
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
  • lime wedges optional, for serving

Equipment

  • Crockpot
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease, then add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
  2. Transfer the browned beef mixture into the crockpot. Add the undrained diced tomatoes, drained corn, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, paprika, cumin, and beef broth. Stir everything together.
  3. Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
  4. 30 minutes before serving, add uncooked pasta shells to the crockpot, stirring gently. Cook on HIGH for an additional 25–30 minutes.
  5. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Feel free to customize with extra vegetables like bell peppers or black beans. For added creaminess, incorporate cream cheese or sour cream at the end of cooking.

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