Description
Simmering Mexican-inspired Crockpot Taco Spaghetti delivers a mouthwatering fusion of comfort and zest. Hearty pasta nestled with spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and bold seasonings promises a crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 (10 ounces) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (or plain diced tomatoes)
- 1 (15 ounces) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth (or beef broth)
Pasta and Cheese:
- 8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or your favorite blend)
Optional Garnishes and Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Salsa
Instructions
- Prepare the meat foundation by sautéing ground beef with diced onions in a skillet until thoroughly browned, eliminating any accumulated fat. Infuse the mixture with robust taco seasoning, ensuring complete flavor integration.
- Transfer the seasoned meat mixture into the crockpot, incorporating Rotel tomatoes, rich tomato sauce, and savory chicken broth. Blend ingredients thoroughly to create a harmonious sauce base.
- Allow the mixture to simmer and develop layers of flavor, covering the crockpot and cooking on low temperature for 4-5 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours. Periodically stir to prevent ingredient settling.
- Introduce broken spaghetti strands directly into the simmering sauce, carefully ensuring complete submersion. Gently nudge noodles to prevent clumping, then cover and continue cooking on high heat for approximately 20-25 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
- Elevate the dish’s richness by gradually folding in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir continuously until cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, creamy texture throughout the dish.
- Enhance the final presentation by scattering fresh cilantro or finely chopped green onions across the surface. Serve immediately with optional accompaniments like tangy sour cream, creamy avocado slices, or zesty salsa.
Notes
- Adjust the liquid ratio if using different pasta types to ensure perfect cooking consistency.
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter dish.
- Experiment with alternative proteins like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for dietary variations.
- Break spaghetti into smaller pieces to help it cook evenly and absorb the flavorful sauce more effectively.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg