If taco night and pasta night had a baby, it would be this Slow Cooker Cheesy Taco Pasta. Loaded with bold taco flavors, tender pasta, and plenty of melty cheese, this easy crockpot dinner is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights.
Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, creating a rich, creamy, flavor-packed meal that the whole family will devour. It’s hearty, satisfying, and requires minimal prep—just toss it in and let the slow cooker do the work.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🌮 Bold taco-seasoned flavor
- 🧀 Extra cheesy and creamy
- 🍝 One-pot slow cooker meal
- ⏳ Perfect for busy nights
- 👨👩👧 Family-friendly comfort food
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 1 cup tomato sauce or salsa
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, or shells)
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, green onions, sour cream
Instructions
- Brown the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess grease and stir in taco seasoning. - Add to Slow Cooker
Transfer the seasoned beef to the slow cooker. Add beef broth, Rotel tomatoes, and tomato sauce or salsa. Stir to combine. - Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours to let the flavors meld. - Add Pasta
Stir in uncooked pasta and heavy cream. Cover and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, stirring once, until pasta is tender. - Make It Cheesy
Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and creamy. - Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Top with cilantro, green onions, or sour cream if desired.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Taco Pasta
- Stir pasta halfway through cooking to prevent sticking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
- For a spicy kick, use hot Rotel or add jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy taco pasta with:
- A simple green salad
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Tortilla chips on the side
Storage & Leftovers
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Taco Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—bold, cheesy, and ridiculously easy. It’s the kind of recipe that earns repeat requests and disappears fast at the dinner table.