Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to dish—crockpot taco spaghetti! This recipe has become a lifesaver for me, especially on those busy weeknights when dinner seems impossible. Seriously, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of all those flavors melding together in the slow cooker, making your entire kitchen smell like a cozy Mexican fiesta. I’ve been using my crockpot for years, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer when you have a family to feed and a million other things to do!
With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor and ready when you are. I love tossing everything in the crockpot in the morning and coming home to a delicious, hot dinner waiting for me. It’s like magic! Plus, the kids love it. Who wouldn’t want a big bowl of cheesy, taco-flavored spaghetti? Trust me, this recipe will simplify your dinner time and become a staple in your meal rotation!
Ingredients List
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s gather all the delicious ingredients you’ll need to make this tasty crockpot taco spaghetti. Trust me, having everything prepped and ready to go makes the whole process a breeze!
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 cup frozen corn (or canned if you prefer)
- 3 cups uncooked spaghetti
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup shredded cheese (for topping—feel free to use your favorite kind!)
And there you have it! Easy peasy, right? You’ll love how these ingredients come together to create a hearty and flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy. Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this scrumptious crockpot taco spaghetti! I promise, it’s super simple, and before you know it, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to go. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be golden!
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef
First things first, grab your skillet and heat it up over medium heat. Toss in 1 pound of ground beef and let it sizzle away! You’ll want to cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks—this helps get that lovely, even browning. Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess fat. Oops, don’t forget that part!
Step 2: Combine Taco Seasoning
Now that your beef is looking delicious, sprinkle in that 1 packet of taco seasoning. Stir it around really well until all the beef is coated in that flavorful goodness. The smell? Oh wow, it’s heavenly! This step is crucial because it infuses the meat with all those tasty taco flavors we love.
Step 3: Transfer to Crockpot
Next, carefully transfer the seasoned beef into your crockpot. This is where the magic happens! Make sure you get every last bit in there because we want all that flavor to meld together beautifully during cooking.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients! Pour in 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce, 1 can (15 oz) of drained black beans, and 1 cup of frozen corn. Don’t forget the 4 cups of water! Give everything a good stir to combine all those vibrant colors and flavors. Trust me, this is going to be a hearty delight!
Step 5: Cooking Time
Alright, now for the waiting game! You can cook this on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. If you’re like me and you want it ready when you walk in the door, I recommend the low setting. Just set it and forget it! Your house will smell amazing, and you’ll have something warm and delicious waiting for you.
Step 6: Add Spaghetti
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in 3 cups of uncooked spaghetti right into the crockpot. This is the secret to perfectly cooked pasta that soaks up all those amazing flavors. Just give it a stir, cover it up, and let it do its thing. You’ll want to keep an eye on it to make sure it cooks through but doesn’t turn mushy!
Step 7: Serve and Top
And just like that, your crockpot taco spaghetti is ready to serve! Dish it up in bowls and sprinkle that 1 cup of shredded cheese on top. Oh, and if you’re feeling fancy, go ahead and add some optional toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or fresh avocado. Trust me, it takes this dish over the top! Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about how to make this already delicious crockpot taco spaghetti even better! I’ve got some handy tips that’ll help you customize it to perfection. You’re gonna love how easy it is to make this dish your own!
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like it a bit hotter, feel free to add some sliced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce when you mix in the remaining ingredients. For a milder version, keep it simple with just the taco seasoning.
- Mix Up the Toppings: While I love shredded cheese on top, you can get creative! Try adding fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or some crunchy tortilla strips for an extra layer of texture. Sour cream or guacamole? Yes, please!
- Experiment with Cheeses: Don’t be afraid to switch up your cheese game! Cheddar is classic, but pepper jack adds a nice kick, or you could even go for a creamy Mexican blend. The more cheese, the merrier, right?
- Make It Vegetarian: Want a meatless version? Substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms or lentils. You won’t miss the meat with all those fabulous flavors!
- Cook Time Adjustments: If you’re in a hurry, you can cook this on high for 3-4 hours, but if you have the time, I promise the low setting for 6-8 hours makes the flavors even richer.
- Leftover Magic: If you have any leftovers, they’re perfect for lunch the next day! Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You could even turn them into a taco salad—just add some greens and you’re all set!
These tips will elevate your crockpot taco spaghetti experience and make it truly your own. Don’t be afraid to play around with flavors and toppings—cooking should be fun and delicious!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of things! I always think it’s good to know what’s going into our delicious meals. This crockpot taco spaghetti is not only hearty but also quite satisfying. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, based on typical ingredient brands:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keep in mind that these numbers can vary a bit based on the specific brands and ingredients you choose, but this gives you a pretty good idea of what you’re working with. It’s a filling, nutritious option that the whole family will love! Enjoy every bite without the guilt, knowing you’re fueling your body with something tasty!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this tasty crockpot taco spaghetti? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries that might pop up while you’re cooking, along with my go-to answers.
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to mix things up, you can definitely use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Both options work beautifully and can give the dish a lighter twist. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly like you would with beef, and don’t forget to season it well so those taco flavors shine through!
What can I use instead of spaghetti?
If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, you can totally swap out the spaghetti! Zoodles (zucchini noodles) are a fantastic low-carb option—just add them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Or, if you prefer a heartier alternative, whole wheat pasta works great too! Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different types of pasta can vary.
How can I make it spicier?
If you like a little heat, I’ve got some great tips for you! Consider adding sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the mix when you add the other ingredients. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Just remember to taste as you go, so you get it just the way you like it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just a little bit of chopping and browning, you can toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you!
- Hearty Meal: This dish is packed with protein, veggies, and pasta, making it a filling option that satisfies even the biggest appetites.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, taco-flavored goodness. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Customizable: You can switch up the toppings, adjust the spice level, or even make it vegetarian—there’s something for everyone!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, or freeze some for another day. It’s convenience at its finest!
Crockpot Taco Spaghetti: 7 Steps to Delightful Flavor
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and easy crockpot taco spaghetti recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
- 1 can black beans (15 oz, drained)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 3 cups uncooked spaghetti
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup shredded cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the taco seasoning and mix well.
- Transfer the beef to the crockpot.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, corn, and water to the crockpot.
- Stir the mixture to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, add uncooked spaghetti to the crockpot.
- Once cooked, serve topped with shredded cheese.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite toppings like sour cream or avocado.
- Adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: crockpot taco spaghetti, easy dinner, one pot meal