Description
Bold, cheesy, and packed with Tex-Mex flavor, this Quick Crockpot Taco Pasta is the ultimate easy dinner for busy families. Tender pasta shells simmer in a rich, seasoned beef and tomato sauce blended with sweet corn, hearty beans, and melty cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas, simple weeknight meals, meal prep, and comforting food ideas everyone will love.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups medium pasta shells, uncooked
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef for 5–7 minutes until browned. Add diced onion and cook until softened, then stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Drain excess grease.
2. Stir in taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let spices toast for 1 minute.
3. Transfer mixture to crockpot. Add diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, corn, and black beans. Stir well.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1 ½–2 hours.
5. Stir in uncooked pasta shells during the last 30–45 minutes, ensuring pasta is submerged. Add broth if needed.
6. Once pasta is tender, stir in 1 cup cheddar and ½ cup Monterey Jack until melted. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar on top and let melt.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
For firmer pasta, monitor closely during the final cooking stage to prevent overcooking.
For a creamier texture, stir in 2–3 tablespoons sour cream or 2 ounces cream cheese at the end.
When reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Estimated per serving: 550 calories, 30g protein, 60g carbohydrates, 25g fat, 11g saturated fat, 8g sugar, 850mg sodium, 7g fiber.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: quick dinner,easy dinner,slow cooker pasta,crockpot taco pasta,taco pasta recipe,family dinner ideas