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1. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- If you’re using turkey, you can skip the draining step, as ground turkey tends to be leaner.
Once the meat is browned, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to coat. Add a splash of water (as per the instructions on the seasoning packet) to help it mix in. Set the cooked meat aside.
2. Combine the Sauce Ingredients in the Crockpot
In your Crockpot or slow cooker, add the cooked ground beef along with the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chilies, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine.
- You can add an extra kick of heat by including some of the diced green chilies, or keep it mild for a more family-friendly flavor.
3. Add the Uncooked Spaghetti
Break the uncooked spaghetti in half (or thirds) and add it directly into the crockpot. Don’t worry about pre-cooking the pasta—it will cook perfectly in the sauce as the dish simmers!
- Stir the spaghetti into the sauce to make sure it’s well coated and submerged. This step helps the noodles absorb all the flavorful taco seasoning as they cook.
4. Slow Cook the Taco Spaghetti
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, check on the pasta. Stir it gently to ensure it is not sticking together. Add a little more broth or water if the mixture is too thick.
5. Add Cheese and Serve
Once the spaghetti is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover the crockpot again and let the cheese melt for about 5-10 minutes.
- If you like a gooey, cheesy top, feel free to add extra cheese or let it melt under the broiler for a couple of minutes.
Serve the Crockpot Taco Spaghetti hot, and top it with optional garnishes like sour cream, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty touch.
Tips for the Perfect Taco Spaghetti
- Customize the Meat: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork. If you want a meat-free version, try using black beans or lentils instead of meat for a vegetarian option.
- Add Veggies: To boost the nutrition of this meal, consider adding vegetables like diced onions, bell peppers, or even corn. You can sauté the veggies along with the meat before adding them to the crockpot, or simply toss them in with the rest of the ingredients.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a mild taco spaghetti, skip the green chilies or use a mild taco seasoning. For those who like heat, you can add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to kick up the spice level.
- Cheese Options: While Mexican blend cheese is a popular choice, you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack cheese depending on your preferences. For an extra creamy texture, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese toward the end of cooking.
- Make it Ahead: Taco spaghetti is a great meal for meal prep. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Taco Spaghetti
Crockpot Taco Spaghetti combines the best of two comfort food classics—spaghetti and tacos—into one delicious, no-fuss dish. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Easy and Hands-Off: Toss all your ingredients into the crockpot, and let it do the work for you! No need to stand over the stove, and you’ll have a flavorful meal ready in just a few hours.
- Cheesy Goodness: The melted cheese on top adds a rich, indulgent finish that perfectly complements the taco-seasoned spaghetti.
- Customizable: Whether you like it mild or spicy, with or without meat, or with extra veggies, this recipe is incredibly flexible to suit your tastes.
- Kid-Friendly: The combination of cheesy pasta and taco flavors makes this dish a surefire hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to get picky eaters to try something new.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and family-approved dinner, Crockpot Taco Spaghetti is the dish you need in your recipe collection. This one-pot wonder combines all the rich, comforting flavors of tacos with the classic appeal of spaghetti, creating a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy days.
With minimal prep time, a slow cooker doing all the hard work, and the option to customize it to your taste, Crockpot Taco Spaghetti is a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Get your crockpot ready and enjoy a warm, satisfying dinner tonight!
Enjoy!
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