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Crockpot Taco Pasta garnished with cheese and cilantro in a bowl

Crockpot Taco Pasta

A creamy and cheesy one-pot meal made with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, corn, and pasta, cooked in a slow cooker for a hands-off, flavorful dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef (use 80/20 for best flavor) Can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based crumble to reduce fat.
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini recommended) Cut long pasta to fit or use small shapes if necessary.
  • 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned) Use frozen corn straight from the bag for best results.
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 4 cups beef broth Low-sodium broth lets you control final seasoning.
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place the ground beef and diced onion into the crockpot. Break the meat into chunks so it cooks evenly. Stir occasionally as it browns and the onion softens.
  2. Add the diced tomatoes, drained black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Pour in the beef broth and stir until combined, scraping any browned bits from the pot.
  3. Add the dry pasta and push the pieces down so they are submerged in the liquid.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Begin checking the pasta at the 4-hour mark so it becomes tender but not mushy.
  2. When the pasta is tender, turn off the crockpot. Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.
  3. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3g

Notes

Best served topped with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Also pairs well with crushed tortilla chips, a simple side salad, or warmed flour tortillas.

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