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Crockpot taco spaghetti garnished with cilantro and diced onions in a dark bowl with a fork.

CROCKPOT TACO SPAGHETTI

Sana Umer
Crockpot Taco Spaghetti is a fun, flavorful twist on taco night! Tender spaghetti is slow-cooked in a zesty taco-seasoned beef sauce with cheese for a creamy, cheesy dish the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican-American
Servings 6 people
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can 10 oz Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
  • 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 8 oz uncooked spaghetti broken in half
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup cream cheese optional, for extra creaminess
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro for garnish, optional

Instructions
 

Step No.1: Brown the Beef

  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain any excess grease.

Step No.2: Add to Crockpot

  • Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the crockpot. Stir in the taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, and pepper.

Step No.3: Slow Cook the Sauce

  • Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step No.4: Add Spaghetti

  • Add the broken spaghetti directly into the sauce. Stir well to coat the noodles. Cover and cook for another 20-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until pasta is tender.

Step No.5: Add Cheese and Creaminess

  • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese (if using) until melted and fully incorporated.

Step No.6: Serve and Garnish

  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, extra cheese, or a dollop of sour cream!

Notes

  • Pasta Cooking Tip: If you prefer firmer pasta, cook it separately and stir it in at the end.
  • Spiciness Level: Use mild, medium, or hot Rotel based on spice preference.
  • Cheese Choices: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or Mexican blend cheese for extra flavor.
  • Chicken Taco Spaghetti: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap ground beef for black beans or lentils.
  • Extra Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup sour cream before serving.
  • One-Pot Stove Method: Cook the beef in a deep pan, add sauce ingredients, simmer, then cook spaghetti directly in the sauce.
  • Loaded Taco Spaghetti: Top with diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, or jalapeños.
Keyword cheesy taco spaghetti, Crockpot taco spaghetti, slow cooker spaghetti, taco pasta