There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Crockpot Taco Spaghetti filling your kitchen. This recipe combines the hearty flavors of tacos with the cheesy, saucy goodness of spaghetti, creating a dish that's sure to be a family favorite. It's the perfect fusion of Tex-Mex and Italian cuisine.
I first discovered this dish while searching for a way to make weeknight dinners easier without sacrificing flavor. After a few tweaks, this Crockpot version became our go-to for busy days. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Taco Spaghetti
Get ready to embrace the ultimate comfort food. Crockpot Taco Spaghetti is here to revolutionize your dinner routine with its irresistible flavors and effortless preparation.
First and foremost, it's incredibly simple to make. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your dinner simmers to perfection.
This dish is also perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether it’s a family dinner, potluck, or game day, everyone will be raving about this delicious fusion of flavors.
Another bonus? It's budget-friendly. With affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes, you can whip up a meal that’s as kind to your wallet as it is to your taste buds.
Finally, it's versatile! You can easily adjust the spice level, add extra veggies, or customize the toppings to suit your family's preferences.
Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make this fantastic dish.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Crockpot Taco Spaghetti comes from its flavorful, easy-to-find ingredients. Here's what you’ll need to make this dish shine.
Ground Beef: This forms the savory base of the dish. For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but ground beef brings that classic taco flavor.
Taco Seasoning: This is where the Tex-Mex magic happens. You can use store-bought packets or make your own blend for a personalized touch.
Canned Tomatoes and Green Chilies: These add a tangy kick and extra flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, opt for plain canned diced tomatoes.
Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti works perfectly, but you can substitute it with gluten-free or whole wheat pasta if needed. Break it into halves or thirds to fit it into the slow cooker.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully into the dish, adding creamy richness. Don’t skimp on the cheese—it’s the finishing touch!
No special equipment is needed, just your trusty slow cooker and a skillet for browning the meat.
How To Make This Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

Creating Crockpot Taco Spaghetti is as easy as it gets. Here’s how to make it step by step:
Start by browning ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks, and drain any excess fat. Add taco seasoning and stir until well combined.
In your slow cooker, combine the seasoned beef with canned tomatoes and green chilies, a bit of water, and your favorite pasta sauce. Stir everything together for an even mix of flavors.
Break the spaghetti into shorter pieces and add it to the slow cooker. Push it down gently to ensure it's covered by the liquid, but don’t worry if some pieces stick out initially—they’ll soften as they cook.
Set your crockpot to low and let everything simmer for 2-3 hours. Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs all those amazing flavors.
About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle in your shredded cheese and let it melt into the dish. This step ties all the flavors together and gives the dish its creamy, gooey finish.
Dinner is ready! Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and color.
Storage Options
Leftovers? No problem! Crockpot Taco Spaghetti stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or quick lunches.
Transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or warm them on the stove with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so feel free to get creative!
For a healthier spin, swap ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative.
Not a fan of spicy food? Use mild taco seasoning and plain canned tomatoes instead of those with green chilies.
Looking to add more veggies? Toss in diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra nutrients and color.
If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Want a topping bar? Let everyone customize their plate with sour cream, salsa, avocado, or crunchy tortilla strips.
Crockpot Taco Spaghetti is as flexible as it is delicious, so don’t be afraid to experiment. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. Enjoy!
PrintCrockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Crockpot Taco Spaghetti combines the savory flavors of tacos and spaghetti into a slow-cooked, one-pot meal. Packed with ground beef, taco seasoning, cheese, and pasta, this dish is an easy and flavorful dinner idea the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 8 oz spaghetti, broken in half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, cilantro
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef until browned; drain excess grease.
- Add cooked ground beef, taco seasoning, Rotel, beef broth, and water to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Set the crockpot to high and cook for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours.
- After cooking, add broken spaghetti to the crockpot and mix well. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add your favorite taco toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or tortilla strips for extra flavor.
- Keep an eye on the pasta while cooking to prevent overcooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
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