Flavorful Hearty Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe For Cozy Nights

Comfort food reaches new heights with this crockpot taco spaghetti that blends Mexican and Italian flavors into one incredible dish.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold spices, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal in just a few simple steps.

Busy home cooks will love how effortlessly these ingredients come together for a crowd-pleasing dinner.

Ground beef adds rich protein while pasta soaks up the zesty seasonings and melted cheese.

The crockpot does most of the heavy lifting, allowing you to relax while a delicious meal simmers away.

Minimal prep and maximum flavor make this recipe a weeknight winner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to transform your dinner routine with this mouthwatering fusion of classic comfort foods.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 7

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty, rich flavor and protein punch for the dish, choose lean cut for less grease.
• Spaghetti: Serves as the pasta base, select standard wheat or whole grain for added nutrition.

• Taco Seasoning: Delivers bold southwestern spice profile, opt for low-sodium version for healthier option.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic foundation, fresh yellow onions work best for robust taste.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Introduces zesty, tangy southwestern kick with mild heat, choose original blend for balanced flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates smooth, rich sauce consistency, select quality canned sauce for best results.
• Chicken Broth: Helps develop liquid base and enhance overall moisture, use low-sodium variety for controlled seasoning.

• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully to create creamy, luxurious texture, select freshly shredded for optimal melting.
• Cilantro, Green Onions: Provides fresh herbal garnish with bright finishing notes, choose crisp, vibrant herbs.
• Optional Toppings (Sour Cream, Avocado, Salsa): Allows personalized flavor enhancement and additional texture.

Tools to Slow Cook Taco Spaghetti Just Right

• Crockpot: Large slow cooker essential for cooking the entire dish.
• Skillet: Needed to brown ground beef and onions before transferring to crockpot.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring beef mixture and preventing noodles from sticking.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping onions if needed.
• Chef's Knife: For precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure broth and sauce ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating cheese if not using pre-shredded.

Making Taco Spaghetti in the Crockpot

• Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet and cook ground beef with onions until perfectly browned. Mix in zesty taco seasoning for extra flavor.

• Create the Base

Transfer beef mixture into crockpot. Pour in tomatoes, sauce, and broth to build a rich, tangy foundation.

• Simmer the Sauce

Let everything bubble and blend on low heat for 4-5 hours, allowing flavors to dance together.

• Add Pasta

Break spaghetti into the crockpot, ensuring noodles swim in the delicious liquid. Cook for 20-25 minutes until perfectly tender.

• Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese and watch it transform into a creamy, gooey blanket covering the entire dish.

• Serve and Enjoy

Top with fresh herbs and invite your favorite toppings to the party. Dish out this crowd-pleasing meal that combines Mexican and Italian flavors in one incredible pot.

Flavor Tweaks for Taco Spaghetti Fans

• Cook extra ground beef and freeze in portions for quick future meals.
• Adjust taco seasoning or choose mild Rotel for less heat, perfect for sensitive palates.
• Replace traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for celiac-friendly option.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for diverse dietary needs.
• Store in airtight container for 3-4 days, reheat with splash of broth to maintain creamy texture.

How to Serve Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

• Southwestern Fiesta Finale: Sprinkle extra shredded cheese and chopped cilantro on top for a vibrant, colorful presentation that pops with flavor.
• Nacho-Style Twist: Add crispy tortilla chips around the edges of the dish or crumble them on top for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy pasta.
• Fresh Zesty Topping Bar: Set out small bowls of diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and fresh salsa so everyone can customize their own taco spaghetti experience with their favorite toppings.
• Family-Style Comfort Meal: Serve directly from the crockpot at the center of the table, letting everyone scoop their own portion for a casual, relaxed dining atmosphere that encourages sharing and conversation.

Storage Tips for Taco Spaghetti Leftovers

• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keeping the delicious flavors intact and ready for quick reheating.
• Splash a little chicken broth when warming to restore moisture and prevent dry spaghetti, maintaining the original creamy texture.
• Portion and freeze the taco spaghetti in sealed containers for busy weeknights, lasting up to 3 months without losing taste quality.
• Prepare ingredients ahead of time by browning beef and chopping onions in advance, cutting down cooking time and simplifying your dinner routine.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative and works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned well.

• Do I need to pre-cook the spaghetti before adding it to the crockpot?

No, you’ll break the spaghetti and add it directly to the crockpot. The liquid and cooking time will soften and cook the noodles completely.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild spice from the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes. If you want less heat, use mild Rotel or reduce the taco seasoning. For more spice, choose hot Rotel or add extra seasoning.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to cook, add to the crockpot with remaining ingredients and follow the recipe instructions.

Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor hearty pulled pork pizza, where tender slow-cooked meat meets crispy crust and melted cheese. Rich southern barbecue flavors dance across this crowd-pleasing meal that you will devour slice by delicious slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup smoked pulled pork
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Cheese and Optional Toppings:

• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup pickled jalapenos

Sauce and Seasoning:

• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Heat the cooking surface to an intense temperature, targeting 475F for a traditional oven or 450F on a wood-pellet grill to infuse smoky undertones.
2. Transform the pizza dough into a thin, uniform canvas by gently rolling it across a flour-dusted workspace, ensuring a delicate texture and preventing adhesion with a sprinkle of cornmeal on the baking surface.
3. Create a flavor foundation by lavishly coating the dough with tangy BBQ sauce, maintaining a subtle border around the edges, then strategically layer mozzarella cheese as the initial creamy base.
4. Artfully distribute succulent pulled pork across the cheese, followed by crisp red onion rings and fiery pickled jalapeños for a balanced flavor profile.
5. Complete the pizza’s architecture by generously scattering the remaining mozzarella and optional cheddar cheese, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melting potential.
6. Slide the prepared pizza into the preheated cooking environment, allowing 12-15 minutes of transformative heat to crisp the crust and create bubbling, golden-brown cheese.
7. Extract the pizza from the heat source, permitting a brief resting period to stabilize the molten toppings and concentration of flavors.
8. Elevate the final presentation by garnishing with fresh, vibrant cilantro, then slice into shareable segments and serve immediately while at peak temperature and texture.

Notes

• Ensure your oven or pizza stone is thoroughly preheated to achieve a crispy, golden crust that doesn’t become soggy.
• Use cornmeal generously on the baking surface to create a professional-style non-stick base that adds a subtle textural crunch.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional pizza dough with cauliflower crust or use a gluten-free pizza base to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Balance the rich pulled pork by adding fresh, bright elements like pickled jalapenos or a quick lime-cilantro slaw on top for contrasting flavors and textures.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg