Description
Comfort meets Mexican-inspired magic in this hearty Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese, blending creamy cheese with zesty taco seasonings. Families will savor each spoonful of this easy, crowd-pleasing dish you can effortlessly prepare for a delightful dinner sensation.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package taco shells (12-pack)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Liquid and Dairy:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Thoroughly brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, draining excess fat, and mix in taco seasoning to infuse robust flavor throughout the meat.
- Grease the interior of a slow cooker with butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking and enhance overall taste.
- Layer cooked ground beef as the first foundation in the crock pot, creating a hearty protein base for the dish.
- Spread uncooked elbow macaroni evenly over the seasoned beef, allowing the pasta to absorb flavors during cooking.
- Whisk milk, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl until fully integrated, creating a smooth liquid mixture.
- Pour the creamy liquid mixture directly over the macaroni and beef, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the crock pot.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface, creating a rich, melty top layer.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours, until macaroni becomes tender and cheese melts completely, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping.
- Break taco shells into bite-sized pieces and fold gently into the creamy, cheesy mixture during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Once cooking completes, let the dish rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this comfort dish.
- Swap regular pasta with whole wheat elbow macaroni for added fiber and nutritional boost.
- Create a gluten-free alternative by using gluten-free macaroni and taco shells, making the recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
- Enhance protein content by mixing ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for versatile meal options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg