Description
Zesty crockpot taco spaghetti brings Mexican and Italian cuisines together in one mouthwatering dish. Hearty ground beef, melted cheese, and tender pasta create a comforting meal that satisfies hungry crowds with minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 pound dried spaghetti noodles
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 cups water
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 0.75 cups diced yellow onion
- 20 ounces Rotel Original diced tomatoes with green chilis
- 1 ounce taco seasoning packet
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Herbs and Oils:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the ground beef by sautéing in a skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned and onions become translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes. Eliminate excess grease completely.
- Transfer the seasoned meat mixture into a 6-quart crockpot, incorporating taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro for enhanced flavor profile.
- Break spaghetti noodles into smaller segments and strategically layer them within the crockpot, ensuring complete submersion in beef broth and water mixture.
- Secure the crockpot lid and set temperature to HIGH for precisely 2 hours. Monitor pasta consistency around 1.5 hours to prevent potential overcooking.
- After cooking duration concludes, gently fold ingredients to distribute seasonings and pasta evenly throughout the dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, allowing residual heat to melt the cheese naturally. Garnish with remaining fresh cilantro for vibrant presentation.
- Serve immediately directly from the crockpot, creating a comforting one-pot meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Notes
- Break spaghetti noodles carefully to ensure even cooking and prevent clumping in the crockpot.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
- For gluten-free option, substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Customize heat levels by choosing mild or spicy Rotel tomatoes and adjusting taco seasoning intensity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 404 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 742 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 72 mg