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Easy Slow Cooker Taco Pasta

Easy Slow Cooker Taco Pasta
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Easy Slow Cooker Taco Pasta is a hearty and hassle-free one-pot meal combining tender pasta, savory ground meat, zesty taco spices, and melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, this comforting dish simmers gently in a slow cooker, delivering bold flavors and minimal cleanup with versatile ingredient options for everyone.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey

Pasta and Beans

  • 2 cups Dry small pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne)
  • 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes with juices
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced

Flavorings and Liquids

  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth

Cheese

  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat to prevent greasiness.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the browned meat to the slow cooker along with dry pasta, diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, diced onion, minced garlic, taco seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir well to distribute ingredients evenly.
  3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours. Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even heat and flavor absorption, preventing pasta from sticking.
  4. Add Cheese and Finish: About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and allow it to melt into the pasta. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

  • Use quick-cooking pasta shapes to avoid mushy texture.
  • Stir the pasta halfway through cooking for even results.
  • If pasta appears dry during cooking, add a splash of broth or water.
  • Adjust taco seasoning to taste before serving.
  • Sauté onions and garlic beforehand to deepen flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, taco pasta, ground beef, easy dinner, family meal, one-pot recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten free option

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/easy-slow-cooker-taco-pasta/