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Cheesy Taco Pasta A bowl of cheesy taco pasta served on a plate, garnished with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime. The pasta is rich, creamy, and packed with flavors from the taco seasoning, ground beef, and vegetables.

Cheesy Taco Pasta

A creamy, Cheesy Taco Pasta cooked in the slow cooker for a comforting, flavorful meal the whole family will love!
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Keyword: cheesy taco pasta, easy pasta dinner, slow cooker pasta, taco pasta
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours
Servings: 8
Calories: 684kcal
Cost: $15

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef Use chili-ground beef for chunkier texture or regular ground beef for a smoother mixture.
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt Adjust to taste.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1 4 oz can diced hatch chiles Use mild or hot based on your preference.
  • ½ cup salsa Select your preferred spiciness level.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds a savory depth.
  • 1 medium onion diced (Yellow or white onions work best.)
  • 1 28 oz can fire roasted crushed tomatoes For extra smoky flavor.
  • 1 15 oz can black beans Drained and rinsed.
  • 1.5 cups frozen sweet corn Or use canned corn, drained.
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth Low-sodium recommended.
  • 1 1.25 oz packet taco seasoning Choose your preferred brand.
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened (For creaminess.)
  • 2 oz Velveeta cheese Adds a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • 16 oz medium shell pasta cooked al dente (Cook until just firm; drain and set aside.)
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water Helps with the sauce consistency.
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese For the final cheesy layer.

Optional Toppings:

  • Guacamole For added freshness and creaminess.
  • Sour Cream For a cooling contrast.
  • Green Onions For a fresh crunch.
  • Cilantro For a pop of color and flavor.
  • Limes For a tangy squeeze.

Instructions

  • Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Over medium heat, brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain any excess fat.
    Ground beef being browned in a skillet with a wooden spoon stirring the meat. The beef is cooked until crumbly and browned, releasing its flavorful juices in preparation for the taco pasta dish.
  • Lightly spray a 6-quart slow cooker insert with non-stick spray. Add the browned beef, hatch chilies, salsa, garlic powder, chopped onion, crushed tomatoes, black beans, corn, chicken broth, taco seasoning, and stir to combine.
    Ingredients for a slow-cooked cheesy taco pasta, including black beans, corn, diced onions, tomato sauce, and seasonings, all neatly placed in the slow cooker. The vibrant colors of the ingredients make the dish visually appealing.
  • Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
  • About 30 minutes before the end of cook time, cook shell pasta until just al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water. Drain pasta well.
    A close-up shot of perfectly cooked shell pasta in a colander. The shells are plump and well-drained, ready to be combined with a flavorful sauce or filling.
  • Add cream cheese and Velveeta to the slow cooker. Stir until melted.
  • Add shell pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir well until all shells are covered in the taco mixture. Cover the crock and allow to cook on high for an additional 20 minutes.
  • When done, turn off the slow cooker, adjust any seasoning to taste, and add shredded Mexican cheese. Fold into the mixture until completely melted. Serve and enjoy!
    A slow cooker filled with cheesy taco pasta, featuring ground beef, black beans, corn, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It looks hearty and comforting, perfect for a family meal. The pasta is partially mixed with the sauce, and a wooden spoon is visible stirring the dish.

Notes

This recipe is super customizable! Adjust the heat with spicier salsa or add extra cayenne pepper if you like things hot. You can also switch out the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 684kcal (34%) | Carbohydrates: 41g (14%) | Protein: 48g (96%) | Fat: 36g (55%) | Saturated Fat: 17g (106%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 149mg (50%) | Sodium: 815mg (35%) | Potassium: 1000mg (29%) | Fiber: 5g (21%) | Sugar: 6g (7%) | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 15mg (18%) | Calcium: 25mg (3%) | Iron: 15mg (83%)
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