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Slow Cooker Taco Pasta

Slow Cooker Taco Pasta: A Family Comfort in One Pot

This Slow Cooker Taco Pasta is a comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights, featuring tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and gooey cheese.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 360
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
For the Sauce
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Enhances flavor.
  • 1 Bell Pepper Any color works, chopped finely.
  • 15 oz Crushed Tomatoes Can use diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
  • 1 cup Jarred Salsa Adjust the heat level based on preference.
  • 15 oz Corn Drained; frozen corn is a great alternative.
For the Seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons Taco Seasoning Use homemade or store-bought.
  • 2.5 cups Water or Low Sodium Chicken Broth Acts as the liquid base for cooking.
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Shell Pasta Shapes Whole wheat or traditional white works fine.
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Can substitute with Monterey Jack or pepper jack.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Slow Cooker Taco Pasta
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s browned and cooked through.
  2. Transfer the drained ground beef to your slow cooker. Add finely chopped bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, jarred salsa, drained corn, taco seasoning, and water or low sodium chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
  3. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the heat to low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours.
  4. When the cooking time is up, stir in the uncooked shell pasta, pressing it down into the liquid. Cook on high for an additional 15–30 minutes until tender.
  5. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt for about 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 24gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

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