Name: Crockpot Taco Pasta
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 205 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, cooked and crumbled; 15-ounce can diced tomatoes; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 1 ¼ cups water, divided use; 2 cups dry pasta shells; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided use; ½ cup diced green bell pepper; ½ cup diced onion

Crockpot Taco Pasta takes just 25 minutes of prep time and delivers a creamy, flavorful dinner that’ll have your whole family asking for seconds. It’s my go-to slow cooker recipe for busy weeknights—set it, forget it, and come back to a meal that’s pure comfort in a bowl.

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I stumbled onto this life-changing easy taco pasta recipe when I was juggling work and a hungry household. The traditional stovetop version means constant stirring and watching the pot, but with a slow cooker? You walk away, handle your to-do list, and still serve the best taco pasta recipe without breaking a sweat. Trust me, your weeknight dinners just got an upgrade.

Why This Crockpot Taco Pasta Is a Game-Changer

Hands-off cooking time: After a quick 25-minute prep, you let the slow cooker do all the work for the next 3 hours.
Effortless cleanup: Since everything cooks in one pot, there are no extra dishes piling up in the sink.
Perfectly creamy texture: Thanks to cream cheese and shredded cheddar, the pasta turns out velvety smooth with every bite.
Customizable for your taste: Swap out proteins, tweak the spice level, or make it vegetarian—this recipe is super flexible.
Hearty, family-approved flavor: A combination of taco seasoning and cheddar cheese makes it an instant crowd-pleaser.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot Taco Pasta

The secret behind this recipe is your trusty slow cooker. I use a 5-6 quart model, which gives plenty of room for mixing and allows the pasta to cook evenly. Here are some quick tips for getting perfect results:

Select high heat: Cooking this dish on high for 3 hours ensures the pasta doesn’t overcook or turn mushy.
Use the right size cooker: If your slow cooker is too small, the pasta won’t cook evenly. Stick with a 5-6 quart size for best results.
Easy cleanup tip: Line your crockpot with a slow cooker liner or spray it lightly with nonstick spray before you start.

No slow cooker? You can adapt this into a one pot taco pasta meal on the stovetop—just adjust your cooking times.

Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Taco Pasta

Don’t overthink it: this comforting dish uses pantry and fridge staples you likely already have. Here are the MVPs:

Ground beef: Cooked and crumbled ground beef is the hearty base. You can sub with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
Cream cheese: This is where the creamy magic happens. Tip: Let it come to room temp before adding for easy mixing.
Taco seasoning: Use a store-bought packet or make your own mix for ultimate flavor control.
Pasta shells: These soak up all the cheesy, spicy goodness without getting too soft. Partially cook them to ensure they hold their shape.

Need a shortcut? Swap the diced tomatoes for jarred salsa—it cuts down on prep and adds a flavor punch!

Crockpot Taco Pasta Recipe Details

Servings: 4
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Equipment: Slow cooker (5-6 quart)
Difficulty: Easy

Crockpot Taco Pasta Ingredients

1 pound ground beef, cooked and crumbled
15-ounce can diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 ¼ cups water, divided use
2 cups dry pasta shells
4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided use
½ cup diced green bell pepper
½ cup diced onion

How to Make Crockpot Taco Pasta

In your 5-6 quart slow cooker, combine the cooked ground beef, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and 1 cup of water. Stir well.
Cover and cook on high for 1 hour.
While that cooks, partially cook your pasta shells in salted boiling water for about 6 minutes, then drain and set aside.
After the initial hour of slow cooking, add the cream cheese, partially cooked pasta shells, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, onion, bell pepper, and remaining ¼ cup of water to the crockpot.
Stir everything together, making sure the cream cheese and cheddar cheese start to melt and coat the ingredients.
Cover and continue cooking on high for 2 more hours.
Serve hot, topped with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot Taco Pasta

Don’t skip partially cooking the pasta: It guarantees the shells won’t absorb too much liquid or turn mushy in the crockpot.
Make it spicier: Use a spicy taco seasoning blend or swap in jalapeño peppers.
Freeze leftovers: This is freezer-friendly! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheat easily: Add a splash of water or broth before microwaving to bring back the creamy texture.
Meal prep bonus: You can brown the ground beef and chop the vegetables a day in advance to save even more time.

Easy Crockpot Taco Pasta Variations

Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat entirely and double the veggies—you’ll still love the bold, cheesy flavor.
Swap the protein: Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work great.
Use salsa instead of diced tomatoes: This adds a kick of flavor and saves on chopping.
Add beans: Black beans or pinto beans make this dish even heartier without extra effort.

Crockpot Taco Pasta FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Short pastas like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work beautifully. Just remember to partially cook them first.

Can I make this with chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely. Shredded or ground chicken is a delicious alternative—just season it well for the best flavor.

How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?

Stick to the instructions and only partially cook the pasta beforehand. Don’t leave the crockpot on too long after the final cooking stage.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can! Prep the meat and vegetables, then assemble everything in the slow cooker insert. Refrigerate overnight and start cooking the next day.

Is this the best taco pasta recipe for meal prep?

Definitely. It freezes and reheats beautifully, making it a lifesaver for busy weeks.

Ready to change your dinner game? This Crockpot Taco Pasta will become your go-to for delicious, stress-free meals. Have a favorite kitchen shortcut or variation? I’d love to hear about it—drop a comment below!