– **Title**: CrockPot Taco Spaghetti
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 8 ounces spaghetti (uncooked)
– 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Sour cream (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the CrockPot.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and corn.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, break the uncooked spaghetti into thirds and stir it into the CrockPot. Make sure the spaghetti is submerged in the liquid.
6. Cook until the spaghetti is tender, approximately 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Once cooked, stir in the shredded cheese until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Turkey: I like using ground turkey for a leaner option, but feel free to stick with beef if you prefer it. If you’re vegetarian, consider using lentils or a meat substitute for added protein.
Taco Seasoning: The packet is convenient, but you can easily make your own by mixing cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika. This way, you can adjust the spice level to your liking!
Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes with chilies add great flavor. If you can’t find them, plain diced tomatoes with a little hot sauce or fresh jalapeño will do just fine. Just think about how spicy you want it!
Spaghetti Noodles: Regular spaghetti works great, but you can swap with whole wheat or gluten-free noodles if needed. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they can vary.
Cilantro: If cilantro isn’t your favorite, fresh parsley or green onions can brighten up the dish in a similar way.
How Do I Cook Spaghetti Perfectly in a CrockPot?
Cooking spaghetti in a CrockPot can be tricky since you want it perfectly tender and not mushy. Here’s how to do it:
- First, allow your sauce to simmer with the meat for 4 hours. This lets the flavors blend.
- When adding your spaghetti noodles, break them in half if they’re too long. This helps with even cooking.
- Stir the noodles into the sauce to ensure they’re fully submerged. This prevents them from getting dry.
- Keep an eye on the time! Check after 30 minutes to see if they are tender. If they need more time, continue cooking but check every few minutes.
Patience is key, but your CrockPot will reward you with a wonderful, hearty meal!
How to Make CrockPot Taco Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 4 hours 30-40 minutes to cook in the CrockPot. You’ll spend a few minutes browning the meat and mixing everything together, and then just let it cook while you relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
First, in a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook it until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat before moving on to the next step.
2. Add Taco Seasoning:
Once the meat is cooked, sprinkle the taco seasoning over it. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the meat. This will add all those delicious taco flavors!
3. Combine Ingredients in the CrockPot:
Now it’s time to transfer the seasoned meat into your CrockPot. Add in the diced tomatoes (with those tasty green chilies), the tomato sauce, and the beef broth. Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Cook and Let the Flavors Blend:
Cover the CrockPot and cook on low for about 4 hours. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5. Add the Spaghetti:
After the 4 hours are up, it’s time to add your spaghetti noodles. Break them in half if needed, and stir them into the sauce. Make sure that the noodles are fully submerged to cook evenly.
6. Finish Cooking:
Cover the CrockPot again and cook on low for another 30-40 minutes or until the spaghetti is tender and cooked through.
7. Add Cheese and Serve:
Once the spaghetti is cooked, give everything a good stir to mix it all together. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover again for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your delicious CrockPot Taco Spaghetti hot. Don’t forget to garnish it with chopped fresh cilantro for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Chicken or Pork Instead of Beef or Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or pork are great alternatives and will work just as well in this recipe. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary slightly, so ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding the taco seasoning.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can easily substitute beef broth with water, vegetable broth, or chicken broth. Each option will add a different flavor profile, but all will work fine to keep the dish moist and tasty.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover CrockPot Taco Spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. When warming up, stir occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, onions, or even corn for added flavor and nutrition. If you add fresh vegetables, toss them in with the ground meat to give them a little sauté before transferring everything to the CrockPot.
