Slow Cooker Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

Super simple easy dinner – our slow cooker cheesy beef taco pasta recipe is a great week night dinner.

Prep Time15

Cook Time6 20

Total Time6 35

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Budget-friendly dinner recipe, Easy ground beef recipe, picky eater approved, slow cooker dinner

Servings:

Calories: 407kcal

1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
1 onion finely diced
salt and pepper, to taste
1 packet taco seasoning
¼ cup water
15 ounces canned diced tomatoes undrained
4 ounces canned diced green chilies
1½ cups chunky salsa
3 cups beef broth
15 ounces canned corn drained
12 ounces small shell pasta uncooked
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Favorite toppings, optional (pico de gallo, guacamole, lettuce, cilantro, sliced olives, etc)

In a large skillet, brown ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until ground beef is fully cooked, seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Drain grease.
Mix in taco seasoning and water and cook for 1-2 minutes over heat.
Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
Add cooked meat, tomatoes, chilies, salsa, beef broth, and corn to the slow cooker. Mix all together.
Place lid on top of slow cooker and cook on HIGH heat for 3-4 hours or on LOW heat for 5-6 hours.
Remove lid, stir in pasta, and put lid back on. Switch the heat to HIGH heat. Cook the shells for 20-25 minutes in the slow cooker or until they reach the desired doneness.
Remove lid and sprinkle cheese on top. Stir in cheese until it melts and taco pasta is creamy.
Serve topped with your favorite toppings (pico de gallo, guacamole, lettuce, cilantro, sliced olives, etc).

Want to make this even more cheesy? Swap out 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese with 1/2 cup jarred cheese queso dip (I usually use the Tostitos brand and it's delicious).