Looking for a hassle-free and irresistibly delicious dinner option? Look no further than our Slow Cooker Cheesy Taco Pasta! This delightful dish combines the savory goodness of tacos with the creamy comfort of cheesy pasta, all cooked to perfection in your trusty slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Taco Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef, browned and drained
- 3 cups uncooked pasta shells, cooked al dente and drained
- 2 oz taco seasoning (2 – 1 oz packets)
- 12 oz can evaporated milk
- 16 oz Velveeta, cubed
- 1/4 cup butter, sliced into thin pats
Directions:
- In a lightly greased 6-quart slow cooker, mix all your ingredients together.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish for dinner.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
- Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 to 1.5 hours on high or 2 to 3 hours on low
- Calories: 503 kcal per serving
- Servings: 8 servings
Enjoy this delicious and comforting Slow Cooker Cheesy Taco Pasta with your family and friends! It’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights or gatherings, packed with savory flavors and cheesy goodness
Best Tips to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Taco Pasta
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for sturdy pasta shapes like shells or rotini that can hold up well to the creamy sauce and cooking process in the slow cooker.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker. This helps develop flavor and ensures the meat cooks evenly.
- Drain Excess Fat: After browning the ground beef, drain off any excess fat to prevent the final dish from being overly greasy.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta just until al dente before adding it to the slow cooker. This prevents it from becoming mushy during the cooking process.
- Use Taco Seasoning for Flavor: Taco seasoning adds a burst of flavor to the dish, but feel free to adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
- Add Evaporated Milk for Creaminess: Evaporated milk adds richness and creaminess to the dish without making it too heavy. It’s a perfect complement to the cheesy sauce.
- Cube Velveeta for Easy Melting: Cube the Velveeta cheese into small pieces to ensure it melts evenly and smoothly, creating a creamy cheese sauce.
- Layer Ingredients Evenly: When layering the ingredients in the slow cooker, distribute them evenly to ensure all components cook properly and flavor is distributed throughout.
- Stir Occasionally: While cooking, stir the ingredients occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.
- Garnish Creatively: Garnish the finished dish with chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve with Sides: For a well-rounded meal, pair the Slow Cooker Cheesy Taco Pasta with a side salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness and nutritional balance.
- Store and Reheat Properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
By following these best tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious and comforting Slow Cooker Cheesy Taco Pasta that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the savory flavors and cheesy goodness with your family and friends!
