Want a dinner that feels like a huge treat but costs less than a fast-food run? I’m right there with you. This Slow Cooker Taco Pasta Family Favorite is my secret weapon for crazy-busy days, much like my popular Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Katsu. It delivers big, bold Mexican flavours without the big price tag.
You don’t need expensive ingredients to eat well. This recipe proves it. We’re talking about hearty ground beef, simple pantry spices, and cheesy pasta all melting together. It’s the ultimate kid-friendly meal that adults love just as much.
Best of all, your slow cooker does nearly all the work. You can set it and forget it. Come dinner time, you’ll have a creamy, satisfying dish ready to go. Let’s get into how this meal saves you money and time.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick snapshot of what you’re making. It’s as simple as it gets.
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex / American
- Category: Main Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on Low
- Total Time: About 4 hours
- Servings: 6-8 people
Why This Recipe Saves You Money
I build my recipes around cost, and this one is a champion. Every choice here is designed to keep your grocery bill low.
First, ground beef is a budget-friendly protein, especially the leaner varieties. We stretch it further with pasta, which is one of the cheapest staples you can buy. The sauce is made from canned tomatoes and broth, not expensive jars.
The taco seasoning is homemade from spices you likely own. This cuts cost and avoids additives. Finally, using your slow cooker saves on energy. It uses less power than your oven.
My Tips for Smart Shopping on a Budget
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years. They make a real difference in my weekly spending.
Buy your ground beef in larger, family-size packs. Divide and freeze what you don’t use right away. Purchase block cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese costs more and has anti-caking agents.
Slow Cooker Taco Pasta Family Favorite Recipe
The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Taco Pasta Family Favorite Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Stock up on dried pasta and canned goods when they’re on sale. They have a long shelf life. For the tomatoes, generic or store-brand crushed tomatoes work perfectly. Don’t pay for the fancy label.
The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List
Here’s everything you need. Check your pantry first—you might already have half of it.
- 1 pound lean ground beef (I use 85/15 or 90/10)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 1 packet (about 2 Tbsp) homemade taco seasoning (or store-bought)
- 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 12 ounces (about 3/4 of a standard box) of short pasta like rotini or shells
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Optional for serving: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps. In a few hours, you’ll have a fantastic, hands-off dinner. The slow cooker method is perfect for family favorites like this, ensuring tender results every time.
- Start by browning the beef. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is no longer pink. Add the garlic and cook for one more minute. Drain any excess fat.
- Transfer to the slow cooker. Put the beef mixture into your slow cooker insert. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with chilies, broth, and taco seasoning. Stir everything together well.
- Cook on low. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours. This lets all those Mexican flavours develop beautifully.
- Add the pasta and cream cheese. After 3 hours, stir in the dry pasta and the cubes of cream cheese. Push the pasta down into the liquid. Re-cover and cook on LOW for 45-60 more minutes.
- Check the pasta. The pasta should be tender and the sauce creamy. If it looks too thick, stir in a splash of broth or water.
- Finish with cheese. Turn off the slow cooker. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Put the lid back on for 5 minutes to let the cheese melt. Give it one final stir, and it’s ready to serve!
How to Use Up Every Last Bit (No Waste!)
I hate throwing food away. Here’s how to make sure nothing from this meal goes to waste.
Leftovers keep beautifully for 3-4 days in the fridge. They often taste even better the next day. You can also freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove with a little broth.
If you have extra shredded cheese, seal it tightly and freeze it for your next cheesy pasta dish. Use leftover broth within a week, or freeze it in ice cube trays for future recipes.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty, family-style dish. Here’s a basic breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings).
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: Varies based on broth and seasoning used.
To lighten it up, use ground turkey and low-fat cream cheese. You can also add a can of drained black beans or corn when you add the pasta for extra fiber.
Common Questions About This Recipe
I get asked these questions a lot. Here are my tried-and-true answers.
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely. Any short pasta shape works. Shells, rotini, and penne are all great. I avoid long pasta like spaghetti. Avoid “quick-cooking” pasta, as it can get mushy.
My sauce is too thin/thick. How do I fix it?
If it’s too thin, remove the lid and let it cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes. If it’s too thick, simply stir in more broth or water, a quarter-cup at a time, until it’s your preferred consistency.
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
You can! Brown the beef as directed. Then, combine everything except the shredded cheese in a large, deep pot. Simmer on the stove, covered, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Follow the same finishing steps with the cheese.
This taco pasta is more than just a meal. It’s proof that you can feed your family something incredibly delicious without stressing your budget. It combines everything we love—savory meat, comforting pasta, and gooey cheese—in one pot.
The slow cooker method is a true game-changer for busy weeknights. It gives you back your time. I hope this recipe becomes a regular in your rotation, just like it is in mine. For another fantastic set-and-forget dinner, you have to try this family favorite dinner recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Katsu.
Let me know your own money-saving twists for this dish in the comments below! Did you add extra veggies or try a different protein? Please leave a rating!
