Slow Cooker Taco Pasta Family Favorite Recipe

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 busy weeks. If you love easy slow cooker meals, you should also try this family favorite recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Katsu.

You don’t need expensive ingredients to eat well. This dish proves it. It combines the cozy comfort of cheesy pasta with the bold, fun flavors of taco night.

Best of all, your slow cooker does nearly all the work. You get a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal with almost no effort. Let’s dig into how to make it.

Recipe Overview

Here’s the quick look at what you’re making. It’s as simple as it sounds.

• Cuisine: Tex-Mex / American
• Category: Main Course
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 hours on Low
• Total Time: About 3 hours
• Servings: 6-8 people

Why This Recipe Saves You Money

I built this recipe to be kind to your wallet. Every choice has a budget-friendly reason.

First, it uses affordable ground beef. You can even swap half for lentils to save more. The pasta is a cheap, filling base that stretches the pricier ingredients.

Canned tomatoes and beans are pantry superstars. They cost pennies per serving and add so much flavor and texture. You also use basic spices you likely own instead of a pricey seasoning packet.

Finally, the slow cooker method is a money-saver. It lets you use less expensive, leaner beef because the long cook time makes it tender. It also uses less energy than your oven.

My Tips for Smart Shopping on a Budget

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to cut my grocery bill. They make a real difference.

Buy your ground beef in larger family packs. Divide and freeze what you don’t use right away. Stock up on canned goods like tomatoes and beans when they’re on sale.

For cheese, a block of cheddar is almost always cheaper than pre-shredded bags. It only takes a minute to grate. Use dried herbs and spices from the bulk section if you can.

They are much cheaper than little jars. For pasta, store-brand rotini or shells work perfectly. There’s no need for the fancy name-brand stuff here. This approach works for all sorts of meals, like an Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Katsu dinner.

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 (or 1/2 lb beef + 1 can lentils, drained)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 8 ounces (about 3 cups) dry pasta shapes like rotini or shells
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• For serving: sour cream, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

This process is wonderfully hands-off. Just a bit of prep, then let the magic happen.

1. 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.
2. Combine in the slow cooker. Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add the drained black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and all the spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano). Stir everything together really well.
3. Cook it low and slow. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours. This lets all those Mexican flavours really come together.
4. Add the pasta. After 2 hours, stir in the dry pasta. Make sure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook on LOW for another 30-60 minutes. Check at 30 minutes—you want the pasta al dente, not mushy.
5. Finish with cheese. Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the slow cooker. Stir in one cup of the shredded cheddar until it melts. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to melt.
6. Serve and enjoy! Dish it up hot. Top with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh green onions if you have them. Watch it become an instant kid favorite.

How to Use Up Every Last Bit (No Waste!)

I hate throwing food away. Here’s how to make sure every bit of this meal gets used.

Leftovers keep beautifully for 3-4 days in the fridge. They taste even better the next day. You can also freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove with a splash of broth. If you have extra shredded cheese, freeze it in a bag for your next cheesy pasta dish or omelet.

Got a little leftover sour cream? Use it in scrambled eggs or as a baked potato topper. Those green onion tops can be chopped and frozen for future recipes.

Nutrition Notes

This is a hearty, balanced meal. Here’s a general idea of what you’re getting per serving.

• Calories: ~450-500
• Protein: ~25g (great for staying full!)
• Carbohydrates: ~55g
• Fiber: ~8g (from the beans, corn, and tomatoes)
• Note: Using lean beef and low-sodium broth helps control fat and salt. You can boost the veggies by stirring in a handful of spinach at the end.

Common Questions About This Recipe

You might have a couple of questions. I know I did when I first tried this.

Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Absolutely. You can make it all in one large pot or Dutch oven on the stove. Follow the same steps, simmer the sauce for 20 minutes after adding the broth, then add the pasta and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes more.

My family doesn’t like beans. What can I use instead?

No problem! Just leave them out. The recipe will still be great. You could add an extra can of corn or even a diced zucchini or bell pepper when you add the pasta for more veggie power.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, this recipe is very flexible. Ground turkey or chicken work well. For a vegetarian version, use two cans of lentils instead of the beef and swap the broth for vegetable broth.

I hope this recipe becomes a regular in your home like it is in mine. It’s the perfect solution for when you want something delicious, satisfying, and smart with your money. For another fantastic and easy slow cooker option that the whole family will love, be sure to check out our Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Katsu.

The combination of taco pasta flavors is always a hit. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone ask for seconds without asking about the cost.

Let me know your own money-saving twists for this dish in the comments below! Did you add extra veggies or try a different cheese? Please leave a rating!