Name: Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1½ pounds ground beef; ¾ cups diced yellow onion; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 ounce taco seasoning; 20 ounces Rotel original diced tomatoes with green chilis (two 10-ounce cans); 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided into 2 tablespoons and 1 tablespoon; 1 pound dried spaghetti noodles, broken in half to fit inside the crockpot; 2 cups beef broth; 3 cups water; 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Jump to Recipe·5 from 11 reviews

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti is the kind of meal you’ll be raving about after the very first bite—it’s a dazzling mashup that brings together the saucy boldness of tacos and the comfort of classic spaghetti, all made magically easy thanks to your slow cooker. With savory ground beef, zingy taco flavor, tender noodles, and a cheesy crown, this dish is built for family nights, potlucks, or just whenever you’re craving something hearty and a little bit different. If you love a meal that draws everyone to the table and promises plenty of satisfied smiles, get ready to add Crockpot Taco Spaghetti to your regular dinner rotation!

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crockpot Taco Spaghetti is how it relies on a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an essential role in building layers of flavor, richness, and those irresistible pops of color—all with minimal prep. Here’s why every component matters:

Olive Oil: Helps brown the beef for a juicy base and a touch of richness.
Ground Beef: Delivers savory depth and heartiness; go for freshly ground for best results.
Diced Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and an aromatic base that lifts the whole dish.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors as everything cooks together.
Black Pepper: A quick dash wakes up the savory elements and adds subtle heat.
Taco Seasoning: The zesty flavor bomb that transforms spaghetti into something magically taco-inspired.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilis: Brightness, tang, and a gentle chili kick—all in one can.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped and divided, for a herby-fresh lift at both the start and finish.
Dried Spaghetti Noodles: Soak up all those flavors as they cook—breaking them in half makes things so much easier for serving from the crockpot.
Beef Broth: Rich, savory liquid that forms the core of the sauce for Crockpot Taco Spaghetti.
Water: Helps perfectly hydrate the noodles as they cook in the slow cooker.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts in for a creamy, tangy finish that ties all those taco flavors together.

How to Make Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Start by heating up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef, diced yellow onion, salt, and black pepper, then cook everything together for about 5 to 6 minutes. The goal is to let the beef brown beautifully while those onions turn soft and almost see-through. Not only does this step amp up the flavor, but draining off any excess fat at the end keeps your final Crockpot Taco Spaghetti perfectly balanced and never greasy.

Step 2: Build Your Crockpot Taco Spaghetti Base

Spoon the browned beef and onions right into the bottom of your 6-quart crockpot. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, then add the cans of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilis and 2 tablespoons of your freshly chopped cilantro. Add the broken spaghetti noodles, pour in beef broth and water, then give it all a hearty stir—make sure every piece of pasta is covered by liquid, which ensures delightfully even cooking.

Step 3: Let the Crockpot Work Its Magic

Pop the lid on your crockpot and set it to HIGH for 2 hours. While it’s tempting to walk away until the timer dings, it’s worth peeking after about 1½ hours, especially if your noodles are on the thinner side—nobody likes overcooked pasta! When the spaghetti is tender but still has a bit of bite, it’s ready for the next important (and delicious) step.

Step 4: Cheese It Up and Finish with Freshness

Turn off the crockpot and remove the lid. Grab a pair of tongs or a pasta spoon and give everything a gentle but thorough stir so that the sauce coats every strand and all the flavors meld together. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, then stir one more time to get that melty, gooey finish everyone loves. Right before serving, scatter the remaining tablespoon of fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Serve Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

Garnishes

The final touch for Crockpot Taco Spaghetti is all in the garnishing! A generous shower of chopped cilantro or sliced green onions brings a welcome pop of green and a little extra zing. You could also try a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños for heat, or even crushed tortilla chips for fun crunch. Don’t be afraid to offer a buffet of options so everyone at the table can build their bowl just how they like.

Side Dishes

Since Crockpot Taco Spaghetti is rich and satisfying all on its own, I like to pair it with lighter, palate-refreshing sides. Try a simple mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette, roasted or steamed veggies, or even a bowl of black beans. Garlic bread is always a hit, or for a playful twist, serve with crisp corn chips to scoop up those saucy leftovers!

Creative Ways to Present

Whether you’re piling the Crockpot Taco Spaghetti high in individual bowls or serving it family-style straight from the crockpot, the presentation can be as fun as the flavors. For parties, try twirling nests onto small plates as an appetizer or layering into a taco shell boats with a sprinkle of extra cheese. Fresh lime wedges or avocado slices on the side add a beautiful, colorful contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, let the Crockpot Taco Spaghetti cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to a tightly sealed container. Stored in the fridge, it stays delicious for up to 3 days. You might notice the noodles absorb even more of that zesty sauce overnight, making the leftovers extra flavorful the next day!

Freezing

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti can be frozen for later—just make sure it’s completely cooled before portioning into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label with the date, and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply defrost overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place your leftovers in a pot over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth or water, stirring gently until warmed through. The microwave works, too—just cover the spaghetti and use short bursts, stirring between each so it heats evenly. Sprinkle on fresh toppings before serving for that just-made taste.

FAQs

Can I make Crockpot Taco Spaghetti with ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work well as lean alternatives to beef. You may want to add a bit more seasoning for extra flavor, but the method stays exactly the same.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To turn up the heat, swap in spicy Rotel, add extra diced jalapeños, or use hot taco seasoning. Customize the spice level to your taste—there’s plenty of room to experiment!

Is it possible to use gluten-free spaghetti?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite gluten-free spaghetti noodles. Be sure to check for doneness a little earlier, as gluten-free pasta can cook faster, and stir gently to keep the noodles intact.

Will Crockpot Taco Spaghetti overcook if left on warm?

It’s best to serve the spaghetti and switch off the crockpot promptly once the noodles are tender. Leaving it on warm can lead to mushy pasta as it keeps soaking up the sauce—even just 15 minutes extra can make a difference.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti is a fantastic crowd-pleaser! Use an 8-quart crockpot for a double batch, and check the noodles as they may need a bit more time. Stir well to ensure even cooking throughout.

Final Thoughts

Every once in a while, a recipe comes along that’s so comforting, flavorful, and easy, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it—Crockpot Taco Spaghetti is exactly that kind of dish. If you’re ready for a dinner that makes everyone at the table happy (with barely any fuss), give it a try and discover what all the fuss is about. Happy cooking!