There are nights when all I want is something cozy, filling, and ridiculously easy—and that’s where this Slow Cooker Taco Pasta always delivers.
It’s creamy, beefy, loaded with taco flavor, and everything cooks low and slow while you do your thing.
One bite of that cheesy, seasoned pasta and I knew it was going straight into my regular dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
True one-pot wonder – Everything cooks in the slow cooker.
Rich, creamy texture – Velveeta and evaporated milk make it extra smooth.
Family favorite – Kid-friendly, hearty, and full of flavor.
Set it and forget it – No standing over the stove.
Comfort in a bowl – It’s taco night meets mac & cheese.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Ground beef – Browned and drained for that classic taco base.
Pasta shells – Hold onto all that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Taco seasoning – The flavor backbone—spicy, smoky, and bold.
Evaporated milk – Adds richness without being heavy.
Velveeta – The melty star of this creamy sauce.
Butter – A few pats add silky texture and flavor.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Brown the beef first – Adds depth and prevents greasy sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta – Al dente holds up best in the slow cooker.
Stir halfway – Helps melt everything evenly and prevents sticking.
Go low and slow – Prevents scorching and keeps texture creamy.
Grease your slow cooker – Makes cleanup a breeze.
How to Make Slow Cooker Taco Pasta
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Brown and drain your ground beef.
Cook pasta shells until al dente, then drain.
Step 2: Add to Slow Cooker
Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add the cooked beef, pasta, taco seasoning, evaporated milk, Velveeta cubes, and butter pats.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours or on high for 1–1.5 hours.
Stir occasionally for even melting.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is melty and combined, give it a good final stir.
Serve warm and dig in!
What to Serve It With
A crisp green salad with ranch or lime vinaigrette
Tortilla chips for scooping or crunch on top
Pickled jalapeños or fresh diced tomatoes
Mexican-style street corn
A dollop of sour cream or guacamole
Variations / Substitutions
Swap meat – Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumble.
Add veggies – Stir in corn, bell peppers, or black beans.
Cheese change – Try pepper jack, cheddar, or cream cheese.
Spice it up – Add chili powder or hot sauce to the mix.
Make it a bake – Transfer to a dish, top with cheese, and broil for a bubbly crust.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat – Microwave or warm on the stove with a splash of milk.
Freeze – Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
Avoid overcooking – Pasta can soften more after storing.
Great for meal prep – Portion out lunches for the week!
FAQs
Can I cook the beef in the slow cooker?
No—browning first adds flavor and removes excess grease.
Will the pasta overcook?
Not if it’s cooked al dente before adding to the slow cooker.
Can I make it spicier?
Yes—add hot sauce, cayenne, or spicy taco seasoning.
What’s a good Velveeta substitute?
You can use American cheese or a mix of cheddar and cream cheese.
Do I need to stir it during cooking?
Yes—stir once or twice to ensure even melting.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Rotini or elbows work great too.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes—just store in portions and thaw before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Taco Pasta is everything I love in a weeknight meal—easy, comforting, and full of flavor.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, it delivers cheesy, satisfying goodness every time with almost no effort.
Just dump, stir, and come back to dinner done right.
