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–+ servings
Slow cooker taco pasta in a white oval crockpot insert with tomato and lettuce garnish.

Crockpot Taco Pasta Bake

This crockpot taco pasta bake combines seasoned ground beef, penne pasta, salsa, Alfredo sauce, and plenty of melted cheese for an easy family dinner. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with taco flavor, it's the kind of slow cooker meal everyone looks forward to.
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Author Kori
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Course Slow Cooker Pasta Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 644 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet over medium-high heat brown the ground beef. Drain fat and set aside (this step can be done ahead of time).
  • In a large bowl mix together uncooked pasta, alfredo sauce, salsa, water (or broth), taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Coat the inside of the crock pot with nonstick spray. Spread ½ of the pasta and sauce mixture on the bottom of the crock pot. Add ½ of the cooked ground beef, and ½ of the cheddar jack cheese. Repeat with another layer.
  • Cover and cook on high for 3 to 5 hours or until the pasta in the middle of the pot is tender and chicken is cooked all the way through. (Note: the pasta should be tender and no longer gluey or chewy).
  • Remove from heat. Let the pasta sit about 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped tomato or sliced green onion. Season to taste.

Notes

For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, slow cooking tips, and other delicious recipe ideas, check out my post above.
CROCKPOT COOKING TIPS: Every slow cooker runs a little differently - some cook hotter, some cooler. Start checking for doneness on the earlier side of the cooking window. 
VARIATIONS: Swap the ground beef for cooked chicken or chorizo sausage for a different spin. 
TIPS: The pasta goes in dry and cooks directly in the sauce, which gives it a softer texture. If you prefer a more al dente bite (but not gluey pasta), lightly toast the noodles first. Microwave them with 1 tablespoon olive oil at 30% power, stirring every minute, for about 3 to 5 minutes until some pieces just begin to blister.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Top with sliced green onions or diced tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with a simple green salad and tortilla chips to round out the meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 644kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 36gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 156mgSodium: 1349mgPotassium: 397mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1341IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 454mgIron: 2mg
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