When you need a dinner that practically cooks itself and still tastes like a fiesta in a bowl, Quick Crockpot Taco Pasta delivers every single time. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta shells, sweet corn, and rich tomato sauce—all slow-cooked together so every bite is loaded with bold taco flavor.


This is the kind of easy dinner that busy American families love. Toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime you’ve got a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that feels like Taco Tuesday and pasta night combined. It’s hearty, kid-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
What Makes Quick Crockpot Taco Pasta So Easy?
The magic is in the slow cooker. Instead of juggling multiple pans, you layer in your ingredients, let the flavors meld together, and finish with pasta and cheese for that irresistible, creamy texture. It’s a true dump-and-go meal with minimal cleanup.
Another bonus? It’s easy to customize. You can adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or add extra veggies depending on what’s in your fridge. It’s flexible, forgiving, and practically foolproof.
Ingredients for the Quick Crockpot Taco Pasta
Ground Beef
Provides the hearty, savory base and classic taco flavor. It adds richness and protein to make this a filling main dish.
Taco Seasoning
Infuses the beef with bold spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic for that signature Tex-Mex taste.
Onion
Adds depth and subtle sweetness as it softens and cooks down in the slow cooker.
Garlic
Enhances the savory profile and brings warmth to the sauce.
Diced Tomatoes
Create a juicy, flavorful base and add a bit of texture.
Tomato Sauce
Helps form a smooth, rich sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
Corn
Adds sweetness and a pop of color that balances the spices beautifully.
Pasta Shells
Perfect for catching the sauce inside each bite, making the dish extra satisfying.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Melts into the pasta at the end for a creamy, cheesy finish.
Beef Broth
Keeps everything moist and helps cook the pasta perfectly in the crockpot.
Fresh Cilantro (Optional)
Adds a bright, fresh contrast right before serving.
How To Make the Quick Crockpot Taco Pasta
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess grease to keep the final dish from becoming too heavy.
Step 2: Season and Combine
Transfer the cooked beef to your crockpot. Add taco seasoning, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, and beef broth. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Flavor
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours. This allows the flavors to blend and the onions to soften completely.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Stir in the uncooked pasta shells during the last 30–40 minutes of cooking. Make sure they’re submerged in liquid so they cook evenly and absorb all that taco goodness.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheese
Once the pasta is tender, sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and creamy. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.

Serving and Storing Quick Crockpot Taco Pasta
Serve this taco pasta hot, topped with fresh cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch. It’s filling enough on its own but also pairs beautifully with a simple side.
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Serve With Quick Crockpot Taco Pasta?
Fresh Garden Salad
A crisp salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread
Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Tex-Mex Salad
A side like this pairs beautifully with bold taco flavors and adds extra freshness.
Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes
The sweet and savory notes from these potatoes complement the spiced beef wonderfully.
Easy Marinated Mushrooms
Their tangy flavor adds a delicious contrast to the creamy pasta.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If this Quick Crockpot Taco Pasta hits the spot, you’ll probably love these comforting favorites too:
• Creamy Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta for ultra-cheesy comfort food vibes.
• Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni when you’re craving bold, rich flavors.
• White Cheddar Chicken Pasta for a creamy, family-friendly dinner option.
• Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet if you enjoy a little heat.
• Crockpot Mac and Cheese for another easy slow cooker classic.
Each of these recipes brings something special to your dinner table and keeps weeknight cooking exciting and stress-free.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to make it again.
Tried adding black beans or switching to ground turkey? I’d love to hear how you made it your own—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on Savor Queen on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/mydelicioushomerecipes/
Your next favorite dinner might be waiting there.
Quick Crockpot Taco Pasta
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Get ready to upgrade your weeknight dinner routine with this Quick Crockpot Taco Pasta — a bold, cheesy, flavor-packed meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying. This easy dinner combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta shells, sweet corn, and rich tomato sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection in one pot. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup of Taco Tuesday and classic pasta night. Perfect for busy families, meal prep, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this easy recipe delivers hearty flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re searching for quick dinner ideas, simple crockpot meals, or crowd-pleasing food ideas, this slow cooker taco pasta is guaranteed to become a regular on your menu.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 packet taco seasoning 1 ounce
1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
1 can tomato sauce 15 ounces
1 cup frozen corn
2 cups beef broth
8 ounces medium pasta shells uncooked
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro optional
Instructions
1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
2. Transfer the beef to the crockpot and add diced onion, garlic, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, and beef broth. Stir well.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
4. During the last 30 to 40 minutes of cooking, stir in the uncooked pasta shells. Make sure they are submerged in liquid.
5. Once the pasta is tender, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot.
Notes
Do not add the pasta too early. If it cooks too long in the crockpot, it can become overly soft and absorb too much liquid. Add it during the final 30 to 40 minutes for perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: quick dinner, easy dinner, crockpot pasta, taco pasta, slow cooker meal, family dinner ideas
