Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

Ingredients

• 2 lb lean ground beef
• 0.75 cup yellow onion (diced)
• 0.5 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
• 2 oz mild taco seasoning (Equivalent to two 1-ounce packets)
• 28 oz Rotel mild diced tomatoes and green chilies (Do not drain the juice. If a 28-ounce can is unavailable, use three 10-ounce cans.)
• 12 oz regular spaghetti noodles (dry; cook the entire package)
• 2 cup beef broth
• 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese (Or use your preferred variety)
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped; divide 2 tablespoons for the filling and 1 tablespoon for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat a 4- to 5-quart saucepan or large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, and brown until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are opaque, about 5 to 7 minutes.

2. 2

   Drain off any excess oil, then remove the pan from the heat.

3. 3

   Spoon the browned ground beef and onions into a 6- to 7-quart slow cooker.

4. 4

   Add the kosher salt, black pepper, Rotel with its juice, taco seasoning, beef broth, and 2 tablespoons of the chopped cilantro. Stir to combine.

5. 5

   Cover and cook on high for 1 hour 30 minutes.

6. 6

   When the slow cooker has about 15 minutes remaining, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente.

7. 7

   Drain the spaghetti well. If desired, rinse the noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process before adding them to the slow cooker.

8. 8

   Add the drained spaghetti to the ground beef mixture and stir gently to combine, taking care not to break the noodles.

9. 9

   Turn off the slow cooker and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until incorporated and melted.

10. 10

    Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The spaghetti will absorb more moisture the longer it sits. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed. For a spicier version, use hot Rotel, add diced jalapeños, or stir in salsa. The source notes that slow cookers vary and that adding pasta near the end helps prevent overcooking.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• slow-cooked
• comfort food
• Mexican-inspired
• family dinner
• cheesy
• pasta