Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese (Slow Cooker Cheesy Taco Pasta) Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef, browned and drained
- 3 cups uncooked pasta shells, cooked al dente and drained
- 2 oz taco seasoning (2 – 1 oz packets)
- 12 oz can evaporated milk
- 16 oz Velveeta, cubed
- 1/4 cup butter, sliced into thin pats
Directions:
- Prepare Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta shells al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a lightly greased 6-quart slow cooker, combine the browned ground beef, cooked pasta, taco seasoning, evaporated milk, cubed Velveeta, and butter.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy taco pasta!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 503 kcal
- Servings: 8 servings
20 Most Popular Questions and Answers
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni.
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
- Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives to ground beef.
- Is there a substitute for Velveeta?
- You can use a mixture of cheddar cheese and cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
- Can I make this dish spicier?
- Yes, add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.
- Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
- Absolutely! Bell peppers, onions, corn, and black beans make great additions.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- You can prepare the ingredients and mix them in the slow cooker, then refrigerate. Cook when ready.
- Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
- Yes, homemade taco seasoning works perfectly if you prefer to control the ingredients.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend can be used instead of Velveeta.
- How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
- Cook the pasta al dente and avoid overcooking in the slow cooker. Stir gently and not too often.
- Is evaporated milk necessary?
- Evaporated milk adds creaminess, but you can use heavy cream or half-and-half as substitutes.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat.
- What can I serve with this dish?
- Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
- Can I use a different kind of meat?
- Yes, ground sausage or chorizo would add a different flavor profile to the dish.
- How can I make this dish lower in fat?
- Use lean ground beef, reduced-fat cheese, and evaporated skim milk.
- Can I add more cheese?
- Absolutely, adding extra cheese on top before serving makes it even cheesier.
- How can I make this dish more flavorful?
- Adding a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies or salsa can enhance the flavor.
- Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
- Yes, combine all ingredients in a large pot and cook over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
- What kind of taco seasoning is best?
- Use your favorite brand, or make your own for a customized flavor.
- How do I reheat leftovers?
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Yes, omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables or a meat substitute like tofu crumbles or plant-based ground meat.
Secrets and Tips for the Perfect Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ground beef and cheese to enhance the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
- Browning the Meat: Thoroughly brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This adds depth of flavor and prevents the dish from becoming greasy.
- Drain Fat: Drain excess fat from the browned beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy in the slow cooker.
- Proper Cheese Melting: Cube the Velveeta cheese evenly so it melts consistently throughout the dish.
- Layering Ingredients: Layer the ingredients evenly in the slow cooker to ensure uniform cooking and flavor distribution.
- Even Mixing: Stir the ingredients well before starting the slow cooker to ensure everything is evenly combined.
- Control Moisture: Use evaporated milk as it adds creaminess without making the dish watery. Avoid using regular milk which can curdle.
- Taco Seasoning: Ensure the taco seasoning is well mixed into the beef for a consistent flavor throughout the dish.
- Stir Occasionally: Stir the mixture occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Check the dish periodically to avoid overcooking, especially when using the high setting.
- Use Fresh Pasta: For best results, cook the pasta just before adding it to the slow cooker rather than using pre-cooked pasta.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for varied flavors.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions before serving for a burst of freshness and color.
- Prevent Clumping: Cut the butter into thin pats to help it melt evenly without clumping.
- Proper Greasing: Lightly grease the slow cooker insert to prevent the mixture from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Consistency Adjustments: If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste Before Serving: Always taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding salt, pepper, or additional taco seasoning to taste.
By following these tips, you can ensure your Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese is perfectly cooked, flavorful, and has the ideal texture every time.