Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food: Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese. This ultra-creamy, cheesy Tex-Mex pasta dish is the perfect fusion of taco night and mac and cheese. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a rich cheese sauce with bold taco flavors, this dish is a guaranteed family favorite.
The best part? It’s a dump-and-go slow cooker meal—ideal for busy weeknights, game days, or feeding a hungry crowd. It’s satisfying, kid-approved, and totally irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (optional)
- 4 oz cream cheese (cubed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in garlic and taco seasoning and cook for 1–2 more minutes.
Step 2: Layer in Crock Pot
- Transfer the seasoned beef mixture to the crock pot. Add Rotel, corn, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Cook
- Stir in the uncooked pasta shells. Cover and cook on LOW for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, you can add a little more broth or water.
Step 4: Make it Creamy
- Stir in the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Mexican cheese blend (if using), and heavy cream. Mix until smooth and melty. Cover for an additional 15–20 minutes on LOW to let the cheeses fully melt and combine.
Step 5: Serve
- Spoon into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve warm and enjoy!
Variation:
- Add beans: Stir in a can of black beans or pinto beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Spice it up: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and double the corn and beans.
- Use different pasta: Elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne work well too.
- Top with chips: Crushed tortilla chips or Doritos add crunch and fun!
COOKING Note:
To prevent overcooked pasta, don’t leave the dish on the warm setting for too long after it’s done. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom and to distribute the sauce evenly. This is a “cook and serve” type of meal, best enjoyed fresh.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side salad: A crisp, tangy salad balances the richness.
- Tortilla chips: Use them for scooping like a dip!
- Garlic bread: Great for soaking up the extra cheesy sauce.
- Mexican rice: Serve alongside or underneath for a heartier plate.
Tips:
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Stir once or twice during cooking to avoid clumping and sticking.
- If the mixture seems too thick, stir in a bit of warm broth or cream.
- For meal prep, cook the meat ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2.5–3 hours on LOW
- Total Time: ~3 hours 15 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~550
- Protein: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: ~38g
- Fat: ~32g
- Sodium: ~890mg
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~4g
Actual values may vary depending on ingredients and portions.
❓FAQs
Can I use cooked pasta instead?
- It’s best to cook the pasta in the crock pot to absorb the flavors. If using pre-cooked pasta, stir it in only during the last 15 minutes with the cheese and cream.
Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, but it’s best fresh. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
- Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lighter substitutes for beef.
What cheese works best?
- Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend add extra flavor and melt beautifully.
Can I freeze leftovers?
- It freezes well, though the pasta texture may soften. Cool completely, portion, and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Conclusion:
Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese is everything we love about Tex-Mex food wrapped into one creamy, cheesy, slow-cooked dish. It’s fun, flavorful, and so easy to throw together with pantry staples and simple ingredients.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or entertaining a crowd, this cozy one-pot dinner is sure to steal the show. Serve it up with chips, toppings, or straight from the crock pot—just be ready for everyone to ask for seconds!