Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese

Introduction

Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, merging creamy, gooey cheese with perfectly cooked pasta shells and classic taco flavors—effortlessly made in your slow cooker. This hands-off, set-it-and-forget-it dish is a weeknight sensation, promising both big flavor and ultimate convenience.

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or craving comfort food that everyone will love, this recipe delivers on taste, simplicity, and the hearty satisfaction only tacos and cheesy pasta can provide.

Taco Shells and Cheese With a Slow Cooker Twist

What sets this version apart is the ease of using a slow cooker, ensuring that the flavors meld perfectly while requiring minimal attention from you. The savory ground beef (or turkey), vibrant spices, and tender pasta shells all soak up a rich, cheesy sauce, creating a meal that’s satisfyingly creamy and bursting with Tex-Mex flair.

Tips for Perfectly Cheesy and Flavorful Results

Choose high-quality, freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting and a richer taste. For added convenience, brown and season your ground meat before adding it to the slow cooker to enhance the flavor profile.

A Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, Black makes quick work of breaking up ground meat as it browns, helping you achieve the ideal texture to soak up all those delicious spices.

Want to maximize flavor? Layer cheese throughout the mixture rather than just on top, so every bite is perfectly cheesy.

How to Assemble Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese

After browning your meat and prepping your ingredients, assembling this dish is a breeze. Layer the browned meat, cooked pasta shells, taco seasoning, and cheese in your slow cooker, then let it all come together with a hands-off simmer.

Use a Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale, Digital Grams and Ounces, Medium, 304 Stainless Steel to ensure perfectly measured pasta—and avoid over- or undercooked noodles.

For a crunchy element, you can add a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips right before serving.

Serving Ideas for Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese

This dish shines as a main course, but also pairs beautifully with crisp chopped salad and zesty salsas. Serve it in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green for an easy packed lunch or potluck dish.

Add toppings like diced tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream for a customizable Mexican feast. For family gatherings or parties, keep the slow cooker on warm, letting guests scoop their portion straight from the pot.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 6 hearty servings. Each portion generally contains 400–500 calories, depending on toppings and cheese selection. While rich in protein and flavor, this is a dish best enjoyed as a comfort meal treat.

Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese (Recap)

This Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese recipe delivers mellow, cheesy comfort with irresistible taco flavor, ready with minimal fuss. It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and sure to win over any crowd with its combination of creamy pasta and Tex-Mex zest.

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, Black to break the meat into crumbles as it browns. Cook until fully browned, then drain any excess fat.
2. Transfer the browned meat to your slow cooker. Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies (including juice), uncooked pasta shells, chicken broth, and milk. Stir to combine.
3. Sprinkle 1½ cups of cheddar cheese and ½ cup of Monterey Jack throughout the mixture, reserving the remaining cheese for topping at the end.
4. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2½ hours, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir halfway through if you can.
5. About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for maximum gooeyness.
6. Once cooked, give it a good stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve straight from the pot, topped with your favorite extras, and enjoy! To keep leftovers fresh, store them in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy reheating later.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2–2½ hours on low

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

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Creamy, flavorful, and assembled almost entirely in your slow cooker, Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese is the weeknight comfort dish that’s impossible to resist—and it doubles as a shareable showstopper for any party!