Ingredients
Scale
For the Base:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 8 ounces spaghetti, broken into halves
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small crumbles.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is softened.
- Drain excess fat and transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the Base Ingredients
- Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, broth, and water. Mix well to combine.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Base
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld before adding the pasta.
Step 4: Add the Spaghetti
- Break the spaghetti in half and stir it into the slow cooker, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
- Cook for an additional 1-1.5 hours on low or 30-45 minutes on high, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Step 5: Add Cheese
- Once the spaghetti is tender, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
- Cover and let the cheese melt for 5-10 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Stir the melted cheese into the spaghetti for a creamy texture or leave it on top for a gooey finish.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours (on low) or 1.5-2 hours (on high)
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g