If you love creamy macaroni and cheese and crave bold Tex-Mex flavor, this Crock Pot Taco Shells & Cheese recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner. It’s the perfect blend of cheesy pasta, seasoned taco meat, and smooth, comforting sauce — all slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you want an easy weeknight dinner, a potluck crowd-pleaser, or a cozy one-pot meal, this dish checks every box.

In this article, you’ll learn how to make Crock Pot Taco Shells & Cheese, what ingredients to use, tips for achieving perfect texture, variations, serving suggestions, and storage instructions.

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🌮 Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Taco Shells & Cheese

✔ Super Easy, Dump-and-Go Recipe

Minimal prep, no babysitting — the slow cooker does all the work.

✔ Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food

Kids and adults love the creamy cheese sauce mixed with taco-seasoned meat.

✔ Budget-Friendly Ingredients

Pasta, ground beef, cheese, and pantry staples make this an affordable meal.

✔ One-Pot Convenience

Easy cleanup and perfect for busy nights.

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🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Taco Meat

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• ½ cup water

For the Cheesy Shells

• 1 lb medium pasta shells
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can cheddar cheese soup
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
• 2 cups milk
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Optional Mix-Ins

• Diced tomatoes
• Black beans
• Diced green chilies
• Sweet corn
• Jalapeños
• Cilantro
• Hot sauce

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🍲 How to Make Crock Pot Taco Shells & Cheese

This slow-cooker pasta recipe is simple, hearty, and nearly foolproof.

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Step 1: Brown the Taco Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain the grease.
Add taco seasoning and water, simmer until thickened.

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Step 2: Prepare the Crock Pot

Spray the slow cooker with nonstick spray or lightly butter it to prevent sticking.

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Step 3: Add the Ingredients

To the Crock Pot, add:

• Uncooked pasta shells
• Cooked taco meat
• Cheese soup
• Shredded cheese
• Evaporated milk
• Milk
• Cream cheese
• Seasonings

Stir everything well to ensure the pasta is coated.

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Step 4: Slow Cook Until Creamy

Cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
The pasta should be tender, and the sauce creamy and thick.

If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk.

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Step 5: Serve Warm

Once everything is creamy and the pasta is perfectly cooked, spoon into bowls and top with your favorite taco garnishes.

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🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Pasta

Stir occasionally

Slow cookers heat unevenly — stirring helps the pasta cook evenly.

Don’t overcook

Pasta can get mushy if left too long. Start checking around the 2-hour mark.

Use evaporated milk for the best creaminess

It creates a rich, smooth sauce that holds up well in the Crock Pot.

Shred your own cheese

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, which can prevent smooth melting.

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🌯 Variations and Customizations

Make this dish your own with creative twists:

🔸 Spicy Taco Shells & Cheese

Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or hot taco seasoning.

🔸 Cowboy Taco Mac

Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.

🔸 Chicken Taco Shells & Cheese

Use shredded cooked chicken instead of beef.

🔸 Vegetarian Version

Skip the meat and add extra beans, corn, bell peppers, and onions.

🔸 Queso-Style Version

Stir in a can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies.

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🥗 What to Serve with Taco Shells & Cheese

This dish pairs well with:

• Green salad
• Garlic bread
• Chips & salsa
• Mexican rice
• Roasted vegetables
• Taco toppings: sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo

It’s also great as a standalone one-pot dinner.

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🧊 How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freezer

Pasta may soften in the freezer, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months.

Reheat

• Stovetop: Add a splash of milk and heat gently.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between.

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⭐ Why This Recipe Works

• The Crock Pot creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Taco meat adds bold flavor without extra hassle.
• Pasta shells absorb the sauce beautifully.
• It feeds a crowd easily and affordably.

It’s the perfect mix of cozy comfort food and Tex-Mex spice.

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📖 Printable Recipe Card

Crock Pot Taco Shells & Cheese

Ingredients: Pasta shells, ground beef, taco seasoning, cheese soup, shredded cheddar, cream cheese, evaporated milk, milk, seasonings.
Instructions: Cook meat → Add everything to Crock Pot → Cook 2–3 hours → Stir → Serve.

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