When life gets busy, there’s nothing better than a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal that practically cooks itself. That’s exactly what you get with this Crock Pot Taco Shells & Cheese recipe. It’s like mac and cheese got a delicious taco-inspired makeover—with creamy Velveeta, seasoned ground beef, and tender pasta shells all slow-cooked to perfection.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or looking for the perfect dish for a game-day gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s get started!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
✔ Easy to Make: Toss everything in the crock pot, let it do the work, and enjoy a cheesy masterpiece.
✔ Hearty & Comforting: A perfect mix of creamy, cheesy goodness with the bold flavors of tacos.
✔ Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making it an excellent meal prep option.
✔ Customizable: Want to add a kick? Throw in some jalapeños. Need extra creaminess? Stir in a little sour cream.
LET’S TALK INGREDIENTS
Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s go over what makes this dish so amazing:
For the Dish:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef – Cooked and drained, this forms the hearty, protein-packed base of our meal.
- 3 cups uncooked pasta shells – The shape of these shells makes them perfect for holding onto all that cheesy sauce.
- 2 oz taco seasoning (2 packets, 1 oz each) – This is where the magic happens! The seasoning brings bold, Mexican-inspired flavors.
- 12 oz can evaporated milk – Adds a rich and creamy texture to the sauce.
- 16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed – The ultimate melty, gooey cheese for the perfect sauce.
- ¼ cup butter, sliced into thin pats – Because a little extra richness never hurts.
HOW TO MAKE CROCK POT TACO SHELLS & CHEESE
This dish comes together in a few simple steps, making it as easy as it is delicious. Here’s how to do it:
1️⃣ PREPARE THE BEEF
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks, ensuring that it’s evenly browned. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want to lighten things up, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
2️⃣ COOK THE PASTA
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente (tender, but still firm). Drain well and set aside.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid overcooking the pasta since it will continue to cook slightly in the crock pot.
3️⃣ ASSEMBLE IN THE CROCK POT
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker, then add:
✅ Cooked ground beef
✅ Cooked pasta shells
✅ Taco seasoning
✅ Evaporated milk
✅ Cubed Velveeta cheese
✅ Sliced butter
Give it a quick stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
CROCK POT TACO SHELLS & CHEESE: CREAMY, CHEESY PERFECTION
Now that we’ve got our ingredients prepped and in the slow cooker, it’s time to let the magic happen. The beauty of this dish is that it practically cooks itself, allowing you to focus on other things while your kitchen fills with the mouthwatering aroma of cheesy, taco-spiced goodness.
Let’s dive into the next steps and some pro tips to ensure this dish turns out perfectly every time.
SLOW COOKING TO PERFECTION
Now that everything is combined in the crock pot, it’s time to start cooking.
4️⃣ SLOW COOK
- Cover the crock pot with the lid.
- Cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or HIGH for 1-1.5 hours.
- Stir occasionally to make sure the cheese melts evenly and coats the pasta and beef mixture.
💡 Pro Tip: If you notice the sauce thickening too much, you can stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up.
By the end of the cooking time, the Velveeta should be completely melted, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta shells.
EXPERT TIPS FOR THE BEST CROCK POT TACO SHELLS & CHEESE
✅ Use Freshly Cooked Pasta: To avoid mushy pasta, cook it just until al dente before adding it to the crock pot. This way, it absorbs the flavors without becoming too soft.
✅ Don’t Skip the Stirring: Since Velveeta takes a little time to melt, stirring occasionally ensures everything blends together smoothly.
✅ Customize the Spice Level: If you love a bit of heat, try adding:
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- A few dashes of hot sauce
- Chopped jalapeños for extra kick
✅ Make it Extra Creamy: For a silkier texture, stir in ½ cup of sour cream at the end of cooking.
✅ Add More Protein: If you want a heartier dish, mix in a can of drained black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
SERVING IDEAS: HOW TO ENJOY THIS DISH
This dish is delicious on its own, but adding a few extra toppings can take it to the next level. Here are some fun ways to serve it:
TOPPINGS TO TRY:
- Fresh Cilantro – Adds a pop of freshness
- Diced Tomatoes – A juicy contrast to the creamy cheese sauce
- Sour Cream – Balances out the richness
- Sliced Avocado – A creamy, healthy addition
- Crushed Tortilla Chips – Adds a crunchy texture
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Because you can never have too much cheese
PERFECT SIDE DISHES:
- Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery side to scoop up extra cheese sauce
- Mexican Rice: A flavorful, filling pairing
- Cornbread: A slightly sweet contrast to the spicy flavors
- Side Salad: A fresh, crisp balance to the richness of the dish
This dish is also fantastic for potlucks, game days, and family dinners. It holds up well in a slow cooker, so you can keep it warm and let everyone serve themselves.
CROCK POT TACO SHELLS & CHEESE: FAQ & FINAL TIPS
We’ve covered everything from prepping and slow cooking to serving this delicious Crock Pot Taco Shells & Cheese dish. Now, let’s go over some common questions, storage tips, and easy ways to switch up the recipe to fit different dietary needs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ground beef and cook the pasta in advance. When you’re ready to cook, just toss everything into the crock pot and let it warm up. However, since pasta can become mushy over time, it’s best to mix everything fresh if possible.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy texture.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but with some precautions. Dairy-based sauces (like this one) can sometimes separate when frozen. If you do freeze it, store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and reheat slowly over low heat, stirring frequently.
4. What’s the best way to reheat it?
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent the cheese from clumping.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat with a splash of milk, stirring frequently until heated through.
5. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While small pasta shells work best for holding onto the cheese sauce, you can use elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne. Just make sure to cook them al dente before adding them to the slow cooker.
6. Can I substitute Velveeta for another cheese?
Yes! If you prefer to skip Velveeta, use 2 cups of shredded cheddar mixed with ½ cup of cream cheese for a similar creamy consistency. Keep in mind that Velveeta melts more smoothly than natural cheese.
7. How can I make this dish healthier?
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Swap Velveeta for real cheese and add a little milk for creaminess.
- Mix in extra veggies like diced bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition.
FUN WAYS TO SWITCH IT UP
This recipe is already packed with flavor, but if you want to mix things up, here are some creative variations:
✅ Make it Spicy – Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
✅ Turn it into a One-Pot Meal – Stir in black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
✅ Make it a Baked Casserole – Transfer the cooked mixture to a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and broil for a few minutes until golden brown.
✅ Use Chicken Instead of Beef – Shredded rotisserie chicken works great in place of ground beef for a different twist.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This Crock Pot Taco Shells & Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, hosting a game day party, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this dish never disappoints.
PrintCrock Pot Taco Shells & Cheese
This easy, cheesy, and comforting Crock Pot Taco Shells & Cheese is a delicious twist on classic mac and cheese. With seasoned ground beef, creamy Velveeta, and a hint of taco spice, this slow cooker meal is perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1-1.5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 2.5 hours
Ingredients
✅ For the dish:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef, browned and drained
- 3 cups uncooked pasta shells, cooked al dente and drained
- 2 oz taco seasoning (2 packets, 1 oz each)
- 12 oz can evaporated milk
- 16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- ¼ cup butter, sliced into thin pats
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Beef:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
2️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3️⃣ Assemble in Crock Pot:
Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the cooked beef, pasta shells, taco seasoning, evaporated milk, cubed Velveeta, and butter. Stir to combine.
4️⃣ Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or HIGH for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally until the cheese is fully melted and everything is well combined.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
Stir well before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for extra flavor. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Meat Variations: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different taste.
- Extra Creamy: Add ½ cup sour cream or a splash of milk if you like a creamier texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon chili powder or diced green chilies for extra heat.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
