Beefy Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese
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This Beefy Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese recipe is a reader favorite that can be used as a main dish or side dish. It is delicious as either!
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How to Make Beefy Taco Shells and Cheese in a Crock Pot
Aunt Lou here.
One of the most asked questions when we post a recipe with pasta cooked al dente first is, “Can I make this without cooking the pasta first?”. Here at Recipes That Crock, we like to try out major changes to recipes before we give advice. So, since this Beefy Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese is one of our reader favorite recipes, I wanted to give it try, and I am excited to share this version of the recipe with you.
As a side note, I upped the ground beef amount from 1 1/2 pounds to 2 pounds. The first reason I did this to make the recipe a little heartier. The second reason I did this is so you do not have to use a leaner ground beef. A 73/27 or 80/20 ground beef is cheaper and would work great in this recipe.
(If you would like to check out the original post of this wonderful recipe, you can find it here.)
What You Will Need for Beefy Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese
Ingredients Needed
- 2 lbs ground beef, browned and drained
- 3 cups uncooked pasta shells
- 2 oz taco seasoning (2 – 1 oz packets)
- 12 oz can evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 16 oz Velveeta, cubed
- 1/4 cup butter, cut into pats
Equipment Needed
- Skillet and strainer or micro cooker
- Meat chopper
- Measuring cups
- Safety can opener
- Butter knife
- Cutting board
- 6 Quart Crock Pot
- Stirring spatula
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 10 to 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3 to 4 hours on low or 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours on high, stirring at least 2 or 3 times to make sure the pasta cooks evenly and does not stick to the sides of the insert (If your crock pot cooks hotter, you will need to stir more frequently.)
General Notes
- Looking for more recipes? Ourย Recipe Finderย can help you find exactly what you need.
- As with any of our recipes, carb counts, calorie counts and nutritional information varies greatly. As a result, your nutritional content depends on which products you choose to use when cooking this dish. The auto-calculation is just an automated estimate and should NOT be used for specific dietary needs.
- All slow cookers cook differently, so cooking times are always a basic guideline. Recipes should always be tested first in your own slow cooker and time adjusted as needed.
Beefy Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef browned and drained
- 3 cups uncooked pasta shells
- 2 oz taco seasoning (2 – 1 oz packets)
- 12 oz can evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 16 oz Velveeta cubed
- 1/4 cup butter sliced into thin pats
Instructions
- Put 2 lbs ground beef (browned and drained), 3 cups uncooked pasta shells, 2 oz taco seasoning, 12 oz can evaporated milk, 1 1/2 cups milk, 16 oz Velveeta (cubed), 1/4 cup butter (sliced into pats) in a 6 Quart Crock Pot and stir until well combined, making sure the pasta shells are submerged.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours, stirring at least 2-3 times to make sure the pasta cooks evenly and does not stick to the sides of the insert. (If your crock pot cooks hotter, you will need to stir more frequently.)
Notes
- Looking for more recipes? Ourย Recipe Finderย can help you find exactly what you need.
- Check out all our favorite recommendations for cookbooks,ย slowย cookers and low carb essentials in ourย Amazon Influencer Shop.
- As with any of our recipes, carb counts, calorie counts and nutritional information varies greatly. As a result, your nutritional content depends on which products you choose to use when cooking this dish.ย The auto-calculation is just an automated estimate and should NOT be used for specific dietary needs.
- All slow cookers cook differently, so cooking times are always a basic guideline. Recipes shouldย always be tested first in your own slow cooker and time adjusted as needed.
Nutrition
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also enjoy these dishes
- Saucy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice for Two - February 5, 2026
- Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup for Two - January 22, 2026
- Crock Pot Taco Hash Browns for Two - January 21, 2026
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