Drop a bag of frozen meatballs into the slow cooker. A few ingredients later? Bam, perfect dinner!

Cooktop Cove: Drop a bag of frozen meatballs into the slow cooker. A few ingredients later? Bam, perfect dinner!

By McKayla Davis

When the weather turns chilly, there's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a slow cooker at work in your kitchen. Today, I'm sharing a beloved family favorite, Slow Cooker Taco Meatball Pasta. This recipe is a splendid twist on your typical taco night, combining the heartiness of meatballs with the zestiness of taco flavors, all married together over pasta. It's an easy, fuss-free meal that's perfect for any weekday and guarantees smiles at the dinner table.

This hearty dish is a crowd-pleaser as is, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables to add a bit of freshness. For an even more festive meal, serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple cucumber tomato salad. And don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or some shredded cheese on top for those who fancy it!

Slow Cooker Taco Meatball Pasta

Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package frozen meatballs
1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups salsa
1 cup water
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3 cups cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)

Directions

1. Place the frozen meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker.

2. Add the drained corn and rinsed black beans over the meatballs.

3. In a bowl, combine the salsa, water, and taco seasoning. Stir until well mixed.

4. Pour the salsa mixture over the meatballs and vegetables in the slow cooker.

5. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

6. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the cooked pasta and cheddar cheese.

7. Cover again and continue cooking until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted.

Variations & Tips

For those picky eaters at home, you can easily customize the ingredients to fit their tastes. Try using different types of pasta, or substitute the black beans with another favorite like pinto beans. For a little bit of a crunch, you might want to add some bell peppers or onions in the beginning. If your family loves a bit of extra heat, add some chopped jalapeños or use a spicier taco seasoning blend. And, of course, adjusting the type of cheese can also completely change the profile of the dish!