Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium taco seasoning
  • 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 1 cup thick and chunky salsa
  • 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup frozen sweet corn
  • 8 oz dry whole grain large pasta shells
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro and scallions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Brown the beef. In a large non stick skillet over medium high heat, brown the ground beef and diced onions until the meat is no longer pink. Note: This develops the savory base flavor.
  2. Add the aromatics. Add minced garlic during the last 60 seconds of cooking. Stop when you smell the garlic clearly to avoid burning it.
  3. Drain the fat. Transfer the meat to a colander and drain any excess fat thoroughly. Note: This prevents a greasy film on your sauce.
  4. Load the cooker. Transfer the beef mixture into your 6 quart slow cooker. Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes (with their juice), salsa, frozen corn, and beef broth.
  5. Initial Simmer. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours (or HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours). Wait until the liquid is bubbling gently and the aromas fill the room.
  6. Add the pasta. Approximately 30-40 minutes before serving, stir the dry pasta shells into the slow cooker.
  7. Submerge the shells. Push the pasta down so it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover and continue cooking.
  8. Test for doneness. Cook until the pasta is al dente and tender to the bite. Do not let it go past this stage or it will turn to mush.
  9. The Creamy Finish. Turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Greek yogurt until the sauce is velvety and emulsified.
  10. Garnish and Serve. Sprinkle with cilantro and scallions. Serve immediately while the cheese is still stretchy and hot. > Chef's Note: If your slow cooker runs particularly hot, start checking the pasta after 20 minutes. Every model is different, and al dente can happen faster than you think! Dump And Go Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce Slow Cooker S: 10-Min Prep Flavor Bomb — Discover the ultimate dump and go crockpot spaghetti sauce slow cooker s reci...Italian Pasta Sauce Recipe: The Best Ever Slow-Simmered Sugo — This foundational Italian Pasta Sauce recipe is pure perfection. Learn how to...Italian Pasta Salad: 30-Minute Classic — Master our simple Italian Pasta Salad recipe, featuring a zesty dressing that... $img_2$