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Easy Taco Pasta Shells photo

Taco Pasta Shells

Creamy, cheesy taco-stuffed pasta shells baked in a spiced enchilada sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large jumbo pasta shells
  • 0.75 lb ground beef
  • 4 tablespoons preferred taco seasoning
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 4 cups Mexican cheese, divided divide as directed in recipe
  • 1/4 cup chopped black olives
  • 1/4 cup diced green chilies
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 large eggs
  • 16 oz enchilada sauce
  • 4 oz heavy cream

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Large Bowl
  • baking (casserole) dish
  • plastic piping bag or resealable bag
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside to cool so they can be handled.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the taco seasoning until browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces; drain excess fat and let the beef cool completely.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 2 cups of the Mexican cheese, chopped black olives, diced green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, pepper, and cumin; stir to combine.
  4. Add the cooled cooked beef to the cheese mixture and stir. Make a well in the center, add the eggs, lightly beat them, then fold the eggs into the mixture until fully incorporated.
  5. Transfer the filling to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off, and pipe the mixture into each cooked pasta shell.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the enchilada sauce and heavy cream until smooth. Spread half of this sauce mixture in the bottom of a baking (casserole) dish.
  7. Arrange the filled shells side by side in the casserole dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle the top with the remaining 2 cups of Mexican cheese.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and heated through, about 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Let the cooked beef cool before adding eggs to avoid scrambling.
  • Use a piping bag or a resealable bag to fill shells neatly.
  • Substitute shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for Mexican cheese if needed.
  • Drain excess grease from cooked beef to prevent a greasy filling.