Conchitas with Ground Beef

Conchitas with Ground Beef 🥄🥩🌶️

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4


Introduction:

Conchitas with Ground Beef is a classic Mexican comfort dish that brings together the richness of seasoned ground beef with the delightful texture of small pasta shells, known as conchitas. This simple, one-pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick yet hearty meal to satisfy your family.

Growing up, this was always a go-to meal in my household. My mom would whip it up in no time, and the smell of toasted conchitas would instantly fill the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. Not only is this dish budget-friendly, but it’s also easy to customize with your favorite veggies or toppings. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and comforting meal!


Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 1/2 cups small shell pasta (conchitas)
  • 1/2 onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 green bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
  • Lime wedges for serving (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes, maximum flavor. Everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup.
  • Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and pasta are affordable, making this dish perfect for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
  • Comfort Food: Warm, flavorful, and satisfying—this is the ultimate comfort dish with a Mexican twist!

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Toast the Conchitas

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the conchitas pasta and toast them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown. This step is key to enhancing their flavor! Once toasted, remove the pasta and set it aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

In the same pot, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and garlic. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add Seasonings and Veggies

Stir in the diced bell pepper, cumin, paprika, chili powder (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to blend with the meat and veggies.

4. Simmer with Tomato Sauce and Broth

Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth (or water), stirring well to combine. Add the toasted conchitas back into the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is fully cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once the conchitas are tender, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of citrusy freshness.


Serving Suggestions:

  • Side of Refried Beans: This dish pairs perfectly with a side of refried beans for a complete meal.
  • Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack on top for extra richness.
  • Tortillas: Serve with warm tortillas to scoop up all the flavorful goodness!

Pro Tips:

  1. Don’t Skip the Toasting: Toasting the conchitas is essential to giving this dish its signature nutty flavor.
  2. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add more veggies like diced tomatoes, corn, or even zucchini for extra nutrition.
  3. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a little heat, you can up the chili powder or add a chopped jalapeño when cooking the ground beef.

FAQs:

Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! If you can’t find conchitas, you can substitute with elbow macaroni, ditalini, or any small pasta shape. Just make sure to toast them as you would the conchitas.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely. This is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day! Just reheat it on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen up the pasta.

Is there a vegetarian version?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or omit it entirely for a veggie-packed version.


Why This Recipe Works:

This Conchitas with Ground Beef recipe is a favorite because it’s quick, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. The toasty, nutty flavor of the pasta combined with the seasoned ground beef and rich tomato broth creates a hearty dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s highly customizable to fit your family’s tastes and dietary needs.

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