Conchitas With Ground Beef
Introduction
Conchitas con carne molida (shell pasta with ground beef) is a classic Mexican home-style meal — simple, satisfying, and full of nostalgic flavor. Tender pasta shells simmer in a rich, tomato-based sauce infused with spices and sautéed ground beef. It’s similar to a Mexican version of pasta Bolognese, but with a comforting twist — smoky, savory, and lightly spiced. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
For the Conchitas:
2 cups small shell pasta (conchitas)
2 tablespoons oil (olive or vegetable)
1 pound (450 g) ground beef
½ medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tomato, chopped (or ½ cup tomato sauce)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cups beef broth (or water + 1 bouillon cube)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cumin powder
½ teaspoon paprika or chili powder (optional for spice)
¼ teaspoon oregano
1 small bay leaf (optional)
Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Toast the Conchitas:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
Add the shell pasta and stir frequently until lightly golden brown (about 4–5 minutes).
Remove and set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef:
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil.
Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Add Tomato and Seasoning:
Stir in chopped tomato, tomato paste, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, oregano, and bay leaf.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Combine and Simmer:
Add the toasted conchitas back to the pan.
Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finish & Serve:
Remove the bay leaf.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Serve warm — optionally top with a sprinkle of cheese or a squeeze of lime!
Serving Suggestions
Pair with warm tortillas or a side of Mexican rice.
Add a small salad of lettuce, avocado, and lime for a balanced meal.
For a cheesy version, top with shredded cheddar or queso fresco before serving.
Tips
Browning the pasta first adds a nutty depth of flavor — don’t skip this step!
For extra flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes or Rotel instead of fresh ones.
Add chopped bell peppers or corn for a colorful twist.
You can substitute beef with ground turkey or soy crumbles for a lighter version.
Health Benefits
Protein-rich: Ground beef provides essential protein and iron.
Energizing carbs: Pasta shells give lasting energy.
Lycopene boost: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy compounds.
Customizable: Easy to make with lean meats or veggies for a balanced meal.
Precautions
Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should stay slightly firm (“al dente”).
If using store-bought broth, choose low-sodium to control salt intake.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens naturally.
Final Thoughts
Conchitas with Ground Beef is the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and simplicity — a dish that fills your kitchen with warmth and your table with smiles. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a hearty, soul-satisfying recipe that everyone will love.