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You're going to love this Conchitas with Ground Beef recipe! It's my take on a beloved Mexican comfort dish that brings amazing flavors straight to your kitchen. Think tiny pasta shells dancing with perfectly seasoned ground beef in a rich tomato sauce. Every time I make this, my kitchen fills with the most incredible aromas!
A Symphony of Flavors
What makes this dish so special is how all the ingredients work together like a beautiful orchestra. Sweet tomatoes play alongside savory beef while carrots add their subtle crunch. The tiny pasta shells catch all that delicious sauce creating perfect little pockets of flavor in every bite. It's one of those dishes that makes everyone at the table smile.
Let's Gather Our Ingredients
- Olive Oil: 4 generous tablespoons (for a smooth sizzle in the pot)
- Ground Beef: 1 1/2 pounds (meaty goodness for a hearty base)
- Conchas Shells: 3 cups uncooked (the star of the dish)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced (adds depth and aroma)
- Roma Tomatoes: 6, quartered (ripe and juicy for the sauce)
- White Onion: 3/4 cup, chopped (sweetens as it cooks)
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (for added richness and flavor)
- Tomato Sauce: 1/2 cup (adds tang and balance)
- Ground Cumin: 3/4 teaspoon (the flavorful secret ingredient)
- Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon (a classic Mexican herb)
- Frozen Carrots: 3/4 cup (easy and convenient)
- Bay Leaves: 3 (for a fragrant touch)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste (season as you like)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños (for heat lovers)
Time to Cook
- Get Your Pot Hot
- Start with a big pot over medium heat and get your olive oil shimmering.
- Brown That Beef
- Cook your ground beef until it's nicely browned drain off any extra fat and season it well.
- Create the Foundation
- Add those cute little shells garlic tomatoes and all your sauces. Make sure everything gets coated in that flavorful mixture.
- Let It Simmer
- Turn down the heat and let everything bubble gently for 20 minutes giving it an occasional stir.
- Add Some Color
- Now's the time for your oregano carrots and bay leaves. Another 15 minutes of simmering and those shells will be perfectly tender.
- Final Touch
- Stir in those white onions and let them soften up for about 5 minutes.
- Time to Feast
- Serve it up over rice if you like and add your favorite toppings fresh cilantro cheese or a squeeze of lime all work beautifully!
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Make It Your Own
Don't worry if you can't find conchas shells other small pasta shapes work great too! Feel free to toss in some bell peppers or corn I often do when I have them. Want it spicier? Add some jalapeños or red pepper flakes. This recipe is super flexible so have fun making it exactly how you like it!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What are conchitas shells?
Conchitas are small pasta shells, similar to mini shell pasta. If you can't find them, small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe work well too.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but the pasta might absorb more liquid as it sits. When reheating, add a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- → How spicy is this dish?
As written, it's mild and family-friendly. Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking if you want more heat.
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works great. Just add a bit more oil when cooking since turkey is leaner than beef.
- → What sides go well with this dish?
It's great with a simple green salad, warm tortillas, or Mexican rice. Some people like to add avocado or a dollop of sour cream on top.