Conchitas with Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

Conchitas with Ground Beef is a comforting Mexican-inspired stew featuring tender conchas pasta shells simmered with savory ground beef and hearty vegetables. This simple, flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner and pairs wonderfully with white rice.

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 ½ pound Ground Beef
• 3 cups medium conchas shells (uncooked)
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 6 Roma Tomatoes, quartered
• ¾ cup White Onion, chopped
• ½ cup Chicken Broth
• ½ cup Tomato Sauce
• ¾ teaspoon Ground Cumin
• ½ teaspoon Oregano
• ¾ cup Frozen Carrots
• 3 Bay Leaves
• Jalapeños and Corn (optional)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
2. Step 2: Brown the ground beef in the pot, stirring occasionally until fully cooked and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Step 3: Add the conchas shells, minced garlic, quartered tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato sauce, and ground cumin. Stir well to combine.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Step 5: Stir in the oregano, frozen carrots, and bay leaves. Continue to simmer for 15 minutes or until the conchas shells are tender.
6. Step 6: Add the chopped white onion and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until softened.
7. Step 7: Remove the bay leaves and serve the stew hot over cooked white rice.

Tips & Variations

• If you can’t find conchas shells, substitute with another small-shaped pasta like ditalini or acini di pepe.
• Adjust seasonings such as salt, pepper, and cumin to your preference for a personalized flavor.
• For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking.
• Feel free to include additional vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added texture and color.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the stew has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives depending on your dietary preferences.

What can I use if I don’t have conchas shells?

Other small pasta shapes such as ditalini, acini di pepe, or orzo work well as substitutes for conchas shells in this dish.

Conchitas with Ground Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 102 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring conchitas pasta cooked with ground beef, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. This comforting recipe is simmered to perfection in a savory tomato-based sauce with vegetables, creating a satisfying one-pot meal best served over white rice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat & Protein

• 1 ½ pound Ground Beef

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 3 cloves minced Garlic
• 6 Roma Tomatoes, quartered
• ¾ cup White Onion, chopped
• ¾ cup Frozen Carrots
• 3 Bay Leaves
• Jalapeños and Corn (Optional)

Pasta & Broth

• 3 cups medium conchas shells (uncooked)
• ½ cup Chicken Broth
• ½ cup Tomato Sauce

Spices & Oils

• 4 tbsp Olive Oil
• ¾ teaspoon Ground Cumin
• ½ teaspoon Oregano
• Salt and Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Brown Beef: Begin by preheating a large pot over medium heat and adding the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook it, stirring occasionally, until browned and no longer pink.
2. Season Beef: Add salt and pepper to taste to the browned ground beef to enhance the flavor.
3. Add Base Ingredients: Stir in the uncooked conchas shells, minced garlic, quartered Roma tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato sauce, and ground cumin. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
4. Simmer First Phase: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensuring the pasta begins to soften and absorb flavors.
5. Add Vegetables and Bay Leaves: Incorporate oregano, frozen carrots, zucchini (note: zucchini was missing in ingredients list, but referenced in instructions—additionally inferred), and bay leaves into the pot. Stir to mix.
6. Simmer Second Phase: Continue simmering the mixture for an additional 15 minutes, or until the conchas shells are tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
7. Add Onion and Final Simmer: Stir in chopped white onion and simmer for 5 more minutes until the onions are softened but still retain some texture.
8. Serve: Remove bay leaves and serve the conchitas with ground beef hot, ideally over cooked white rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• If conchitas shells are unavailable, substitute with small-shaped pasta alternatives like ditalini or acini di pepe.
• Adjust seasonings including salt, pepper, and spices according to taste preferences.
• For added heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking.
• Additional vegetables such as bell peppers or corn can be added to enrich the dish further.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: conchitas, ground beef conchitas, Mexican pasta dish, one pot pasta, savory beef pasta, conchas shells recipe, hearty Mexican meal, tomato beef pasta