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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Season Beef: Add salt and pepper to taste to the browned ground beef to enhance the flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
