Conchitas con Carne 🌮🍖🍝
Introduction
Conchitas con Carne is a beloved Mexican comfort food that brings together tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato-based broth. It’s a dish many families grew up with—simple, budget-friendly, and incredibly flavorful. The magic lies in lightly toasting the pasta shells before simmering them in a spiced sauce, which gives them a nutty depth and keeps their texture perfect.
Whether served as a hearty main course or alongside warm tortillas, this dish is sure to bring nostalgia and comfort to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥘 One-Pot Wonder – minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- 🌶️ Rich and Spiced – layers of cumin, chili powder, and paprika.
- 🍝 Toasted Pasta Technique – enhances texture and flavor.
- 💰 Budget-Friendly – simple pantry staples come together beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sirloin
- 2 cups uncooked shell pasta
- 4 oz tomato sauce
- ¼ small onion, chopped
- ¼ bell pepper, sliced
- 4–5 cups water
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Beef
- In a Dutch oven or large pot, cook the ground sirloin over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess fat, then return the beef to the pot.
2️⃣ Add Shells and Fry
- Stir in the uncooked shell pasta with the beef.
- Toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden and fragrant.
3️⃣ Add Vegetables and Seasonings
- Mix in the onion, bell pepper, and all the spices: cumin, chili powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in the tomato sauce until well combined.
4️⃣ Add Water and Simmer
- Crumble the beef bouillon cube into the mixture.
- Pour in 4–5 cups of water, ensuring the shells are fully submerged.
- Bring to a gentle boil and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5️⃣ Cover and Cook
- Reduce heat to low.
- Cover the pot and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
- Pair with warm tortillas, a fresh salad, or top with shredded cheese for extra richness.
Serving Ideas
- 🌮 Scoop into warm flour tortillas for a handheld meal.
- 🧀 Sprinkle with queso fresco or cheddar for cheesy comfort.
- 🥗 Balance with a crisp side salad or sliced avocado.
Tips & Variations
- 🔥 Spicy Kick: Use extra cayenne or add diced jalapeños.
- 🫘 Stretch it out: Add cooked beans for more heartiness.
- 🍅 Richer sauce: Swap tomato sauce for tomato puree or salsa roja.
- 🧄 Extra depth: Sauté fresh garlic with onions for bolder flavor.
Nutrition (Per Serving, ~6 servings)
- Calories: ~310
- Protein: 19g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: ~600mg