Conchitas Con Carne

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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

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