In Mexican cuisine, conchitas with ground beef is a delightful and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of pasta and ground beef in a rich tomato-based sauce.
This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for family meals or gatherings with friends. Whether you’re new to Mexican cuisine or a seasoned fan, conchitas with ground beef is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
In this blog post, we will explore what conchitas with ground beef is all about, the ingredients you’ll need, step-by-step instructions on how to make it, storage tips, nutrition information, serving suggestions, possible substitutes, and frequently asked questions. So let’s dive in!
What is Conchitas with Ground Beef?
Conchitas with ground beef, also known as “Mexican pasta with ground beef,” is a flavorful dish where pasta shells, known as conchas, are paired with ground beef in a savory tomato-based sauce.
The dish is a fantastic fusion of Italian and Mexican cuisines, offering a unique and delicious flavor combination. The pasta shells, with their scooped shape, are perfect for holding the savory ground beef filling and soaking up the delicious sauce.
Descriptive Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Ground beef is the main protein source and flavor foundation of the conchitas with ground beef recipe. It provides richness and texture to the dish.
- Bay Leaves: Bay leaves are used to add a subtle earthy flavor and aroma to the dish. They infuse the broth with a hint of depth and complexity.
- Salt: Salt enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients and helps to balance the overall taste of the dish.
- Pepper: Pepper adds a mild spiciness and depth to the dish, complementing the other flavors present in the recipe.
- Roma Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes contribute a vibrant acidity and sweetness to the dish, as well as a rich tomato flavor. They help create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce serves as the base for the dish’s sauce, providing a rich tomato flavor and adding depth to the overall taste.
- White Onion: White onion adds a sweet and slightly pungent flavor to the dish. It also provides texture and aroma to the sauce.
- Frozen Carrots: Frozen carrots add sweetness and a pop of color to the dish. They also provide texture and contribute to the overall nutritional value.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth serves as the liquid base for the dish, adding depth of flavor and richness. It also helps to enhance the savory notes of the other ingredients.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding a rich flavor and velvety texture to the dish.
- Ground Cumin: Ground cumin adds warm, aromatic, and slightly nutty notes to the dish. It enhances the overall flavor profile and complements the other spices used.
- Oregano: Oregano adds a fragrant and slightly bitter flavor to the dish. It pairs well with the other herbs and spices, contributing to the overall savory profile.
- Conchas Shells: Conchas shells are the pasta component of the dish, providing a comforting and satisfying texture. They absorb the flavors of the sauce while adding a unique visual appeal.
- Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish. It enhances the overall savory profile and complements the other ingredients.
How to Make Conchitas with Ground Beef?
To make conchitas with ground beef, follow these step-by-step directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
– Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
– Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent.
– Now, add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
– Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Create the Sauce
– In a blender or food processor, combine the quartered Roma tomatoes and tomato sauce. Blend until smooth.
– Pour the tomato mixture into the skillet with the browned ground beef.
– Add the chicken broth, ground cumin, oregano, frozen carrots, bay leaves, and salt and pepper to taste.
– Stir everything together, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Step 3: Cook the Conchas Shells
– While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
– Add the conchas shells to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
– Once cooked, drain the shells and set them aside.
Step 4: Combine the Sauce and Shells
– Remove the bay leaves from the sauce.
– Add the cooked conchas shells to the skillet with the sauce and gently stir to combine everything well.
– Let the conchitas cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
– Serve the conchitas with ground beef hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or grated cheese, if desired. Accompany it with warm tortillas or a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal.
Notes:
– Don’t be afraid to use frozen carrots as they work just as well as fresh ones in this dish.
– Adjust the level of spiciness by adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the sauce.
– For a twist, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
– You can make the dish ahead of time, as it reheats well, making it great for leftovers.
– Try using a combination of different colored bell peppers for added flavor and visual appeal.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers or want to prepare conchitas with ground beef in advance, here’s how you can store them:
– Refrigerator: Transfer the cooled conchitas with ground beef to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
– Freezer: Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, making sure to remove any excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a general idea of the nutrition content in a serving of conchitas with ground beef (based on a standard recipe):
– Calories: 274 kcal
– Total Fat: 18g
– Saturated Fat: 5g
– Cholesterol: 63mg
– Sodium: 460mg
– Carbohydrates: 26g
– Fiber: 2g
– Sugar: 4g
– Protein: 27g
Please note that these values may vary based on specific ingredients or portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some delicious serving suggestions for conchitas with ground beef:
1. Fresh Avocado Salad: Serve a side of refreshing avocado salad dressed with lime juice, cilantro, and cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
2. Mexican Corn Street Salad: Create a Mexican street food experience by serving conchitas with ground beef alongside a tangy and spicy Mexican corn salad, known as “elote.”
3. Grilled vegetables: Pair the dish with a medley of grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions. Drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle some Mexican seasoning, and grill them to perfection.
4. Traditional Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: No Mexican meal is complete without guacamole! Serve the conchitas with a side of homemade guacamole and crispy tortilla chips for scooping.
5. Black Bean Soup: Warm up a bowl of comforting black bean soup and enjoy it alongside the conchitas with ground beef. The flavors complement each other perfectly.
What Other Substitute Can I Use in Conchitas with Ground Beef?
If you’re looking to switch things up or have dietary restrictions, here are some substitutes you can use in conchitas with ground beef:
1. Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for vegetarian ground meat alternatives like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or crumbled tofu.
2. Ground Turkey or Chicken: Lean ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef. Both options bring a lighter and healthier twist to the dish.
3. Shredded Chicken: For a milder flavor, consider using cooked and shredded chicken instead of ground beef. It adds a satisfying texture to the conchitas.
4. Beans: For a vegetarian protein option, replace the ground beef with cooked beans such as black beans or pinto beans. They provide a rich and hearty alternative.
5. Beyond Meat: If you prefer plant-based options, try using Beyond Meat or other meat substitute brands. These mimic the texture and taste of ground meat remarkably well.
Conchitas With Ground Beef
Equipment
- skillet
- blender
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1 1/2 pounds of meaty goodness
- Bay Leaves: 3 for that fragrant mystery
- Salt And Pepper: to taste You’re the boss here
- Roma Tomatoes: 6 quartered and ripe
- Tomato Sauce: 1/2 cup for tang
- White Onion: 3/4 cup chopped (No tears, please!)
- Frozen Carrots: 3/4 cup Yes, frozen’s fine
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup Your kitchen’s magic potion
- Olive Oil: 4 generous tablespoons for that smooth sizzle
- Ground Cumin: 3/4 teaspoon That’s the secret
- Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon for that classic touch
- Conchas Shells: 3 cups uncooked They’re the star of the show!
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced (Trust me, it’s worth it)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent.
- Now, add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the quartered Roma tomatoes and tomato sauce. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the tomato mixture into the skillet with the browned ground beef.
- Add the chicken broth, ground cumin, oregano, frozen carrots, bay leaves, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir everything together, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the conchas shells to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the shells and set them aside.
- Remove the bay leaves from the sauce.
- Add the cooked conchas shells to the skillet with the sauce and gently stir to combine everything well.
- Let the conchitas cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
- Serve the conchitas with ground beef hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or grated cheese, if desired. Accompany it with warm tortillas or a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Don’t be afraid to use frozen carrots as they work just as well as fresh ones in this dish.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the sauce.
- For a twist, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- You can make the dish ahead of time, as it reheats well, making it great for leftovers.
- Try using a combination of different colored bell peppers for added flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
A1: While the traditional choice for conchitas with ground beef is conchas shells, you can experiment with other shapes like penne, farfalle, or rigatoni. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the pasta shape you choose.
Q2: Can I make conchitas with ground beef in a slow cooker?
A2: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply brown the ground beef, onions, and garlic in a skillet as instructed. Then transfer the mixture along with the remaining ingredients, excluding the conchas shells, to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Cook the conchas separately according to package instructions and add them to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Q3: Can I replace the tomatoes with canned tomato sauce?
A3: Yes, if you prefer using canned tomato sauce instead of fresh tomatoes, you can substitute it on a 1:1 ratio. Choose a high-quality tomato sauce for the best results.
Q4: Can I add cheese to this dish?
A4: Absolutely! Feel free to sprinkle some grated cheese, such as cotija or cheddar, over the finished dish. The creamy and salty cheese complements the flavors of the conchitas and ground beef.
Q5: Can I make this dish in advance for a party?
A5: Yes, conchitas with ground beef is a great option for parties as it can be made ahead of time. Prepare the recipe as directed, but before adding the cooked conchas shells, cool the sauce completely. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop and add the cooked conchas shells.
Q6: How can I make this dish spicier?
A6: To add some heat to the dish, you can sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished conchitas with ground beef. Alternatively, you can also add diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce during the cooking process.
Conclusion
Conchitas with ground beef is a delightful fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors that will surely satisfy your cravings. From the rich tomato-based sauce to the perfectly cooked pasta shells filled with savory ground beef, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
We’ve covered the main topic of conchitas with ground beef, provided a comprehensive list of ingredients, step-by-step directions, helpful notes, storage tips, nutrition information, serving suggestions, substitute options, and answered some frequently asked questions.
So go ahead, gather the ingredients, and give this sumptuous dish a try. Enjoy the incredible taste of conchitas with ground beef – a true culinary delight!
