Hey, pasta lovers! Today, we’re jazzing up dinner with Conchitas – those cute little shell-shaped pasta, mingling with savory ground beef.

Brace yourselves for a cozy, flavor-packed experience that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to devour!

Ingredients:

4 tbsp Olive Oil
1 1/2 pound Ground Beef
3 cups medium conchas shells Uncooked
3 cloves minced Garlic
6 Roma Tomatoes Quartered
3/4 cup White Onion Chopped
1/2 cup Chicken Broth
1/2 cup Tomato Sauce
3/4 teaspoon Ground Cumin
1/2 teaspoon Oregano
3/4 cup Frozen carrots
3 Bay Leaves
Jalapeños and Corn ( Optional )
Salt And Pepper to taste

Instructions:

Begin by preheating a large pot over medium heat and adding the olive oil.

Brown the ground beef in the heated pot, occasionally stirring until it is cooked through and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add the conchas shells, garlic, tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato sauce and cumin. Stir to combine.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in the oregano, carrots, zucchini and bay leaves.

Simmer for an additional 15 minutes or until conchitas shells are tender. Lastly, add the white onion and simmer for 5 minutes or until softened. Serve over cooked white rice.

Notes:

• If you cannot access conchitas shells, you can substitute with another small-shaped pasta such as ditalini or acini di pepe.

• Be sure to adjust the seasonings to taste.

• If you’d like some heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.

• Feel free to add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or corn.

Nutrition Information

Serving size and daily value percentage

YIELD : 8 | SERVING SIZE : 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of conchas shells?

Yes, if you don’t have conchas shells available, you can substitute them with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.

Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! You can customize the recipe by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or peas. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables to suit your taste preferences.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of this dish. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Label and date them, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Can I substitute ground beef with other meat or protein?

Certainly! If you prefer, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based alternatives like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or cooked lentils. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.

Can I use fresh carrots instead of frozen ones?

Yes, you can use fresh carrots instead of frozen carrots. Simply peel and dice the fresh carrots into small pieces before adding them to the dish. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked to your desired tenderness.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can modify this recipe to be vegetarian or vegan. Instead of ground beef, you can use plant-based ground meat substitutes or crumbled tofu.

Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and omit the optional jalapeños if desired. Ensure that the tomato sauce and any other ingredients you use are also vegan-friendly.

Can I add other spices or seasonings to enhance the flavor?

Absolutely! Feel free to add additional spices or seasonings according to your taste preferences. You can experiment with ingredients like chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce for some extra heat.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Yes, you can easily adjust the quantities of the ingredients to double or halve the recipe. Keep in mind that the cooking times may need to be adjusted accordingly. Ensure that your pot is large enough to accommodate the doubled recipe if you choose to do so.

Conchitas With Ground Beef

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Ingredients

4 tbsp Olive Oil
1 1/2 pound Ground Beef
3 cups medium conchas shells Uncooked
3 cloves minced Garlic
6 Roma Tomatoes Quartered
3/4 cup White Onion Chopped
1/2 cup Chicken Broth
1/2 cup Tomato Sauce
3/4 teaspoon Ground Cumin
1/2 teaspoon Oregano
3/4 cup Frozen carrots
3 Bay Leaves
Jalapeños and Corn Optional
Salt And Pepper to taste

Instructions

Begin by preheating a large pot over medium heat and adding the olive oil.
Brown the ground beef in the heated pot, occasionally stirring until it is cooked through and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the conchas shells, garlic, tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato sauce and cumin. Stir to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in the oregano, carrots, zucchini and bay leaves.
Simmer for an additional 15 minutes or until conchitas shells are tender. Lastly, add the white onion and simmer for 5 minutes or until softened. Serve over cooked white rice.