Conchitas con Carne Recipe (Mexican Hamburger and Shells)
This comforting and hearty dish, Conchitas con Carne, combines tender pasta shells with savory ground sirloin in a richly seasoned tomato sauce. Infused with classic Mexican spices like cumin and chili powder, this simple one-pot meal is perfect for a family dinner or a casual weeknight feast. The optional cayenne pepper adds a kick, making it customizable to your heat preference.
This dish not only provides the warmth and heartiness of a traditional Mexican meal but also offers the convenience of a one-pot recipe, making clean-up a breeze. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a satisfying dish that reheats well, Conchitas con Carne is sure to please. Enjoy the blend of flavors and the ease of this delightful recipe!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sirloin
- 2 cups uncooked pasta shells
- 4 oz tomato sauce
- 1/4 small onion, chopped
- 1/4 bell pepper, sliced
- 4-5 cups water
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Directions:
- Brown the Beef: In a large Dutch oven, cook the ground sirloin over medium heat. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
- Toast the Shells: Add the uncooked shells to the Dutch oven with the browned beef. Stir to mix and allow the shells to fry slightly, absorbing some of the beef flavors.
- Add Seasonings and Vegetables: Incorporate the chopped onion and sliced bell pepper into the pot. Stir in all the spices (cumin, chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper). Mix well to ensure even distribution of the flavors.
- Combine with Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce. Break up the beef bouillon cube and add it to the mixture, stirring well to help it dissolve and distribute evenly.
- Simmer: Cover the ingredients with water. Bring to a simmer and let cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, then reduce the heat, cover, and continue to simmer for approximately 10 more minutes, or until the shells are tender.
- Serve: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, adjust seasonings if needed, and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh touch.
- Serve with a side of warm tortillas or a simple green salad to complete the meal.