Conchitas Con Carne (Mexican Hamburger And Shells)
Conchitas Con Carne, a delightful fusion of Mexican flavors and comforting ingredients that promises to tantalize your taste buds and simplify your dinner routine.
This hearty dish combines tender pasta shells, savory ground sirloin, and a medley of aromatic spices, creating a meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
So whether you’re craving a comforting weeknight meal or hosting a gathering with friends and family, Conchitas Con Carne is sure to impress.
With its flavorful blend of spices, tender pasta, and savory meat, it’s a dish that promises to satisfy your cravings and transport you to the vibrant streets of Mexico with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
People will love Conchitas con Carne (Mexican Hamburger and Shells) because it’s a flavorful, hearty, and comforting dish that combines the best of both worlds: tender pasta shells and savory seasoned beef.
The rich combination of spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika creates a warm, zesty flavor profile, while the addition of tomato sauce makes the dish satisfyingly juicy.
With a quick prep time and simple ingredients, it’s an easy-to-make meal that feels special enough for any occasion.
Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze.
Whether served as a family dinner or a weeknight treat, this dish delivers a deliciously satisfying bite every time!
Key Ingredients:
Ground sirloin – lean and flavorful beef for the base of the dish.
Conchita pasta (shells) – small, ridged pasta that soaks up the savory sauce.
Tomato sauce – adds richness and moisture to the dish.
Onion and bell pepper – for a mild sweetness and extra depth of flavor.
Beef bouillon cube – enhances the beefy flavor, making the dish extra savory.
Spices – cumin, chili powder, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, creating a robust and zesty seasoning blend.
How to make Conchitas Con Carne (Mexican Hamburger And Shells)
Ingredients :
1lb ground sirloin
2 cups uncooked shells
4 oz tomato sauce
1/4 small onion chopped
1/4 bell pepper sliced
4-5 cups water
1 beef bullion 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
Instructions:
Brown beef over medium heat in Dutch oven drain add shells and stir it around a bit let them fry a little with the beef add all remaining seasoning with onions and bell pepper then add tomato sauce and stir.
(make sure you break up the bullion cube up and stir it around as it dissolves with the heat) cover with water and simmer for 5 min then cover and simmer for about 10 min until shells are tender and serve.
Enjoy !!
Notes:
One-Pot Meal Convenience: Conchitas Con Carne offers the convenience of a one-pot meal, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful dinner without a lot of cleanup.
Versatile Meat Options: While the recipe calls for ground sirloin, it’s adaptable to other ground meats like beef, turkey, or chicken, allowing for flexibility based on personal preferences or ingredient availability.
Adjustable Spice Level: The dish’s spiciness can be easily customized by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or omitting it entirely for a milder flavor profile. This flexibility caters to a variety of taste preferences, from mild to spicy.
Pasta Substitution: If you don’t have shells available, the recipe allows for substitution with other pasta shapes like macaroni, penne, or rotini. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the pasta shape chosen.
Vegetarian or Vegan Adaptability: For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, the recipe can be adapted by substituting the ground meat with plant-based alternatives and using vegetable broth and bullion. This makes it inclusive and suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
Customizable Additions: The recipe encourages creativity by suggesting additional vegetables or ingredients to enhance the dish’s flavor and nutritional value. Corn, diced tomatoes, black beans, or fresh herbs like cilantro can be added according to personal taste preferences.
Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Conchitas Con Carne can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for longer-term storage. This makes it a convenient option for meal planning or batch cooking.
Side Dish Pairing Suggestions: While the dish can stand alone as a hearty meal, it can also be served with various sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, tortillas, or a side salad. Toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced avocado can further enhance the presentation and flavor.
Family-Friendly Meal Option: With its comforting flavors and familiar ingredients, Conchitas Con Carne is a family-friendly meal option that appeals to both adults and children. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table.
Cultural Heritage: This dish offers a taste of Mexican cuisine with its blend of spices and flavors, making it a delightful way to experience the culinary traditions of Mexico from the comfort of your own home.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 400 | Total Fat: 20 grams | Saturated Fat: 7 grams | Cholesterol: 60 milligrams | Sodium: 700 milligrams | Carbohydrates: 30 grams | Fiber: 3 grams | Sugars: 3 grams | Protein: 20 grams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I substitute the ground sirloin with a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground sirloin with ground beef or another ground meat of your choice, such as turkey or chicken.
Keep in mind that different meats may alter the taste and texture of the dish.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Absolutely! The amount of cayenne pepper can be adjusted according to your personal preference for spiciness.
You can increase or decrease the amount or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of shells?
Yes, you can use a different type of pasta if you don’t have shells available.
Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as macaroni, penne, or rotini.
Just adjust the cooking time according to the specific pasta you choose.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be vegetarian or vegan. Substitute the ground sirloin with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu.
Replace the beef bullion cube with vegetable bullion, and use vegetable broth instead of water and chicken bullion.
Adjust the seasonings according to your taste.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients to enhance the dish?
Absolutely! You can customize this recipe by adding additional vegetables such as corn, diced tomatoes, or black beans.
You can also garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or sprinkle grated cheese on top before serving.
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground sirloin with ground beef, ground turkey, or another ground meat of your choice.
Keep in mind that different meats may alter the taste and texture of the dish.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add additional spicy ingredients like chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
Adjust the spiciness according to your taste preferences.
Can I make this recipe in advance or freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can make Conchitas con Carne in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
It also freezes well, so you can portion out leftovers and freeze them in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Can I customize the vegetables in this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences.
You can add or substitute other vegetables such as corn, diced tomatoes, carrots, or zucchini to add more flavor and nutrition to the dish.
What can I serve with Conchitas con Carne?
Conchitas con Carne can be served as a standalone dish or accompanied by various sides.
Traditional options include Mexican rice, refried beans, tortillas, or a side salad.
You can also garnish it with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced avocado for added flavor.