Conchitas con Carne is a delicious Mexican comfort food that combines pasta shells (conchitas) with a savory beef filling, often seasoned with various spices and sometimes mixed with a tomato-based sauce. It’s a great way to enjoy pasta and ground meat with a bit of Mexican flair! Here’s a simple recipe to make Conchitas con Carne (Mexican Hamburger and Shells):
Ingredients:
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey, if you prefer)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies (canned or fresh, depending on your heat preference)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth (optional, for a saucier filling)
- For the Pasta:
- 1 1/2 cups conchita pasta (small shell-shaped pasta)
- Salt, for water
- For Topping (optional):
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the conchitas pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until they soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked (about 7-8 minutes).
- Stir in the tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes), green chilies, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- If you like a saucier filling, add 1/2 cup of water or beef broth and let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the flavors meld together.
3. Combine the Pasta and Meat Sauce:
- Add the cooked conchitas pasta to the meat mixture, stirring to combine. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the pasta soaks up some of the sauce and the flavors blend.
4. Optional: Add Cheese:
- If you want to add a cheesy topping, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the mixture, then cover and let it cook on low heat for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired.
- Serve your Conchitas con Carne hot, and enjoy with a side of Mexican crema or salsa for extra flavor!
Tips:
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat level by using milder or spicier chilies depending on your preference.
- Ground Beef Substitutes: You can also use ground chicken, turkey, or even ground pork for a different flavor.
- Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, you can add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn to the meat sauce.
This dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal or when you’re feeding a crowd. Enjoy your Conchitas con Carne!