Looking for a delicious, beginner-friendly culinary adventure? Look no further than our Conchitas with Ground Beef recipe. This dish is a delightful combination of tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and a medley of spices, creating a meal that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, fear not! We’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow instructions and a list of simple ingredients. Let’s dive right in and cook up a storm!
What is Conchitas with ground beef?
Conchitas with Ground Beef is a savory and hearty Mexican pasta dish that features tender pasta shells (conchitas) cooked with a flavorful ground beef sauce. This dish combines elements of Mexican and Italian cuisine, creating a fusion of flavors that’s both comforting and delicious.
Also Read: Beef House Rolls Recipe
Complete Conchitas with ground beef recipe
Here we discuss the complete recipe for Conchitas with ground beef and also give instructions that how to cook this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
For the Conchitas:
- 2 cups of conchitas pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Ground Beef Sauce:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Boil the Conchitas:
- To begin, boil a large pot of salted water.
- Now, add the conchitas pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente, usually it takes 8–10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set it aside.
Prepare the Ground Beef Sauce:
- Take a large skillet and melt a tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s browned and fully cooked.
Spice it Up:
- Sprinkle the dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the cooked beef.
- Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and let it cook for a couple of minutes to infuse the flavors.
Add the Crushed Tomatoes:
- Adding crushed tomatoes and stirring to combine is the next step.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, waiting for the flavors to meld and thicken.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Once the sauce has simmered to perfection, add the cooked conchitas pasta to the skillet.
- Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
Top it with Cheese:
- Now, over the pasta, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become gloriously gooey.
Garnish and Serve:
- If desired, sprinkle some fresh cilantro or parsley over the top for a burst of freshness and color.
- Dish up your Conchitas with Ground Beef into plates and serve hot.
Nutritions in Conchitas with Ground Beef Recipe:
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Total Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 39g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 31g
A diet of 2,000 calories is used to calculate the percentage daily values (%DV). Depending on your calorie needs, you may need higher or lower values.
This Conchitas with Ground Beef recipe is a hearty and satisfying dish with a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Remember that these values are approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy your meal!
Secrets and tips to elevate your Conchitas with Ground Beef recipe to the next level:
- Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality ingredients. Use lean ground beef, fresh garlic, and onions for the best flavor.
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t skimp on seasoning. The combination of dried oregano, ground cumin, and paprika gives this dish its unique flavor. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the ground beef sauce to simmer for at least 10 minutes. This not only thickens the sauce but also allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Choose the Right Pasta: Conchitas pasta works beautifully in this recipe due to its shell shape, which holds onto the sauce. However, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes if you prefer.
- Cheese Selection: While cheddar cheese is a delicious choice, you can get creative with your cheese selection. Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for different flavors.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and a touch of freshness. It adds a beautiful contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Customize to Taste: Don’t hesitate to customize the recipe. If you like spicy food, then you can add a little bit of cayenne pepper. For extra vegetables, toss in some diced bell peppers or spinach.
- Leftovers Make Great Lunches: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers. Consider making extra for a delicious lunch the next day.
- Family-Friendly Dish: If you have kids, this recipe can be kid-friendly. You can adjust the spices to make it milder or serve the sauce on the side for picky eaters.
- Pair with Sides: Conchitas with Ground Beef is a complete meal on its own, but you can also pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a more substantial feast.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making a dish your own. Feel free to adapt these secrets to suit your personal taste preferences and enjoy the delicious Conchitas with Ground Beef to the fullest!
Conclusion About Conchitas with Ground Beef Recipe:
Congratulations! You’ve just prepared a mouthwatering Conchitas with Ground Beef dish that’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. This recipe’s simplicity combined with its incredible flavor makes it a perfect choice for beginners and experienced cooks alike. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this delightful meal with family and friends. Happy cooking!
