Conchitas With Ground Beef

Conchitas with Ground Beef is a cozy, one-pot Mexican-style pasta dish packed with savory beef, tender shell pasta, and a tomato-rich broth. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need something filling without a lot of fuss. The simmered sauce absorbs beautifully into the pasta, giving every bite a comforting, stew-like richness. Serve it over rice for an even heartier meal or enjoy it just as it is. This dish also reheats well, making it great for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 3 cups uncooked medium conchas shells
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 Roma tomatoes, quartered
• 3/4 cup chopped white onion
• 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

Directions

1. Preheat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
2. Brown the ground beef, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add the conchas, garlic, tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato sauce, and cumin; stir to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add oregano, carrots, zucchini (if using), and bay leaves.
6. Simmer another 15 minutes, or until the conchas are tender.
7. Stir in the white onion and simmer 5 more minutes, until softened.
8. Serve warm, optionally over cooked white rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: ~430 kcal per serving | Servings: 6

Tips

• Brown the pasta lightly in the oil before adding liquids for deeper, toasty flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.

FAQ

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes—ditalini, acini di pepe, or any small pasta works well.

Can I make this spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce.

Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely—corn, bell peppers, or zucchini all work nicely.

Does it freeze well?
It can, but the pasta softens after thawing. Freeze without the pasta if you want a firmer texture later.