Conchitas with Ground Beef
If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious meal, look no further than Conchitas with Ground Beef. This recipe combines tender conchitas pasta with a flavorful ground beef sauce, creating a dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of making Conchitas with Ground Beef, along with some handy tips to elevate the flavor. So, let’s get cooking!
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Ingredients:
For the Conchitas:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Conchitas pasta | 12 ounces (or any small pasta shells) |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt (for boiling pasta) | As needed |
For the Ground Beef Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14 ounces) |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (8 ounces) |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Frozen corn kernels (optional) | 1 cup |
| Shredded Mexican blend cheese | 1 cup |
| Fresh cilantro leaves | For garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Conchitas
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the conchitas pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set it aside.
2. Prepare the Ground Beef Sauce
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks.
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- If desired, add the frozen corn kernels to the sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes until they are heated through.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked and drained conchitas pasta to the skillet with the ground beef sauce. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
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4. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of the pasta and sauce mixture.
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5. Garnish and Serve
Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gooey. Garnish your Conchitas with Ground Beef with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
6. Serve Warm
Spoon generous portions onto plates, and enjoy your delicious Conchitas with Ground Beef!
