Greetings from back home, fellow foodies! Today, we’re delving into the core of Mexican cooking with a recipe that’s really tasty and simple to prepare in your own home. Introducing “Conchitas Con Carne,” a hearty and flavorful pasta dish that will quickly become a family favorite.
Conchitas Con Carne: A Culinary Adventure
Conchitas Con Carne means “shells with meat,” and that’s a fantastic way to describe this delicious dish. Imagine plump, flavorful beef sauce surrounded by soft, pillowy pasta shells. It’s an exquisite blend of flavors and textures that will take you right to the center of Mexico.
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INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups Pasta Shells
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 Onion: finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic: minced
- 1 can Tomato Sauce: (15 ounces)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes: (14.5 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- Cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend): for topping
- Fresh Cilantro: for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Boil the Pasta:
-
Follow the directions on the package to cook the pasta shells. Empty and place aside.
Brown the Beef:
-
Add the olive oil to a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef. Add minced garlic and chopped onions after they’ve browned. Sauté the onions until they become transparent.
Create the Sauce:
-
Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add the paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper and stir. Give the sauce a good ten minutes to simmer so that the flavors can combine.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
-
Set oven temperature to 375°F, or 190°C. Combine the cooked pasta and the meat sauce in a sizable mixing basin. Stir to coat the pasta completely.
Bake to Perfection:
-
Spoon mixture into baking dish and sprinkle with cheese shredded on top. Bake in the oven that has been preheated until the cheese is bubbling and melted.
Garnish and Serve:
-
To add a pop of freshness, scatter some fresh cilantro over the dish as soon as it comes out of the oven. Warm up your Conchitas Con Carne and savor the harmonious blend of flavors!
Conchitas Con Carne
Discover the comforting charm of Conchitas Con Carne, a masterpiece of Mexican cooking that tantalizes the senses with every mouthwatering taste. Learn about the enchantment of soft pasta shells holding a flavorful, meaty symphony that beckons you on an adventure.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or Pan: for cooking the meat sauce
- Colander for draining pasta
- Wooden spoon: for stirring
- Baking dish for baking the final dish
- Oven for melting the cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups Pasta Shells
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 Onion: finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic: minced
- 1 can Tomato Sauce: (15 ounces)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes: (14.5 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- Cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend): for topping
- Fresh Cilantro: for garnish
Instructions
Boil the Pasta:
- Follow the directions on the package to cook the pasta shells. Empty and place aside.
Brown the Beef:
- Add the olive oil to a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef. Add minced garlic and chopped onions after they've browned. Sauté the onions until they become transparent.
Create the Sauce:
- Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add the paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper and stir. Give the sauce a good ten minutes to simmer so that the flavors can combine.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Set oven temperature to 375°F, or 190°C. Combine the cooked pasta and the meat sauce in a sizable mixing basin. Stir to coat the pasta completely.
Bake to Perfection:
- Spoon mixture into baking dish and sprinkle with cheese shredded on top. Bake in the oven that has been preheated until the cheese is bubbling and melted.
Garnish and Serve:
- To add a pop of freshness, scatter some fresh cilantro over the dish as soon as it comes out of the oven. Warm up your Conchitas Con Carne and savor the harmonious blend of flavors!
Video
Notes
Pro Tip:
To give the meat sauce an extra heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dab of spicy sauce.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: What does “Conchitas Con Carne” mean?
A1: The English translation of “Conchitas Con Carne” is “shells with meat”. Pasta shells encase a flavorful meat sauce in this Mexican pasta meal.
Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A2: While you are welcome to experiment with other pasta forms, the classic recipe calls for conchitas, or shells, which do a fantastic job of encapsulating the sauce.
Q3: Is this dish spicy?
A3: You can customize the degree of spiciness to suit your tastes. Although chili powder is called for in the recipe, you can vary the amount or leave it out to reduce the intensity.
Q4: Can I make Conchitas Con Carne ahead of time?
A4: Definitely! When the dish is ready to be served, you can prepare it up to the baking stage, refrigerate, and then bake. It’s a fantastic choice for organizing meals.
Q5: What can I substitute for ground beef?
A5: For a leaner option, try ground chicken or turkey. For a vegetarian variation, you can also experiment with plant-based alternatives like ground tofu or a beef substitute.
Q6: How can I make it more flavorful?
A6: Add some fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, to bring out the flavor. To add even more zing, try experimenting with different spices or adding sliced jalapeños.
Q7: Can I freeze Conchitas Con Carne?
A7: It freezes quite nicely. Cool the baked goods before storing them in an airtight container. Freeze and rewarm in the oven for a quick dinner at a later time.
Q8: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A8: Definitely! Children will find it appealing because of the noodles and tasty meat sauce. You can change the degree of spice to what they prefer.
Nutrition Fact –
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):
Calories: Approximately 500-600 kcal
Protein: Approximately 25-30g
Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
Fat: Approximately 25-30g
Fiber: Approximately 5-7g
Sodium: Approximately 800-1000mg
