This dish is a traditional Mexican dish and what I love about it is that it’s easy to make, tasty and economical. Conchitas with ground beef is an absolute favorite in my house! The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and conchas shells makes for a delicious, satisfying meal that everyone loves.
In Mexico, it is usually served as part of a larger meal, such as with tacos, beans, and rice. But it can also be eaten on its own. So you have a lot of flexibility with this recipe.
In this article, I’ll share with you how to make Conchitas with ground beef. Besides the recipe, I’ll also provide some useful tips and nutrition information.
Want more conchitas recipes? Check these:
What is Conchitas with ground beef?
Conchitas with ground beef is a traditional Mexican dish made with corn shells (conchas), ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It’s an easy and flavorful meal that can be served as a main course or side dish. Besides, it can be served as an appetizer or a taco filling.
What does it taste like?
This dish has a savory and slightly spicy flavor. The ground beef is cooked with onion, garlic, tomatoes, spices, and chicken broth for added flavor and moisture. The shells are then baked until lightly browned and crunchy on top. So, it has a nice balance of texture and flavor. The combination of flavors and textures was always a treat!
How did I first get introduced to the Conchitas with ground beef?
I was first introduced to Conchitas con carne molida, or Conchitas with ground beef in my hometown of Guadalajara, Mexico. My aunt often made this dish during family gatherings and I remember being so excited every time it was served. The aroma and flavor of the dish were always so inviting that I couldn’t wait to taste it.
How to make Conchitas with ground beef?
Preparing Conchitas with ground beef is an easy and straightforward process. The dish can be cooked in a skillet on the stovetop, or baked in an oven.
You can also checkout the following Side dish Recipe :
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pound Ground Beef
- 4 tbsp Olive Oil
- 3 cloves minced Garlic
- 3 cups medium conchas shells
- 6 Tomatoes
- 3/4 cup 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
- Salt And Pepper to taste
- 3 Bay Leaves
Step by step instructions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add garlic, onion, and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbled.
Step 2
Add tomatoes, cumin, oregano, bay leaves, and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add the conchas shells, tomato sauce, and frozen carrots to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly blended.
Step 3
Cover the skillet and cook over low heat for 20 minutes or until the shells are tender. Transfer the conchitas with ground beef to a large baking dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or until the top is lightly browned. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips
• You can substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• If you want to make this dish vegan, use your favorite plant-based “meat” instead of beef.
• To add extra flavor, try adding jalapenos or other peppers to the mix.
• To make a creamier version, add some sour cream to the conchitas with ground beef.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pound Ground Beef
- 4 tbsp Olive Oil
- 3 cloves minced Garlic
- 3 cups medium conchas shells
- 6 Tomatoes
- 3/4 cup 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
- Salt And Pepper to taste
- 3 Bay Leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add garlic, onion, and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbled.
- Add tomatoes, cumin, oregano, bay leaves, and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add the conchas shells, tomato sauce, and frozen carrots to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly blended.
- Cover the skillet and cook over low heat for 20 minutes or until the shells are tender. Transfer the conchitas with ground beef to a large baking dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or until the top is lightly browned. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
One serving of this dish provides approximately
- 250 calories,
- 8 grams of fat,
- 27 grams of carbohydrates and
- 18 grams of protein.
What to serve with Conchitas with ground beef?
For a complete meal, serve conchitas with ground beef alongside a side salad or steamed vegetables. It also pairs well with some freshly cooked white rice or beans and rice. Besides, you can have some guacamole, salsa, or sour cream on the side.
How to store leftover Conchitas with ground beef?
The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving. So, it is better to make only as much as you can eat in one sitting. Also, you can freeze it for up to 2 months.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can enjoy Conchitas with ground beef as long as the ingredients are fresh and cooked through. However, pregnant women should avoid eating raw or undercooked meat. So, make sure to cook the meat properly before eating.
FAQs
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with your favorite plant-based “meat” such as lentils or chickpeas.
Can I use a different type of shell for this dish?
Yes, you can use any type of small pasta such as penne or shells.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to a day in advance and then bake it just before serving.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
You can add some chopped jalapenos or other peppers to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
Wrapping Up
Conchitas with ground beef is an easy and delicious dish made with ground beef, conchas shells, tomatoes, and spices. It can be served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It is also suitable for vegans and can be prepared ahead of time. So, next time you feel like having something different, try this delicious conchitas with ground beef recipe.
Moreover, it is easy to prepare and also healthy. It’s full of proteins, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs. This Mexican -style dish is a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Please share this recipe with your family and friends, so that they can also enjoy this delicious dish. Thank you.
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more