Ohhh yes — Conchitas con Carne 🍝🌶️ — cozy, nostalgic, Mexican-style hamburger and shells. This is pure comfort food: saucy, savory, a little smoky, and insanely easy. Think Hamburger Helper… but way better and homemade.
Conchitas con Carne
(Mexican Hamburger & Shells)
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups medium shell pasta (conchitas)
- 1 tbsp oil (if beef is lean)
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp oregano
- Optional but very traditional:
- 1–2 tbsp tomato bouillon (Knorr Caldo de Tomate)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne (for heat)
Optional add-ins
- Diced jalapeño or serrano
- Frozen peas or corn
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby-Jack, or Mexican blend)
Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the meat
- Heat oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2️⃣ Build the sauce
- Add tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and tomato bouillon (if using).
- Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
3️⃣ Cook the pasta
- Stir in dry shell pasta.
- Cover and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Add a splash of broth if needed.
4️⃣ Finish
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Optional: stir in cheese until melted and creamy.
Why it’s a classic
- One-pot meal
- Cheap, filling, and kid-approved
- Mild but flavorful (easy to spice up)
- Total comfort, especially with warm tortillas on the side
Serving ideas
- Serve with refried beans or frijoles de la olla
- Spoon into tortillas for conchitas tacos
- Top with chopped cilantro or a splash of hot sauce
If you want, I can give you:
🔥 a cheesy baked version
🔥 an old-school abuela version
🔥 or a spicy calabacitas-loaded upgrade