Making conchitas with ground beef is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients. Follow the steps below to create a delicious and hearty dish:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the conchita pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Prepare the beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
- Add the aromatics: To the skillet with the cooked beef, add the finely chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Season the mixture: Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth (or water) to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Combine the pasta and beef: Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked conchita pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and serve: Once everything is well mixed and heated through, remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley, and if desired, a sprinkle of grated cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving and Storage
Conchitas with ground beef is a versatile dish that can be served in several ways and stored for future meals. Here are some serving and storage tips:
Serving
This dish can be served in a variety of ways depending on your preferences:
- As a main dish: Serve the conchitas with ground beef on its own for a hearty meal. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- With a side of bread: If you enjoy some carbs with your pasta, serve this dish with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
- With cheese: Top the dish with a sprinkle of grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or even queso fresco) for added richness and flavor.
- With a squeeze of lime: For an added zesty twist, a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top of the dish can bring out the flavors and give it a nice contrast to the savory beef.
Storage
If you have leftovers, this dish stores well in the fridge or freezer:
- In the refrigerator: Allow the dish to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Leftovers will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- In the freezer: You can freeze conchitas with ground beef for up to 2-3 months. Store the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your conchitas with ground beef turns out perfectly every time:
- Choose lean ground beef: For a less greasy dish, use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher). Alternatively, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option.
- Spice it up: If you enjoy heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or increase the amount of chili powder to your taste. You can also add a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture for extra spiciness.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley makes an excellent garnish and adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish. For extra flavor, you can stir in some fresh herbs directly into the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Be sure to cook the conchita pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the beef sauce. Overcooking the pasta can make it mushy.
- Adjust the sauce consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce.
Conclusion
Conchitas with ground beef is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors, hearty beef, and tender pasta, it’s a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The versatility of the recipe also allows for adjustments in flavor and texture to suit your preferences. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a gathering, this dish is a reliable and tasty choice.</p