Little Shells with Ground Beef is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of beef and tomatoes with the unique texture of conchas shells. This hearty meal is simple to prepare and makes for a great family dinner.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to serve something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s loaded with flavor, packed with protein from the ground beef, and includes veggies like carrots and tomatoes to provide added nutrition. Plus, it’s fun to eat those little shells!
How to Make Little Shells with Ground Beef
Making Little Shells with Ground Beef is a straightforward process. Just follow these easy steps:
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 3 cups conchas shells (uncooked)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 6 Roma tomatoes (quartered)
- 3/4 cup white onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 3/4 cup frozen carrots
- 3 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos (optional)
Directions
- Heat a pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Brown the ground beef, stirring until no pink remains. Season as desired.
- Add conchas shells, garlic, Roma tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato sauce, and ground cumin. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce the heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add oregano, frozen carrots, and bay leaves, then continue to simmer for 15 more minutes.
- Finally, add the chopped white onion and cook for another 5 minutes until softened.
- Serve over cooked white rice and enjoy!
How to Serve Little Shells with Ground Beef
Serve Little Shells with Ground Beef over a bed of fluffy white rice. This adds a nice touch and helps soak up the delicious sauce. You can also top it with some shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
How to Store Little Shells with Ground Beef
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over low heat until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to stir occasionally for even heating.
Tips to Make Little Shells with Ground Beef
- Be sure to season the beef well while browning for better flavor.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by adding red pepper flakes or jalapenos according to your taste.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrients and flavor.
Variation
You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. The cooking time remains the same, and the flavors will still be delicious!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, if you can’t find conchas shells, any small pasta will work, like mini shells or elbow macaroni.
2. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dish after it’s cooked. Just let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or use extra beans or lentils. Just adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Little Shells with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Brown the ground beef, stirring until no pink remains. Season as desired.
- Add conchas shells, garlic, Roma tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato sauce, and ground cumin. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce the heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add oregano, frozen carrots, and bay leaves, then continue to simmer for 15 more minutes.
- Finally, add the chopped white onion and cook for another 5 minutes until softened.
- Serve over cooked white rice and enjoy!
