There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of Mexican Shells and Beef Soup, also known as Sopa de Conchitas con Carne. This classic Mexican-inspired soup features tender toasted shell pasta, savory ground beef, colorful vegetables, and a rich tomato-infused broth that’s both hearty and satisfying. Every spoonful is packed with comforting flavors that make it perfect for any time of year.
One of the secrets to this traditional recipe is lightly toasting the shell pasta before simmering it in the broth. This simple step adds a delicious nutty flavor and helps the pasta maintain its texture while soaking up the savory broth. Combined with aromatic onions, garlic, and warm spices, the result is a deeply flavorful soup that’s easy enough for busy weeknights.
This family-friendly recipe comes together in just 40 minutes using simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and pasta creates a complete meal that’s filling, nutritious, and loved by both kids and adults alike.
Serve this comforting soup with warm corn or flour tortillas, fresh avocado slices, crumbled queso fresco, and a squeeze of lime for an authentic finishing touch. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a meal-prep favorite, this Mexican Shells and Beef Soup is sure to become a regular on your menu.
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup small shell pasta (conchitas)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chicken or beef bouillon powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, and carrots)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Optional Toppings
- Fresh lime wedges
- Diced avocado
- Crumbled queso fresco
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Warm flour or corn tortillas
Instructions
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