🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
8 oz (about 3 cups) jumbo pasta shells (or medium shells)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
2–3 Serrano peppers, finely minced (remove seeds for less heat)
1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 packet (0.9 oz) Sazón con Azafrán (or Sazón Perfecta)
4 cups water
2 tsp granulated chicken bouillon (like Knorr)
1 tsp granulated tomato bouillon (optional, for depth)
½ tsp black pepper, or to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
💡 What is Sazón? A Latin seasoning blend with achiote (annatto), garlic, coriander, and cumin—it adds earthy depth and vibrant color. Find it in the Hispanic aisle or online.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (One-Pot Wonder!)
1. Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef; cook until browned (5–6 mins). Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Add onion and Serrano peppers; cook 3–4 mins until soft.
Stir in Rotel (with juices) and Sazón; cook 1–2 mins to release flavors.
3. Simmer the Pasta
Pour in water, chicken bouillon, tomato bouillon, and black pepper.
Bring to a boil, then add pasta shells.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened.
→ Add 1–2 tbsp water if too dry.
4. Rest & Garnish
Let sit 5 minutes (sauce thickens further).
Taste and adjust salt/heat if needed.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
💡 Pro Tips for Next-Level Flavor
Boost umami: Add 1 tbsp tomato paste with the onions.
Make it creamy: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or Mexican crema at the end.
Add veggies: Toss in 1 cup corn, peas, or spinach with the pasta.
Protein swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
Freezer-friendly: Cool completely, freeze for up to 3 months.
🥣 Serving Suggestions
Classic: With warm tortillas or crusty bread
Comfort: Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado
Light: Serve with a simple green salad and lime wedges
Game day: Garnish with pickled red onions and cilantro
❤️ Why This Dish Feels Like Home
This isn’t just pasta—it’s generosity in a pot.
It says: “I’ve got you,” whether you’re feeding picky kids, tired spouses, or last-minute guests.
No fancy techniques. No stress. Just warm, spiced, beefy joy—shared with love.
💛 Final Thought
Great cooking isn’t about perfection.
It’s about showing up with something deeply satisfying—even on your busiest days.
So heat that pot.
Let the Sazón bloom.
And get ready for the kind of meal that lingers in memory long after the plates are empty.