Introduction

Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef is a comforting Mexican-inspired dish that combines toasted vermicelli noodles, seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s a hearty one-pan meal that brings warmth and flavor to your table — perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This meal is simple, budget-friendly, and loaded with traditional flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 (7 oz) package fideo noodles (or broken vermicelli)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Toast the fideo: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fideo noodles and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown. Be careful not to burn them. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add aromatics: Stir in chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
4. Add potatoes and seasonings: Toss in the diced potatoes, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Add sauce and broth: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir and bring to a simmer.
6. Combine with fideo: Add the toasted fideo back into the pan. Stir to mix everything together evenly.
7. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes and noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
9. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, if desired.

Description

This Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef dish is a rich and satisfying comfort food that brings together tender noodles, flavorful beef, and perfectly cooked potatoes in a tomato-based sauce. The toasty flavor of the fideo adds a unique depth that pairs beautifully with the hearty ingredients. Every bite delivers warmth, nostalgia, and the delicious taste of homemade goodness.

Tips

• Toast the noodles properly: This step gives the fideo its signature nutty flavor—watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
• Adjust consistency: Add more broth if you prefer a soupier texture or let it simmer longer for a thicker, stew-like version.
• Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Protein swap: Try using ground turkey, chicken, or even chorizo for a fun twist.
• Meal prep tip: This dish reheats beautifully the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.

Correction

If your fideo turns out too soggy, it’s likely overcooked or had too much liquid — next time, reduce the broth or shorten the simmering time.
If it’s too dry, simply stir in a bit more broth while reheating.
And if the noodles stick together, make sure to stir occasionally during cooking.