Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Cuisine: Mexican Comfort Food
Calories per Serving: ~420 kcal

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Introduction

Few dishes capture the heart of Mexican comfort food like Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef. This humble, hearty recipe combines thin, toasted vermicelli pasta (fideo), tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato-based broth. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you of family dinners, laughter echoing in the kitchen, and the comforting smell of simmering spices.

Fideo (pronounced “fee-day-oh”) is a beloved staple in many Mexican and Tex-Mex households. The combination of simple pantry ingredients—pasta, potatoes, tomatoes, and ground beef—creates something far greater than the sum of its parts. It’s budget-friendly, satisfying, and deliciously versatile.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a comforting bowl of homemade goodness, this recipe is perfect for you.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (7-ounce) package of fideo pasta (or thin vermicelli noodles)

• 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)

• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

• 3 cups beef broth (or water, but broth adds more flavor)

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Shredded cheese (cheddar or queso fresco)

• A squeeze of lime juice

• Avocado slices or pickled jalapeños

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Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or deep sauté pan with lid

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Knife and cutting board

• Measuring cups and spoons

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients (5–10 minutes)

Before you begin cooking, get everything prepped and ready.
Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes (about ½ inch). Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic. Measure out your spices and liquids to make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

This stage is essential, especially for beginners, because once the fideo starts toasting, things move quickly.

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Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef (8–10 minutes)

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil.

2. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.

3. Season with salt, pepper, and half of the cumin and chili powder.

4. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink — about 8 minutes.

5. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside, leaving about a tablespoon of the rendered fat in the pan for flavor.

Tip: For a lighter version, drain excess fat completely and use a bit of olive oil instead.

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Step 3: Toast the Fideo (5–6 minutes)

1. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed.

2. Pour in the fideo pasta.

3. Stir constantly over medium heat until the noodles turn a beautiful golden brown.

   • Be careful not to burn them—once they start to change color, it happens fast.

Toasting the fideo is the key to the dish’s signature nutty flavor. It deepens the overall taste and keeps the noodles from getting too mushy during simmering.

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Step 4: Add Aromatics and Tomato Sauce (5 minutes)

1. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the toasted fideo.

2. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

3. Stir in the tomato sauce, mixing well to coat the noodles and aromatics evenly.

4. Cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

At this point, your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma of toasted pasta, onions, and garlic.

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Step 5: Add the Potatoes, Spices, and Broth (10–15 minutes)

1. Return the browned ground beef to the skillet.

2. Add the diced potatoes, remaining cumin, chili powder, paprika, and another pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Pour in 3 cups of beef broth (or water).

4. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the noodles have absorbed most of the liquid.

Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom of the pan.

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Step 6: Adjust Consistency and Taste (5 minutes)

Once the potatoes are fully cooked, check the texture.
If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
If it’s too soupy, uncover and simmer for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.

Taste and adjust the seasoning — you might want a little more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime for brightness.

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Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the fideo with potatoes and beef into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or avocado slices if you like. Serve hot with warm tortillas or crusty bread on the side.

It’s best enjoyed fresh off the stove, though leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.

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Tips for Success

• Don’t skip toasting the fideo: It adds essential flavor and prevents the noodles from becoming mushy.

• Choose the right potatoes: Waxy potatoes (like Yukon Gold or red potatoes) hold their shape better than russets.

• Flavor boosters: Add a pinch of oregano or a splash of hot sauce for extra depth.

• Make it vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

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Variations

• Fideo con Pollo: Swap out the ground beef for shredded or diced chicken breast or thighs.

• Spicy Fideo: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

• Cheesy Fideo: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack at the end for a creamy, cheesy version.

• Fideo Soup Style: Use an additional 2 cups of broth for a soupy texture — perfect for cold days.

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Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a pan over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture.
You can also freeze it for up to 2 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used.

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Final Thoughts

Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef is one of those dishes that brings comfort with every bite. It’s affordable, filling, and easy to make, but most importantly, it’s full of flavor and nostalgia. Whether you grew up with this recipe or are discovering it for the first time, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Pair it with a crisp green salad, a wedge of lime, and maybe a little salsa on the side, and you’ve got a meal that satisfies body and soul.

Cooking shouldn’t be complicated—it should be comforting. And this classic fideo dish delivers exactly that.