Here’s a classic and comforting Mexican dish: Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef — a simple, budget-friendly one-pan meal made with toasted fideo noodles, seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. It’s cozy, hearty, and ready in under 40 minutes.
🍲 Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef
(Sopa de Fideo con Papa y Carne Molida)
🍽️ Servings: 4–6
⏱️ Time: 35–40 minutes
🧂 Ingredients:
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1 (7 oz) package of fideo pasta (or break up thin spaghetti/vermicelli into 1″ pieces)
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1 tbsp vegetable oil
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1/2 lb to 1 lb ground beef
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1 medium russet potato, peeled and diced small
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1/2 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
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2 cups chicken or beef broth (plus more as needed)
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1 cup water
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1/2 tsp ground cumin
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Optional: a pinch of chili powder or paprika for extra warmth
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Optional garnish: chopped cilantro, lime wedges
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef
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In a large skillet or deep saucepan, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
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Add onion and garlic, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until softened.
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Season with salt, pepper, and cumin. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Toast the Fideo
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In the same pan, heat 1 tbsp oil.
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Add fideo and toast, stirring constantly, until golden brown (about 3–4 minutes).
Watch closely — it can burn quickly!
3. Add Sauce and Liquids
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Once fideo is toasted, add the tomato sauce, broth, and water. Stir to combine.
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Return cooked ground beef to the skillet.
4. Add Potatoes
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Stir in diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
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Cover and cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes and noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth or water if needed.
5. Taste & Serve
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Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired.
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Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
🍽️ Tips & Variations:
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Add veggies like peas, corn, or diced carrots for color and texture.
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Use chorizo instead of ground beef for a spicier twist.
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For a soupy version, just add more broth and enjoy it more like sopa.
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If using uncooked pasta, be sure to toast it first — this gives fideo its signature flavor and keeps it from becoming mushy.