There’s nothing quite like a bowl of fideo to warm the heart and bring comfort to the table. A humble yet flavorful dish, fideo with potatoes and ground beef combines toasted vermicelli pasta with tender potatoes and savory beef, all simmered in a lightly spiced tomato broth. Popular in many Mexican and Tex-Mex kitchens, this meal is both affordable and deeply satisfying, making it a staple for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity—just a few pantry staples like pasta, potatoes, tomato sauce, and ground beef come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. The vermicelli soaks up the rich broth while the potatoes add heartiness, ensuring every bite is comforting and filling. Let’s walk through how to make this timeless favorite.
Ingredients
For 4–6 servings, you will need:
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1 (7-ounce) package fideo pasta (or substitute thin vermicelli or angel hair, broken into 1-inch pieces)
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1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best for flavor)
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2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or lard for a richer flavor)
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1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
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4 cups beef or chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little kick)
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
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Lime wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Once cooked, transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside, leaving behind a little fat in the pan for extra flavor.
2. Cook the Potatoes
In the same skillet, add the cubed potatoes and sauté for about 5–7 minutes until they start to soften and develop a light golden color. This helps them hold their shape later when simmering. Remove them from the pan and keep them with the beef.
3. Toast the Fideo
Add the vegetable oil to the skillet. Once hot, toss in the fideo pasta. Stir constantly and cook until the noodles turn a golden brown color. This step is crucial—it gives the pasta a nutty, toasted flavor that defines traditional fideo. Be careful not to burn it; once golden, move quickly to the next step.
4. Build the Base
Add the onion and garlic to the pan with the fideo. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Let the tomato sauce bubble for a minute to deepen its flavor.
5. Simmer Everything Together
Return the browned beef and sautéed potatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the pasta and sauce. Pour in the broth, stirring to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the fideo has absorbed much of the broth.
6. Adjust Seasoning
Taste and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or a pinch more chili powder if you prefer extra heat. The consistency should be slightly brothy but not soupy—perfect for scooping into bowls.
7. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the fideo into bowls and top with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of acidity that balances the richness of the beef and potatoes. For a complete meal, pair it with warm flour tortillas or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Tips and Variations
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Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
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Make it vegetarian: Omit the beef and use vegetable broth, adding extra potatoes or even zucchini for heartiness.
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Cheesy comfort: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or cotija cheese on top before serving for a creamy, savory finish.
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Protein swap: Try ground turkey, chorizo, or shredded chicken instead of beef for a different twist.
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Broth choice: Chicken broth creates a lighter flavor, while beef broth brings richness.
Why This Dish Works
The beauty of fideo lies in its versatility. Toasting the pasta gives the dish its signature depth, while the potatoes add texture and substance. The ground beef brings protein and richness, turning a simple pasta dish into a one-pot wonder that’s filling enough to stand alone. The tomato-based broth ties everything together with a tangy yet savory backbone, and the spices layer on warmth and complexity without overwhelming the palate.
Another reason this recipe is so beloved is that it scales easily. You can double the ingredients to feed a crowd, or make a smaller batch for two. It reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers or meal prep.
Conclusion
Fideo with potatoes and ground beef is more than just comfort food—it’s a taste of tradition and home-cooked love. With its toasted noodles, tender potatoes, and savory broth, it hits all the right notes: hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or as a nostalgic nod to family recipes passed down through generations, this dish is sure to satisfy.
