When it comes to comfort food that brings families together, few dishes can match the soul-warming appeal of fideo with potatoes and ground beef and tomato. This traditional Mexican pasta dish transforms simple, affordable ingredients into a satisfying meal that speaks to both the heart and the stomach. Unlike its Italian counterparts, fideo represents a unique culinary tradition where thin vermicelli noodles are toasted until golden, then simmered in a rich tomato-based broth with tender potatoes and savory ground beef.
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Why You Should Try This Hearty Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef Recipe
The beauty of fideo with potatoes and ground beef and tomato lies in its incredible versatility and accessibility. This one-pot wonder requires minimal preparation time yet delivers maximum flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend cooking sessions. The combination of textures creates a delightful eating experience – the tender pasta mingles perfectly with creamy potatoes while the seasoned ground beef adds protein and depth to every spoonful.
What makes this fideo with potatoes and ground beef and tomato recipe particularly special is how it embodies the essence of Mexican home cooking. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the toasted fideo noodles provide a nutty base, fresh tomatoes create a vibrant sauce, potatoes add substance and comfort, while the ground beef ensures the dish is hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest appetites.
This recipe is also incredibly budget-friendly, using pantry staples and affordable proteins to create a meal that can easily feed a family of six. The fideo with potatoes and ground beef and tomato combination offers complete nutrition in a single bowl, making it an excellent choice for parents looking to provide wholesome, delicious meals without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen.
Authentic Mexican Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef: A Comforting One-Pot Meal
This traditional fideo with potatoes and ground beef and tomato recipe brings the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine to your table. The dish features golden-toasted vermicelli noodles simmered in a rich tomato broth with tender potatoes and seasoned ground beef. Perfect for family dinners, this hearty one-pot meal combines simple ingredients to create extraordinary comfort food. The fideo with potatoes and ground beef and tomato delivers satisfying textures and bold flavors while remaining budget-friendly and easy to prepare. This beloved recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a memorable dining experience.
Storage Options
Store leftover fideo with potatoes and ground beef and tomato in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in airtight containers. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water as the pasta may absorb liquid during storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Summary
This authentic fideo with potatoes and ground beef and tomato recipe serves 6 people and takes approximately 45 minutes from start to finish. The dish features toasted vermicelli noodles cooked in a flavorful tomato broth with tender potatoes and seasoned ground beef, creating a complete one-pot meal that’s both economical and satisfying.
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Medium saucepan
- Blender or food processor
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine-mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 8 oz fideo noodles (or thin vermicelli pasta, broken into 2-inch pieces)
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 3 medium Roma tomatoes
- ¼ medium white onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Prepare the tomato base: In a medium saucepan, bring water to boil. Add whole tomatoes and blanch for 2 minutes. Remove and place in cold water. Peel skins, then blend tomatoes with onion and garlic until smooth. Strain the mixture to remove seeds.
- Toast the fideo: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add fideo noodles and toast, stirring constantly, for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Remove noodles and set aside.
- Cook the ground beef: In the same pot, add remaining oil if needed. Cook ground beef over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through. Season with cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add potatoes: Add diced potatoes to the pot with the ground beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine ingredients: Add the strained tomato mixture to the pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce darkens slightly. Add the toasted fideo noodles, beef broth, and bay leaf.
- Simmer: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and potatoes are cooked through.
- Final touches: Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
The key to perfect fideo with potatoes and ground beef and tomato is properly toasting the noodles until golden brown, which adds a distinctive nutty flavor. Don’t skip the tomato straining step, as it creates a smoother sauce texture. If the mixture becomes too thick during cooking, add more broth as needed.
Tips for Success
Always toast fideo noodles in dry heat before adding liquid to develop their characteristic flavor. Use Roma tomatoes for the best sauce consistency in your fideo with potatoes and ground beef and tomato recipe. Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking. Monitor liquid levels during simmering and adjust as needed. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Additional Tips and Variations
For a spicier version of fideo with potatoes and ground beef and tomato, add diced jalapeños or a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Add frozen corn or peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra vegetables. For vegetarian version, omit meat and use vegetable broth with additional beans. Garnish with Mexican crema, queso fresco, or avocado slices for extra richness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use regular spaghetti instead of fideo noodles? A: Yes, break thin spaghetti or vermicelli into 2-inch pieces. The toasting process remains the same for authentic fideo with potatoes and ground beef and tomato flavor.
Q: How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy? A: Monitor cooking time carefully and stir gently. The fideo should be tender but still have slight bite when done.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, though the pasta may absorb liquid. When reheating fideo with potatoes and ground beef and tomato, add extra broth to restore proper consistency.
Q: What type of potatoes work best? A: Russet potatoes hold their shape well during cooking, but Yukon Gold potatoes also work excellent in this recipe.
Conclusion
This traditional fideo with potatoes and ground beef and tomato recipe represents the heart of Mexican comfort cooking at its finest. The combination of toasted pasta, tender vegetables, and seasoned meat creates a satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table. Whether you’re exploring Mexican cuisine for the first time or rekindling childhood memories, this authentic fideo with potatoes and ground beef and tomato dish delivers both flavor and nourishment in every bowl. The recipe’s simplicity, combined with its rich taste and budget-friendly ingredients, makes it a valuable addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Try this comforting fideo with potatoes and ground beef and tomato recipe today, and discover why it has remained a beloved staple in Mexican households for generations.