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.