Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef: A Comforting One-Pot Classic
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Few dishes capture the heart of true comfort cooking like Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef. Beloved in many Mexican and Tex-Mex households, this humble one-pot meal transforms simple pantry staples into a warm, savory, deeply satisfying dish. It’s a bowl of pure home-cooked coziness—rich, hearty, and deliciously nostalgic.
Fideo, a thin toasted noodle, is known for soaking up flavor better than most pastas. When simmered with tomatoes, spices, tender potatoes, and seasoned ground beef, it becomes a complete meal that feels like the culinary equivalent of a hug. It’s affordable, filling, kid-friendly, and perfect for busy nights or chilly days.
In this article, you’ll learn what makes this dish so cherished—and exactly how to make Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef in your own kitchen.
Why This Dish Is a Weeknight Favorite
✔ One-Pot Convenience
Everything cooks together, making cleanup effortless.
✔ Budget-Friendly
Fideo, potatoes, and ground beef stretch beautifully and create a hearty meal.
✔ Bold, Familiar Flavor
The broth is savory and tomato-rich, infused with spices that make every bite warm and comforting.
✔ Versatile
Add veggies, spice it up, or customize the broth—this dish adapts easily.
✔ Ready in Under 40 Minutes
It’s quick, simple, and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Base Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 cup fideo (or vermicelli broken into small pieces)
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
½ onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
3–4 cups beef broth or water
1–2 tbsp oil
Seasonings:
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
Optional: a pinch of oregano or crushed red pepper
How to Make Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef
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How to Make Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef
This dish comes together quickly and delivers incredible flavor with just a few steps.
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a deep skillet or pot.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Add salt, pepper, and half the cumin to start layering the flavor.
Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add Onion and Garlic
Stir in diced onion and minced garlic.
Cook until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
This builds a flavorful foundation for the dish.
3. Toast the Fideo
Push the beef mixture to one side of the pan.
Add a little oil to the empty space and pour in the fideo.
Toast the noodles, stirring constantly, until they become golden brown.
This step is essential for authentic flavor and prevents the noodles from getting mushy.
4. Add Potatoes and Tomato Sauce
Stir in the cubed potatoes.
Pour in the tomato sauce and mix to coat everything evenly.
Add remaining seasonings: cumin, chili powder, paprika, and optional oregano.
5. Pour in Broth
Add 3–4 cups of broth or water, enough to cover the noodles and potatoes.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a steady simmer.
6. Simmer Until Tender
Let the mixture cook for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until:
The potatoes are fork-tender
The fideo is soft
The broth has thickened into a savory, stewy sauce
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Rest and Serve
Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
This helps the noodles absorb the last bit of broth and allows flavors to deepen.
Serve warm with:
Warm tortillas
Crusty bread
A squeeze of lime
Chopped cilantro
Grated cheese (optional)
Tips for the Best Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef
✔ Toast the fideo well
This is what gives the dish its signature flavor.
✔ Cut potatoes small
Small cubes cook faster and evenly.
✔ Adjust broth as needed
If the mixture thickens too quickly, simply add more liquid.
✔ Spice it up
Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper for heat.
✔ Add veggies
Peas, corn, or diced carrots blend beautifully into the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef recipe is a timeless comfort dish that’s as flavorful as it is practical. Simple ingredients come together to create a warm, hearty meal that satisfies every craving. Whether you're cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something nostalgic, this dish delivers every time.
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