Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef
If you’re craving comfort food with bold flavor and a deep connection to Mexican culinary roots, look no further than Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef. This dish is a savory, satisfying, and budget-friendly favorite that brings together toasted pasta, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly seasoned ground meat in a rich, flavorful broth. Whether you grew up eating fideo or are discovering it for the first time, this recipe is a must-try.
📋 Ingredients for Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 2 medium |
| Tomato | 1 large |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves | 1 or 2, minced |
| Knorr Chicken Flavor Cubes | 2 cubes |
| Fideo Pasta (Vermicelli) | 1 package (approx. 7 oz) |
| Ground Beef | 1 package (approx. 1 lb) |
| Water | As needed (4–6 cups) |
| Cooking Oil | 2–3 tablespoons |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by dicing the tomato and thinly slicing the onion. Mince 1 or 2 cloves of garlic, depending on your flavor preference. Peel and cube the potatoes into small, even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Set all of these aside.
In a separate pan, brown the ground beef thoroughly. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and drain any excess fat. This step is crucial to building the foundational flavor of your dish.
Step 2: Toast the Fideo
Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the fideo pasta, and stir constantly to prevent burning. Cook the fideo until it turns a rich golden brown—this brings out a nutty, toasted flavor that forms the heart of the dish.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Tomato
Once the fideo is toasted, add the diced tomato, half of the sliced onion, and the minced garlic directly into the pan. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta with the aromatics and allow them to sauté for 2–3 minutes until the tomato softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Flavorful Broth
Add enough water to cover the pasta and vegetables, typically about 4 to 6 cups. Drop in the 2 Knorr chicken bouillon cubes, and stir until dissolved. These cubes add a deep, savory umami flavor that elevates the broth to another level.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Add Potatoes and Ground Beef
Once the broth is boiling, gently stir in the cubed potatoes and the pre-cooked ground beef. Mix well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors are fully absorbed.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Before serving, taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Depending on your preference, you may also add a sprinkle of ground cumin or smoked paprika for a deeper spice profile.
Serve the fideo hot in a bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice for an added burst of freshness.
