Here is your complete, clean, no wide line recipe profile for Fideo With Potatoes and Ground Beef — including Introduction, Origin, Cultural Significance, Ingredients Quantity, Optional Additions, Tips for Success, Instructions, Description, Nutritional Information, Conclusion, Recommendation, and Embracing Healthful Indulgence.
Fideo With Potatoes and Ground Beef
Introduction
Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef is a hearty, comforting one-pot dish enjoyed in many Mexican and Mexican-American homes. With toasted fideo pasta, seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and a tomato-rich broth, it delivers warmth, nourishment, and nostalgic home-style flavor.
Origin
Fideo (Spanish for “noodle”) originates from Spanish cuisine but became deeply rooted in Mexican cooking centuries ago. The dish evolved as families combined toasted noodles with inexpensive staples like tomatoes, potatoes, and minced meats, creating a practical and filling meal.
Cultural Significance
In many households, fideo is an essential comfort food—simple, economical, and prepared by generations of parents and grandparents. It’s often served on busy weeknights, at family gatherings, or as an easy, flavorful meal for children. Its cultural importance lies in its accessibility and the sense of warmth and togetherness it represents.
Ingredients Quantity
Serves 4–6
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 cups fideo noodles (or broken vermicelli)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14–15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika (optional but recommended)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp oil (for toasting noodles)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Optional Additions
- Diced tomatoes or Rotel for extra flavor
- Jalapeños or serranos for heat
- Frozen peas or corn
- A splash of lime juice before serving
- Shredded cheese on top
- A pinch of oregano or smoked paprika
Tips for Success
- Toast the fideo until golden brown for deeper flavor.
- Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Brown the beef well to build rich flavor.
- Don’t under-season—fideo absorbs spices, so adjust as needed.
- Simmer gently, not at a rapid boil, to keep noodles from breaking apart.
- Add extra broth if you prefer a soupier consistency.
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
- Add the fideo noodles and toast until golden, stirring frequently. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add onion and cook until soft, then add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in potatoes, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the tomato sauce and mix well.
- Return the toasted fideo to the pot.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, or until potatoes and noodles are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.
Description
This dish combines the savory richness of seasoned ground beef, the soft comfort of potatoes, and the nutty flavor of toasted fideo noodles simmered in a tomato-infused broth. It’s thick, cozy, and filling—exactly the kind of food that reminds you of home.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving (6 servings):
- Calories: 380–420
- Protein: 20–23 g
- Carbohydrates: 40–45 g
- Fat: 15–18 g
- Fiber: 3–4 g
- Sodium: varies depending on broth and tomato sauce
Conclusion
Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef is a timeless, economical, and flavor-packed recipe that suits families of all sizes. Its simplicity and comforting taste make it a reliable and beloved go-to meal.
Recommendation
Serve it with warm tortillas, a crisp side salad, or lime wedges. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or cold evenings when you crave something deeply satisfying.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
You can lighten the dish by using lean beef, reducing the oil, or adding extra vegetables—without sacrificing the nostalgic flavors that make fideo so loved. It’s a beautiful example of how comfort food and balanced eating can connect harmoniously.
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