Description
This Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef is a warm, comforting, and budget-friendly one-pan meal inspired by traditional Mexican home cooking. Toasted fideo pasta simmers in a rich tomato-chicken broth alongside tender potatoes and savory ground beef, creating a deeply flavorful dish the whole family will love. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
- Families who love easy, hearty meals made with simple ingredients.
- Home cooks wanting authentic yet beginner-friendly Mexican comfort food.
- Anyone looking for a budget-friendly dinner with big flavor.
- Meal-preppers and busy parents needing a quick, filling one-pan recipe.
Why It’s Great
✔️ One-pan recipe = minimal dishes
✔️ Toasted fideo gives unbeatable depth of flavor
✔️ Ready in under 40 minutes
✔️ Extremely budget-friendly with pantry staples
✔️ Customizable—add veggies, switch meats, or adjust spice levels
Ingredients
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1 medium onion, half sliced and half reserved
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Knorr Chicken Flavor Cubes (or equivalent bouillon)
- 1 package fideo pasta (about 7 oz)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4–6 cups water, as needed
- 2–3 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large deep skillet or saucepan
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon
- Skillet for browning beef
- Measuring cups
How to Make Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Dice the tomato, thinly slice half of the onion, and mince the garlic. Peel and cube the potatoes into small, even pieces so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Cook the ground beef in a separate skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Step 3: Toast the Fideo
In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the fideo pasta and stir constantly until it turns deep golden brown. This step gives the dish its signature nutty flavor, so watch carefully to avoid burning.
Step 4: Add Tomato, Onion & Garlic
Stir in the diced tomato, sliced onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the tomato begins to soften and the mixture becomes fragrant.
Step 5: Create the Broth
Pour in 4–6 cups of water, enough to fully cover the pasta. Add the chicken bouillon cubes and stir until dissolved. Bring the mixture to a mild boil.
Step 6: Add Potatoes & Beef
Once the broth boils, add the cubed potatoes and the browned ground beef. Stir well, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 7: Season & Serve
Taste the broth and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot in deep bowls and enjoy its rich, comforting flavor.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or water if too thick.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat or microwave in short intervals.
FAQ
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
Add jalapeño, chili flakes, chipotle, or use spicy bouillon.
Q: My fideo absorbed too much liquid—what do I do?
Just add more water or broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely—corn, peas, carrots, or zucchini are great additions.
Conclusion
This Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef is an easy, cozy, and flavorful one-pan meal that brings authentic Mexican comfort straight to your table. With toasted noodles, savory broth, tender potatoes, and perfectly seasoned beef, it’s a dish your whole family will request again and again. Serve it warm, enjoy the rich flavors, and make it a permanent part of your weeknight rotation.
