Fideo con Papas y Carne Molida (Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef) is a comforting Mexican dish, often made as a quick, hearty meal. It combines fideo (Mexican vermicelli noodles) with potatoes, ground beef, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Here’s a simple recipe to prepare this delicious dish:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey if you prefer)
- 1 cup fideo noodles (or broken vermicelli)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, blended or 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce (optional, for added depth)
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder or paprika (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the ground beef:
- In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add onions and garlic:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Sauté the fideo noodles:
- Add the fideo noodles to the skillet with the beef and onions. Stir them around in the oil for 2-3 minutes until they are lightly toasted and golden brown. This step helps to deepen the flavor of the noodles.
- Add tomatoes and spices:
- Stir in the blended tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes) along with the tomato sauce, ground cumin, oregano, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Let it cook for a couple of minutes so the flavors can meld together.
- Add potatoes and broth:
- Add the diced potatoes to the skillet, then pour in the beef or chicken broth (or water). Stir to combine and make sure the potatoes are submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer and cook:
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the liquid has absorbed. Stir occasionally, and if the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a little more broth or water as needed.
- Taste and adjust:
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. If you want a thicker sauce, let it cook uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Serve:
- Once the potatoes are tender and the fideo noodles are cooked, serve the dish hot. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips:
- Variations: You can add carrots, peas, or bell peppers to make it even heartier. Some versions also include a touch of Worcestershire sauce or a bit of cheese on top for extra richness.
- Spice level: If you like things spicy, you can add jalapeño or other hot peppers when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and use vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or a mix of your favorite veggies to make a vegetarian version.
This dish is perfect served with a side of warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Enjoy!