Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef: A Hearty Mexican Comfort Dish

Looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s full of flavor and easy to make? Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef is a classic Mexican comfort dish that delivers big taste with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving something warm and filling, this dish is a must-try.

In this post, you’ll learn the full recipe, tips for customizing it, and why this meal deserves a regular spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. Be sure to check out more delicious comfort food recipes like Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta and Crinkle Tortilla Casserole on our site!

What Is Fideo?

Fideo refers to thin, vermicelli-like pasta that’s a staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. It’s often toasted before being simmered in broth or sauce, giving it a nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture. When paired with ground beef and potatoes, fideo becomes a hearty, one-pan meal that’s as comforting as it is satisfying.

Looking for more information on fideo? Read this guide on Allrecipes to explore its culinary background.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Done in under 45 minutes.
One-pot meal: Fewer dishes, more convenience.
Budget-friendly: Uses affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Customizable: Add veggies, spice it up, or swap the protein.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just learning the ropes in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable and forgiving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef:

1 tablespoon olive oil
7 oz (about 1/2 package) of fideo pasta (or broken vermicelli noodles)
1 lb ground beef
2 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
3 cups beef or chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

✅ Pro Tip: Use high-quality tomato sauce for a richer flavor. Check out this Allrecipes tomato sauce recipe if you’d like to make your own.

How to Make Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef

Step 1: Toast the Fideo

In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the fideo and stir frequently for 3-5 minutes, or until the pasta is golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Break it apart using a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned—about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Potatoes

Add the diced potatoes to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing them to soak up the flavor from the beef and aromatics.

Step 5: Simmer

Return the toasted fideo to the pan. Add the tomato sauce, broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the pasta is cooked through. Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed to maintain a stew-like consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once cooked, let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve warm with tortillas or crusty bread.

Cooking Tips and Variations

Use Other Proteins

Don’t have ground beef? Try ground turkey, chorizo, or even shredded chicken. They each add a unique twist.

Make It Spicier

Love heat? Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or use spicy tomato sauce.

Veggie Boost

Add diced carrots, peas, bell peppers, or corn for extra color and nutrition.

Make It Vegetarian

Swap out the beef for black beans or lentils and use vegetable broth.

Don’t forget to check out our full list of Mexican-inspired recipes on rangermt.com!

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few classic ways to serve your Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef:

With warm tortillas for scooping
Alongside a crisp salad like this avocado and tomato mix
Topped with cheese like shredded cheddar or queso fresco
With a dash of hot sauce for extra punch

Storing and Reheating

Fideo reheats well and often tastes even better the next day!

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Place in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to loosen it up.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 420
Protein: 23g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 670mg

This dish is hearty and balanced—full of protein, carbs, and just enough spice to wake up your taste buds.

What Our Readers Are Saying

⭐ “This reminded me of my grandmother’s kitchen. So simple and satisfying!” — Angela G.
⭐ “Easy, quick, and my picky kids loved it!” — David P.
⭐ “Fideo was new to me, but now it’s a staple in our house.” — Mariah T.

Have you tried this recipe? We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below or on our Facebook page!

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Final Thoughts

Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef is more than just a quick meal—it’s a warm, comforting dish with deep roots in Mexican home cooking. Affordable, versatile, and family-friendly, it’s perfect for any night of the week.

For more budget-friendly recipes and time-saving meal ideas, explore our entire recipe collection at rangermt.com.