🍜 Fideo con Papa y Carne Molida (Fideo with Potatoes & Ground Beef)
A comforting Mexican noodle soup with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and toasted vermicelli in a rich tomato broth—simple, hearty, and full of flavor!
🥘 Ingredients
For the Base:
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8 oz fideo (vermicelli noodles) – *or thin spaghetti broken into 2-inch pieces*
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
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1 large potato, diced into small cubes
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Tomato Broth:
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (or 3 fresh Roma tomatoes, blended)
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4 cups beef or chicken broth *(or water + 2 bouillon cubes)*
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1 tsp cumin
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1 tsp Mexican oregano
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1 bay leaf
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Salt & pepper to taste
To Garnish/Serve:
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Fresh cilantro, chopped
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Lime wedges
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Diced avocado (optional)
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Queso fresco or Cotija cheese (optional)
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Warm corn tortillas
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Toast the Fideo
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Heat oil in a deep pot or cazuela over medium heat.
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Add fideo noodles and toast, stirring constantly, until golden brown (3-4 mins). Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Meat & Veggies
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In the same pot, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Add onion & garlic, sauté until soft (2 mins).
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Stir in potatoes, diced tomatoes, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Simmer the Soup
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Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat to low, add toasted fideo, and simmer 10-12 mins until noodles and potatoes are tender.
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Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning.
4️⃣ Serve Hot!
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Ladle into bowls and top with cilantro, lime juice, avocado, and cheese.
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Serve with warm tortillas for dipping.
💡 Tips & Variations
✔ Extra veggies? Add diced carrots or zucchini.
✔ Spicier? Toss in a chopped jalapeño or chipotle pepper.
✔ Thicker consistency? Let it sit 5 mins before serving—it will absorb more broth.
🌟 Why You’ll Love It
✅ One-pot wonder—easy to make, easier to clean!
✅ Kid-friendly—mild but flavorful.
✅ Budget-friendly—uses pantry staples.
Perfect for: Weeknight dinners, lonches (Mexican lunches), or when you need a quick, filling meal!
Want a seafood twist? Swap beef for shrimp and use fish broth! 🍤