Last Updated on September 6, 2025 by Casia Valdés
When you’re craving something savory, homey, and deeply satisfying, this Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef checks all the boxes. Thin noodles (fideo), tender potatoes, and savory ground beef simmer together with tomato and garlic flavors in a comforting sauce. It’s simple, quick, and perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a meal that hugs you.
The flavor arises from browning the fideo and meat, infusing the broth with rich, toasty depth. The gentle simmer brings potatoes to perfect tenderness and helps those delicate noodles soak up all the flavor. It’s a humble, affordable dish that never feels ordinary—warm, filling, and unpretentiously delicious.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef
-
Easy, one-pot recipe—minimal cleanup, maximum comfort
-
Flavor layered by toasting noodles, sautéing onions, and browning ground beef
-
Potatoes add hearty and earthy texture to each bite
-
Versatile—feel free to add extra spices or veggies to your liking
-
Ready in under an hour for quick, satisfying dinners
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
-
2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
-
1 tomato, diced
-
1 small onion, thinly sliced
-
1–2 garlic cloves, minced
-
2 Knorr chicken-flavor bouillon cubes (or your preferred chicken/base)
-
1 package fideo noodles
-
1 package ground beef (about 1 lb)
-
Oil, for cooking
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Water, for simmering
Instructions
1. Prep Aromatics & Potatoes
Dice the tomato, thin-slice the onion, and mince the garlic. Set aside.
2. Toast the Fideo
In a large sauté pan or pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the fideo and brown evenly, stirring often—this builds great flavor and color.
3. Add Flavor & Liquids
Add the diced tomato, half of the sliced onion, and minced garlic to the browned fideo. Stir briefly. Pour in enough water to cover ingredients and toss in the bouillon cubes.
4. Simmer with Potatoes & Beef
Once the liquid comes to a boil, stir in potatoes. Separately, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then add it to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until potatoes are tender—about 20 minutes or so. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Season & Serve
When potatoes are soft and fideo cooked through, taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately.
Variations & Custom Ideas
-
Mexican-Style Flair: Add a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika for depth.
-
Cheesy Comfort: Stir in shredded cheese like Monterey Jack or queso fresco just before serving.
-
Veggie Boost: Toss in bell peppers, spinach, or peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
-
Brothy: Use extra broth instead of water for a soupier, heartier version.
Cooking Tips
-
Toasting fideo until golden significantly elevates flavor.
-
Sauté onions just until softened to avoid bitterness.
-
Brown the ground beef separately for better texture and to drain off excess fat.
-
If the dish dries during simmering, top up with a little warm water or broth to maintain consistency.
Serving Suggestions
-
Serve with a side of warm tortillas or crusty bread to sop up the sauce.
-
Complement with a light green salad or some pickled jalapeños for freshness.
-
Add a lime wedge for zing or sprinkle chopped cilantro for an aromatic lift.
Final Thoughts
This Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef is unpretentious magic in a pot—quasi-soup, quasi-pasta, and absolutely hearty and satisfying. With simple ingredients that cook quickly, it comes together easily and tastes like comfort should.
Treat it as your flavorful weeknight staple or a nostalgic weekend meal—either way, it warms the belly and fills the kitchen with savory goodness.
Fideo With Potatoes And Ground Beef
Ingredients
Method
- Dice the tomato, thin-slice the onion, and mince the garlic. Set aside.
- In a large sauté pan or pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the fideo and brown evenly, stirring often—this builds great flavor and color.
- Add the diced tomato, half of the sliced onion, and minced garlic to the browned fideo. Stir briefly. Pour in enough water to cover ingredients and toss in the bouillon cubes.
- Once the liquid comes to a boil, stir in potatoes. Separately, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then add it to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until potatoes are tender—about 20 minutes or so. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- When potatoes are soft and fideo cooked through, taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately.
