How to Make Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef

This dish comes together quickly and delivers incredible flavor with just a few steps.

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a deep skillet or pot.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Add salt, pepper, and half the cumin to start layering the flavor.

Drain excess grease if needed.

2. Add Onion and Garlic

Stir in diced onion and minced garlic.
Cook until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.

This builds a flavorful foundation for the dish.

3. Toast the Fideo

Push the beef mixture to one side of the pan.
Add a little oil to the empty space and pour in the fideo.

Toast the noodles, stirring constantly, until they become golden brown.
This step is essential for authentic flavor and prevents the noodles from getting mushy.

4. Add Potatoes and Tomato Sauce

Stir in the cubed potatoes.

Pour in the tomato sauce and mix to coat everything evenly.

Add remaining seasonings: cumin, chili powder, paprika, and optional oregano.

5. Pour in Broth

Add 3–4 cups of broth or water, enough to cover the noodles and potatoes.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a steady simmer.

6. Simmer Until Tender

Let the mixture cook for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until:

The potatoes are fork-tender
The fideo is soft
The broth has thickened into a savory, stewy sauce

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

7. Rest and Serve

Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
This helps the noodles absorb the last bit of broth and allows flavors to deepen.

Serve warm with:

Warm tortillas
Crusty bread
A squeeze of lime
Chopped cilantro
Grated cheese (optional)

Tips for the Best Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef

✔ Toast the fideo well

This is what gives the dish its signature flavor.

✔ Cut potatoes small

Small cubes cook faster and evenly.

✔ Adjust broth as needed

If the mixture thickens too quickly, simply add more liquid.

✔ Spice it up

Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper for heat.

✔ Add veggies

Peas, corn, or diced carrots blend beautifully into the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef recipe is a timeless comfort dish that’s as flavorful as it is practical. Simple ingredients come together to create a warm, hearty meal that satisfies every craving. Whether you're cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something nostalgic, this dish delivers every time.