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Fideo con Carne y Papas: A Beginner’s Guide to a Comforting Classic

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Looking for a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to make? 🍲🔥 This Fideo con Carne y Papas is a classic dish packed with flavor and heartiness! Tender beef, golden potatoes, and toasted fideo noodles simmer in a rich, savory broth—creating the ultimate cozy meal. Perfect for beginners, this one-pot wonder comes together quickly with simple ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a nostalgic home-cooked dinner, this recipe is sure to bring warmth to the table!

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Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – For toasting the fideo and sautéing the beef.
  • 5-ounce bag fideo pasta – A thin, short-cut noodle that cooks quickly.
  • 10 ounces ground beef – Provides a rich, meaty flavor. Substitute with ground chicken or turkey if preferred.
  • ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a mild spice.
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder – Brings out a deeper onion flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder – A must-have for added aroma and taste.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin – Gives the dish its warm, earthy flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness.
  • ⅓ cup onion, diced – Fresh onions add sweetness and texture.
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube – Adds depth to the broth.
  • 3 cups water – The base for cooking the pasta.
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes – Provides acidity and enhances the broth.
  • 1 large Russet potato, diced – Makes the dish more filling.

Instructions

Step 1: Toast the Fideo

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
  • Add the fideo pasta and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown. This gives the noodles a toasted, nutty flavor that enhances the final dish.
  • Once browned, remove the fideo from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to prevent overcooking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

  • In the same pan, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Use a spoon to break up the meat into small crumbles.
  • Season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir well so the beef absorbs all the flavors.
  • Let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until no pink remains.

Step 3: Add Onions and Potatoes

  • Toss in the diced onions and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step allows the onions to soften and add sweetness to the dish.
  • Add the diced potatoes, canned tomatoes (with juice), water, and the bouillon cube.
  • Stir everything together and let it simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook and absorb the flavors of the broth.

Step 4: Add the Fideo and Simmer

  • Return the toasted fideo noodles to the pan, stirring them into the mixture.
  • If needed, add a little more water to ensure the noodles cook properly.
  • Cover the pan and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the fideo is soft and has absorbed the flavorful broth.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Check for Doneness and Serve

  • Make sure the potatoes are fork-tender and the noodles have absorbed most of the liquid. If the mixture looks too thick, add a splash of water.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

  • How to Tell if the Potatoes Are Cooked: Pierce them with a fork—if it slides in easily, they’re done.
  • What If the Noodles Absorb Too Much Liquid? Add a bit more warm water or broth, a few tablespoons at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Preventing Overcooked Pasta: Since fideo cooks quickly, don’t leave it unattended. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally.
  • Too Salty? Add a splash of water or an extra potato to balance it out.
  • Want More Flavor? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.