Tasty Fideo con Carne Recipe
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Fideo con carne is a traditional Mexican dish that’s both hearty and comforting. This dish consists of thin vermicelli noodles (fideo) cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce with seasoned ground beef (carne). It’s a one-pot wonder, perfect for a cozy family meal. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make this delightful plate of fideo con carne.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably lean)
- 7 oz (200g) fideo pasta (vermicelli)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for toasting fideo)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup of canned diced tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the tomatoes. If you’re using canned tomatoes, drain them before use. Set everything aside for easy access during cooking. - Toast the Fideo Pasta
In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the fideo pasta. Stir constantly for about 3-5 minutes until the noodles turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn them. This toasting process gives the fideo a nutty flavor and prevents them from becoming mushy while cooking. - Cook the Ground Beef
In a separate pan (or in the same pot after removing the toasted fideo), add the ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon as it browns. This should take about 5-7 minutes. When the beef is no longer pink, drain any excess fat, leaving a little behind to sauté the vegetables. - Add Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onions to the browned beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onions are softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant. - Add Tomatoes and Spices
Stir in the diced tomatoes (or canned tomatoes), tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down slightly and the spices to bloom. - Incorporate the Broth and Tomato Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder based on your preference. - Cook the Fideo
Once the broth is simmering, return the toasted fideo noodles to the pot. Stir everything together to ensure the noodles are well distributed in the liquid. Cover the pot and let the mixture cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - Final Adjustments and Garnish
Once the fideo is fully cooked, remove the pot from heat. If the dish seems too dry, you can add a little more broth to achieve your desired consistency. Taste again for seasoning, adjusting salt, pepper, and spices if necessary. For a touch of brightness, squeeze in a bit of lime juice or serve lime wedges on the side. - Serve the Fideo con Carne
Serve the fideo con carne hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with warm tortillas, avocado slices, or a side of refried beans for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Fideo con Carne
- Customize the spice level: If you like your fideo spicier, add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper when sautéing the onions and garlic. Alternatively, increase the amount of chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use homemade broth: For an extra depth of flavor, use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought. It makes a big difference in the richness of the dish.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, swap the ground beef for meatless crumbles or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the noodles if they’ve absorbed too much liquid in the fridge.
Variations
- Fideo con Pollo: Instead of ground beef, use shredded chicken for a lighter version of the dish. Cook the chicken separately and add it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Fideo Soup: Add extra broth for a more soup-like consistency, turning this into a comforting noodle soup. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese on top.
- Cheesy Fideo: For a cheesy twist, stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese right before serving.
Conclusion
Fideo con carne is a deeply satisfying meal that combines the savory richness of ground beef with the comforting texture of toasted vermicelli. The simplicity of the ingredients and the quick cooking time make it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners. With its robust flavor and versatility, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or add your own twist, fideo con carne is guaranteed to please any crowd.