Mexican Fideo with Ground Beef and Potatoes

### Instructions for Making Mexican Fideo with Ground Beef and Potatoes

#### Step 1: Sauté the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Season the beef with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside. Drain any excess fat from the pan, leaving just a little behind to cook the vegetables.

#### Step 2: Cook the Potatoes and Onion
In the same skillet, add the diced potatoes and cook over medium heat until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Add the chopped onion and garlic and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

#### Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste
Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well to coat the potatoes and onions. Cook the mixture for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to release their juices and the tomato paste to thicken the sauce slightly.

#### Step 4: Add the Fideo Noodles
Add the fideo noodles to the pan with the tomato mixture. Stir the noodles to coat them in the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, letting them lightly toast and become golden. This step adds a nutty flavor to the dish and gives the noodles a more robust texture.

#### Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer
Once the noodles are toasted, return the cooked ground beef to the pan. Pour in the beef broth (or water with bouillon cubes) and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cover the pan. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender, the potatoes are cooked through, and the sauce has thickened.

#### Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. Once everything is cooked to your desired consistency, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of freshness.

### Why You’ll Love Mexican Fideo with Ground Beef and Potatoes

– **Comforting and hearty**: The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and fideo noodles makes this dish incredibly filling, providing a satisfying meal that can easily feed a family.
– **Rich in flavor**: The savory beef, smoky paprika, and sweet tomatoes meld together beautifully, making every bite flavorful and comforting.
– **Easy to make**: This dish comes together quickly, making it a great option for busy weeknights when you need something simple yet satisfying.
– **Customizable**: You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more chili powder or spicing it up with fresh jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also swap the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
– **One-pan meal**: The beauty of this dish is that it’s all made in one pan, meaning fewer dishes to clean and less fuss in the kitchen.

### Variations of Mexican Fideo with Ground Beef and Potatoes

While the classic version of this dish is delicious as is, there are several ways you can customize it to suit your taste:

– **Vegetarian Option**: For a meatless version, replace the ground beef with extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also add beans for added protein.
– **Add More Veggies**: Stir in some peas, carrots, or corn to increase the vegetable content and add extra color to the dish.
– **Spicy Twist**: If you like a bit of heat, add some chopped fresh chilies or a couple of dashes of hot sauce during the cooking process.
– **Cheese**: Once the dish is cooked, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and let it melt for a cheesy variation. Cotija or cheddar cheese would be particularly delicious.

### How to Serve Mexican Fideo with Ground Beef and Potatoes

Mexican Fideo with Ground Beef and Potatoes is a meal on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides for a more substantial meal. Here are a few suggestions:

– **Serve with a side of refried beans** for a true Mexican feast.
– **Pair with a simple green salad** with a tangy lime dressing to balance the rich, savory flavors of the fideo.
– **Add some crispy tortilla chips** on the side to give the meal a crunchy contrast.
– **Top with a dollop of sour cream** for added creaminess.

### Conclusion

Mexican Fideo with Ground Beef and Potatoes is the epitome of comfort food—a filling, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings the heartwarming tastes of Mexican home cooking to your table. With its tender fideo noodles, savory ground beef, and soft potatoes, this meal is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any time you’re craving a hearty dish that’s packed with flavor. Try this recipe today and enjoy the comforting warmth of a Mexican classic that everyone will love!