Fideo con Carne + VIDEO

Name: Fideo con Carne
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 3 tbsp olive oil ((divided)); 1 7oz fideo (package); 1 lb ground beef; 1 1/2 tspn salt; 1/4 tspn pepper; 1 large russet potato (peeled and diced); 1/4 onion (diced); 1 garlic clove (finely minced); 1 diced jalapeno ((optional)); 1/2 tspn oregano; 2 cups tomato sauce; 4 cups water; 2 tbsp beef bouillon

Published: Jan 16, 2020 · Updated: Nov 9, 2022 by Maggie Unzueta

Fideo con Carne is a tasty Mexican beef stew with noodles and potatoes that's full of flavor and deeply satisfying. It's the most tasty of comfort foods.

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When I think comfort food, this dish often comes to mind. Fideo con Carne is made up of vermecilli noodles, ground beef, and potatoes all swimming in a savory tomato sauce.

It’s a winning combination for anyone’s tastebuds.

Don’t forget to watch the instructional video on how to make this recipe.

Toast the fideo in oil until golden brown. About 2-3 minutes.
Next, remove the toasted fideo from the pot and set aside until ready to use.

Is Vermicelli the same as fideo? Yes.

Vermicelli is a type of pasta. It is used in some of Mexico’s most beloved dishes like Sopa de Fideo and Fideo Seco.

In all of these recipes, the fideo is toasted lightly in oil. This helps develop the flavors in this dish.

If you can’t find it at the store, you can always buy fideo online.

We love our pasta dishes in Mexico! Also see: Espagueti a la Crema and Espagueti Verde.

Add oil and ground beef. Cook until brown. About 4-5 minutes.
Add potatoes, oregano, garlic, and onion to the pot.
Add jalapeno, if using.

The jalapeno is completely optional. It will only provide flavor in this dish, not necessarily spice.

To make this dish spicy, add more jalapeno or add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo. Another spicy option, serve with Chile de Arbol Salsa or Chipotle Salsa.

What part of the cow is ground beef?
Ground beef is ground round steak. It is lean and tender.
80/20 ground beef is recommended for this recipe. That means, 80% lean beef to 20% fat.

Stir to combine.
Cook this for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

How to thicken this ground beef stew?
The starch in the potatoes will help thicken the sauce.

Don’t worry about the potatoes not being fully cooked either. They will cook completely after the liquid gets added.

Great Idea! For a complete meal, add vegetables like calabacitas, broccoli, green beans, carrots, and peas.

Fideo con Carne is a hearty, Mexican beef stew similar to Birria de Res, Caldillo Durangueño, Frijoles Charros

Next, add the oregano, tomato sauce, water, and beef bouillon.
Cook for 10 minutes.

Swap out options:

Use beef broth instead of water and bouillon.
Instead of the tomato sauce, use water and tomato bouillon.

How to make Homemade Tomato Sauce: 2 tomatoes, 1 cup water, ¼ onion, 1 garlic clove, ½ teaspoon salt. Blend until smooth.

Can you use chicken broth with beef stew?
Beef broth is ideal, but if you don’t have it, you can use chicken broth in a pinch. It’s also much better to use chicken broth over water.

Return the toasted fideo to the pot.
Cook 8-10 minutes. The sauce will thicken up.

For a thicker sauce, cook 10 minutes.
For a thinner sauce, cook 7-8 minutes.

If you are left with leftovers, the Fideo con Carne will get thick.

Word to the Wise: Make sure the potatoes are done before serving. Poke the potatoes with a fork. If the fork goes through the potato, they are ready.

Please note: Some people in different areas of Mexico call this dish “Carne con Fideo.”
It means the exact same thing.

How to Reheat Fideo con Carne: add more broth or more tomato sauce. Mix and heat on stove or 2-3 minutes in the microwave.

How Long Does Fideo con Carne Last?
It lasts up to 4 days in the fridge. Fideo loses its texture in the freezer. That’s why freezing this Mexican recipe is not recommended.

Fideo con Carne is a satisfying and tasty stew. Top with sour cream, cheese, avocado slices, and/or pickled jalapenos. Hope you enjoy!

Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

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Maggie Unzueta

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Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

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