I love how this dish takes humble pantry staples—like noodles, potatoes, and ground beef—and turns them into a full, flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners. It’s quick, affordable, and endlessly comforting. The Knorr chicken bouillon cubes give the broth a rich, home-cooked taste, and the tomato, garlic, and onion bring just the right balance of freshness and depth.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 1 tomato 1 small onion 1–2 garlic cloves 2 Knorr chicken flavor bouillon cubes 1 lb ground beef 1 (7 oz) package of fideo (vermicelli noodles) or broken thin spaghetti 2 tablespoons oil (for toasting fideo) 4 cups water (more as needed) Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Prep the Base Sauce I blend the tomato, onion, and garlic with about 1 cup of water until smooth. I set it aside to pour into the dish later—it becomes the flavorful base of the broth.
Cook the Ground Beef In a large skillet or pot, I brown the ground beef over medium heat. I season it lightly with salt and pepper and cook until it’s fully browned. I drain excess grease if needed and set the meat aside.
Toast the Fideo In the same skillet, I add a little oil and toast the fideo until it’s golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This gives the dish a deeper, nuttier flavor.
Add the Tomato Mixture I pour in the blended tomato mixture and let it simmer for a minute to let the flavors deepen.
Add Potatoes and Water I add the diced potatoes, return the ground beef to the pan, and pour in the rest of the water. I crumble in the Knorr bouillon cubes and stir everything together.
Simmer Until Tender I bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes and noodles are tender. I add more water if needed to keep it brothy.
Season and Serve I taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Once everything is perfectly cooked and flavorful, I serve it hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 to 6 servings and takes about 35–40 minutes total:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
It’s a quick, satisfying meal I can make any night of the week.
Variations
Spicy Version: I add diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
More Veggies: I stir in diced zucchini, corn, or green beans for added nutrition.
No Ground Beef?: I’ve used ground turkey, chorizo, or even lentils for a different protein option.
Richer Broth: A small spoonful of tomato paste adds extra depth to the broth.
Storage and Reheating
Storage I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles will absorb some broth, but the flavor gets even better.
Reheating I reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency if needed.
FAQs
What kind of noodles are used for fideo?
Fideo is a type of short, thin vermicelli noodle. If I can’t find it, I break up thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta into 1-inch pieces.
Do I have to toast the fideo?
Yes, toasting the noodles adds a rich, nutty flavor that gives the dish its signature taste. I don’t skip this step.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. I skip the beef and use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken. I might add more veggies or even canned beans for protein.
What should I serve with this?
It’s a full meal on its own, but I sometimes serve it with warm tortillas, avocado slices, or a simple side salad.
Can I freeze this dish?
I don’t usually freeze it because the noodles can get mushy, but it holds up great in the fridge for a few days.
Conclusion
Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef is a comforting, flavorful dish I always turn to when I want something simple but satisfying. It’s affordable, easy to make, and packed with classic, homemade flavor. Whether I’m feeding my family or just craving something warm and nostalgic, this recipe never lets me down.
This classic Fideo with potatoes and ground beef is full of flavor, comfort, and easy ingredients like tomato, onion, garlic, and Knorr seasoning cubes.
Author:Emma
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4–6 servings
Category:Dinner, One-Pot Meal
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Mexican
Ingredients
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1–2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Knorr chicken flavor bouillon cubes
1 lb ground beef
1 package (7 oz) fideo pasta (or broken vermicelli)
2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola)
3–4 cups water (adjust for desired consistency)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prep the Sauce:
In a blender, combine chopped tomato, onion, garlic, and 1 cup of water. Blend until smooth and set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Season with a bit of salt and pepper. Remove from pan and set aside.
Fry the Fideo:
In the same pan, heat oil and add fideo pasta. Stir and toast until the noodles are golden brown, being careful not to burn.
Add the Sauce:
Pour the blended tomato mixture over the toasted fideo. Stir gently and cook for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors develop.
Add Potatoes and Seasoning:
Add diced potatoes, cooked ground beef, crumbled Knorr chicken cubes, and 2–3 more cups of water (enough to submerge the pasta and potatoes). Bring to a simmer.
Simmer Until Tender:
Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the fideo is cooked through. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed.
Taste and Serve:
Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, optionally with a side of tortillas or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Notes
For a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of chili powder to the tomato blend.
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chorizo.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and taste even better the next day!
