Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef

Ingredients:

• For the Fideo:
• 8 oz fideo noodles (or thin spaghetti, broken into pieces)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, cubed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) or 2 fresh tomatoes, diced
• 3-4 cups beef or chicken broth (or water)
• 1-2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

• In a pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the cubed potatoes and sauté until they are golden brown and beginning to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the potatoes from the pot and set them aside.

1. Cook the Ground Beef:

• In the same pot, add the remaining oil if needed, then add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the pot, cooking until the beef is browned. Make sure to break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon.

1. Add the Tomatoes:

• Stir in the diced tomatoes (along with their juices) and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

1. Combine and Season:

• Return the sautéed potatoes to the pot. Add the broth (or water), along with the fideo noodles, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

1. Cook the Fideo:

• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the fideo is cooked and the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

1. Adjust Consistency:

• If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.

1. Serve:

• Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Tips:

• Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or corn for more variety.
• You can also top your fideo with cheese before serving or add a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy your delicious Fideo with potatoes and ground beef!