Fideo(Mexican Spaghetti)
A flavorful Mexican-style spaghetti dish featuring vermicelli, seasoned ground beef, and a savory tomato and chili sauce, perfect for satisfying family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mash or shred the coil fideo (vermicelli) and set aside.
- Saute the diced onion in 2 tablespoons of salad oil until translucent, then set aside.
- Fry the ground beef until browned, drain excess fat, and set aside.
- Open the cans of tomatoes, Ortega chilies, chicken broth, and tomato sauce, and set aside.
- In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Ortega chilies, salt, oregano, and cumin.
- Add the shredded fideo, sautéed onion, and cooked hamburger to the broth mixture.
- Pour in 1 cup of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until flavors meld and fideo is tender, about 20-25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using beef broth instead of chicken broth. You can substitute fideo with broken spaghetti or angel hair pasta in a pinch, but adjust cooking times accordingly. If you prefer a bit of heat, add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. This dish can also be enhanced with fresh cilantro or lime juice before serving, providing a refreshing twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Fideo with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime for added brightness. It pairs well with sides such as Mexican Crepes or a simple salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with Barbra'S Enchiladas or a bowl of Mexican White Bean Chili for a delightful combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the pot and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the fideo absorbs too much liquid, you may need to add a little more broth or water during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fideo(Mexican Spaghetti) contains roughly 1074 calories, with 40g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (123% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2387mg per serving (104% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Fideo ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Fideo a day in advance. Just follow the cooking instructions, let it cool, then store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop, adding water or broth to loosen the texture if necessary.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Fideo can be frozen, but the texture of the noodles may change upon thawing. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I add to Fideo to make it vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Fideo, replace the hamburger with sautéed mushrooms or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).