Sopa De Fideo
A hearty Mexican-inspired noodle soup with savory beef, vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting meals and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. shortening ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. vermicelli, broken into small pieces ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 c. sliced onions ⓘ
- 2 c. sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 (No. 2 1/2) can tomatoes
- 1 1/2 c. vacuum-packed whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 8 oz. pkg. American cheese slices ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat an electric skillet to 300°F.
- Melt the shortening in the skillet.
- Saute the broken vermicelli until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
- Add ground beef and cook, stirring until the meat loses its red color.
- Stir in the sliced onions, celery, green pepper, garlic, salt, pepper, chili powder, tomatoes, and corn.
- Add water and stir gently to combine.
- Simmer until the flavors meld and the vegetables are tender.
- Place American cheese slices on top and allow to melt before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce. If you don't have vermicelli, broken spaghetti works as a substitute. You can also use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef for a lighter option. For extra heat, incorporate diced jalapeños into the sauté.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sopa De Fideo with warm tortillas or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream on top adds a refreshing touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Spicy Chili for a hearty dinner option or can be enjoyed alongside your favorite Mexican recipes.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the soup has thickened. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sopa De Fideo contains roughly 778 calories, with 20g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2395mg 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 Sopa De Fideo ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Sopa De Fideo ahead of time. It's best to cook the soup and store it in the refrigerator. Just be aware that the vermicelli may absorb some broth as it sits. You can add a little extra water when reheating to achieve your desired consistency.
What can I use instead of American cheese?
If you want a different cheese, try using Monterey Jack or Cheddar for a sharper flavor. For a creamier texture, Velveeta can also be a great substitute. Just ensure to adjust the melting time based on the cheese type you choose.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative like lentils or crumbled tofu. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of water for added depth of flavor. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian version of Sopa De Fideo without sacrificing taste.
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).