Sopa De Fido
A hearty Mexican-inspired noodle soup with ground beef, vegetables, and melted cheese, offering rich flavors perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp shortening
- 1/2 lb vermicelli noodles, broken in small pieces ⓘ
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp minced garlic ⓘ
- 2 c thinly sliced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 c thinly sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c whole corn ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1 to 3 tsp chili powder
- 1 (No. 2 1/2) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 c water ⓘ
- 8 oz American cheese slices ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat a large skillet to 300°F.
- Melt shortening in the skillet and brown the vermicelli until it turns brown.
- Stir occasionally and add ground beef, cooking until the beef loses its red color.
- Stir in the sliced onions, green pepper, sliced celery, whole corn, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Add the tomatoes and water, then stir to combine.
- Set the temperature to 200°F and simmer the mixture for 35 minutes.
- Cover the top with slices of American cheese and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Additionally, using whole wheat vermicelli can enhance the dish's nutritional value. You can also add other vegetables like diced tomatoes or carrots to boost the flavors, similar to what's found in Fiesta Taco Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Sopa De Fido is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, serve it alongside Luncheon Tostada Salad for added crunch and freshness. You might also enjoy garnishing with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covered with a vented lid, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sopa De Fido contains roughly 563 calories, with 5g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 947mg per serving (41% 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 use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute American cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of the melting properties, as some cheeses may behave differently when melted.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or omit it entirely. Add more vegetables like mushrooms or beans to enhance the texture and protein content.
Can I freeze Sopa De Fido?
Yes, Sopa De Fido can be frozen. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stovetop.
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).