Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly quick meal? Look no further than this fantastic fideo recipe with ground beef! Fideo, also known as thin vermicelli pasta, transforms into a delightful dish when combined with savory ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, impressing your family and friends with minimal effort. It’s a delicious dish that's both satisfying and healthy, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup fideo pasta (thin vermicelli)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for your fideo.
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Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aromas. Then, add the canned diced tomatoes (undrained) and stir well to combine everything.
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Incorporate Pasta and Broth: Add the fideo pasta and beef broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this simple yet delicious homemade cooking creation!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Fideo:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Keep a close eye on the fideo while it simmers to prevent it from becoming mushy. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on your stove and the type of fideo you use.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Add other vegetables: Get creative with your vegetables! You can add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or corn to this recipe.
Variations:
- Chicken Fideo: Replace the ground beef with cooked shredded chicken for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Fideo: Omit the meat entirely and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or black beans for a hearty vegetarian meal.
- Spicy Fideo: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
This easy fideo recipe with ground beef is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly delicious and satisfying meal. It's a perfect example of best recipes that are both quick and healthy, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. Enjoy!