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Fideo Loco

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A hearty Tex-Mex one-pot meal made with toasted fideo pasta, seasoned ground beef, pinto beans, and spices simmered in a savory tomato broth. Fideo Loco is a comforting, budget-friendly dish packed with bold flavor and perfect for quick family dinners.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup fideo pasta or broken thin spaghetti
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans with liquid
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 roasted green chile, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the fideo pasta and cook while stirring frequently for 3–4 minutes until lightly golden and toasted.
  3. Remove the toasted pasta from the pan and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat for 6–7 minutes, breaking it apart until browned and fully cooked.
  5. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  6. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
  7. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Return the toasted fideo pasta to the pan.
  9. Add the tomato sauce, beef broth, pinto beans with liquid, and chopped roasted chile.
  10. Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  11. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  12. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes until the pasta is tender and the broth slightly thickens.
  13. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  14. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top and add shredded cheese if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Toasting the fideo pasta enhances flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy.
  • If the dish becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
  • Black beans or kidney beans can replace pinto beans.
  • Diced tomatoes can be added for extra texture and flavor.
  • Top with avocado, lime juice, or sour cream for extra richness.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Find it online: https://cooksplash.com/fideo-loco/