Hearty Beef and Potato Sopa de Fideo with Cream Cheese Brownie Swirl Delight

Mastering sopa de fideo con carne

Sopa de fideo con carne is a comforting traditional Mexican soup that blends toasted fideo noodles, seasoned ground beef, and fresh vegetables in a rich tomato-based broth. This dish offers a warm, hearty experience perfect for family meals or cozy dinners. The key to mastering this soup lies in toasting the fideo pasta slowly to develop a nutty flavor and combining it with a robust broth mixture enriched with fresh roma tomatoes, onions, garlic, and Mexican oregano. Including red bell peppers, diced russet potatoes, and a whole serrano pepper adds depth and subtle heat without overpowering the soup.

The soup simmers gently until the potatoes soften and the pasta achieves tender perfection, stirring in fresh cilantro toward the end to impart brightness. Sopa de fideo con carne’s flexibility lets you customize protein choices—from ground chuck to turkey or pork—or adapt for plant-based diets by substituting tofu or legumes. Served with warm corn or flour tortillas, this soup is an authentic and nourishing representation of Mexican culinary tradition, with textures and flavors carefully balanced for both comfort and nutrition.

Benefits and Advantages of sopa de fideo con carne

Sopa de fideo con carne stands out as a quick and nourishing meal option, ready in about an hour with simple ingredients. The soup combines high-protein ground meat with fiber-rich vegetables, creating a balanced dish that satisfies hunger while supporting healthy digestion. Its warm, flavorful broth helps soothe the stomach and can aid in recovery during cold weather or illness.

This recipe is highly adaptable, catering to diverse dietary needs including gluten-free and vegan alternatives. Its mild yet layered flavors appeal to various palates, and it offers key vitamins and minerals from fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs that boost immune function. The use of whole, fresh ingredients also means fewer preservatives and additives, making it a wholesome choice. Importantly, portion control becomes easier with soup, reducing overeating while providing a fulfilling meal. Whether for quick weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend cooking, sopa de fideo con carne offers a satisfying, nutritious experience.

Essential Ingredients for sopa de fideo con carne

To prepare traditional sopa de fideo con carne, you will need:

• 200 grams fideo pasta (or vermicelli / broken spaghetti)
• 300 grams ground chuck beef (or plant-based protein for vegan adaptation)
• 2 large roma tomatoes
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 whole serrano pepper (left whole for mild heat)
• 2 medium russet potatoes, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegan)
• 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chicken or tomato bouillon powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Optional garnishes: avocado slices, crumbled queso fresco, Mexican crema

This combination provides a wholesome balance of starch, protein, and vegetables infused with authentic Mexican spices that create the signature taste and aroma of sopa de fideo con carne.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your sopa de fideo con carne

Modifying sopa de fideo con carne to fit dietary preferences or ingredient availabilities is simple with these substitutions:

• Vegan or vegetarian: Replace ground beef with lentils, tofu, or diced mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-free: Substitute fideo pasta with gluten-free alternatives such as rice vermicelli or chickpea pasta to maintain traditional noodle texture.
• Lower-calorie option: Use lean turkey or chicken instead of beef and reduce olive oil quantity when sautéing.
• Nightshade-free: Omit tomatoes and red bell pepper, and instead use roasted red peppers or a blend of carrots and pumpkin purée to maintain color and natural sweetness.
• Heat level adjustments: For mild versions, leave serrano pepper whole or omit; for spicier versions, slice or chop it to distribute heat.

These substitutions keep the integrity of the sopa de fideo con carne while broadening accessibility, allowing everyone to enjoy this classic dish tailored to personal dietary needs.

Learn more about authentic Mexican flavors with our recipe for Nacho Cheese Beef Wrap or get inspired with our Easy Vegetable Beef Soup.

Discover traditional Mexican soups and their ingredients here, and learn how to cook with serrano peppers here. For best results preparing beef, see these cooking tips.

How to Prepare the Perfect sopa de fideo con carne: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant. This forms the flavorful base.

Second Step: Add 200 grams of fideo pasta to the pot, stirring constantly until the noodles turn golden brown. Toasting brings a nutty depth of flavor and prevents sogginess later.

Third Step: Blend 2 large ripe roma tomatoes until smooth and add to the pot. Let the tomato sauce cook briefly, stirring to deepen its flavor and combine with the toasted noodles.

Fourth Step: Pour in 4 cups of beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegan) along with 1 teaspoon ground cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Fifth Step: Add 300 grams of ground chuck beef (or vegan protein substitute) to the pot. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the meat to cook thoroughly and the noodles to soften. Also add 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced russet potato, and one whole serrano pepper for mild heat.

Sixth Step: Adjust seasoning as needed. Optionally add extra vegetables or beans at this stage for heartier soup.

Seventh Step: Remove from heat, discard the whole serrano pepper, and stir in fresh chopped cilantro. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish each serving with sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and a dollop of Mexican crema if desired.

Serve immediately with warm corn or flour tortillas for an authentic, comforting meal that’s packed with rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Mastering sopa de fideo con carne: Advanced Tips and Variations

Take your sopa de fideo con carne to the next level with these thoughtful techniques and variations:

• Toast the fideo pasta gently: Toast over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to achieve a consistent golden color without burning.
• Add smoky heat: Experiment by swapping serrano pepper for smoky chipotle peppers or smoked paprika to introduce deeper flavor nuances.
• Include extra vegetables: Zucchini, carrots, or even corn can be diced and added during simmering for added nutrition and texture.
• Brighten flavors: Finish the soup with a splash of fresh lime juice just before serving to balance richness and lift the overall taste.
• Alternate proteins: Substitute ground chuck for shredded chicken, turkey, tempeh, or seitan to accommodate dietary preferences while keeping the base delicious.
• Slow simmer: For deeper broth flavor, prepare the base broth ahead of time or simmer the soup longer on low heat.
• Use Mexican herbs: Add fresh oregano or epazote for authentic aromatic layers typical of traditional Mexican soups.

These approaches offer creative ways to personalize your sopa de fideo con carne for every occasion.

How to Store sopa de fideo con carne: Best Practices

Proper storage is key to maintaining the soup’s vibrant flavor and appealing texture:

• Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Note that the fideo noodles absorb liquid over time, so add extra warm broth or water when reheating to restore soupy consistency.
• For longer storage, freeze in portioned airtight containers. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant flavor loss.
• When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Avoid multiple reheatings to prevent the pasta from becoming overly soft and the flavors from dulling.

These tips ensure your leftovers are just as comforting and tasty as freshly made sopa de fideo con carne.

Nutritional Value of sopa de fideo con carne

This hearty soup offers a nutritionally balanced and satisfying meal suitable for varied dietary goals, with room for adjustments to enhance specific nutrient profiles.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About sopa de fideo con carne

Hearty Beef and Potato Sopa de Fideo with Cream Cheese Brownie Swirl Delight

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

🥣 Hearty Beef and Potato Sopa de Fideo is a comforting traditional Mexican soup that warms you with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients.
🍅 This recipe blends seasoned ground beef, toasted fideo pasta, vegetables, and a flavorful tomato broth for a satisfying and hearty meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1/2 pound ground chuck beef
1/2 cup fideo pasta (broken vermicelli or broken spaghetti)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 whole serrano pepper (optional, for mild heat)
2 medium russet potatoes, diced
3 Roma tomatoes, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
1 teaspoon chicken or tomato bouillon
Fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons cooking oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional garnishes: avocado slices, crumbled queso fresco, Mexican crema

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat and toast the fideo pasta until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Remove excess fat if needed.
3. Add chopped onion, diced red bell pepper, whole serrano pepper, and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté until vegetables soften.
4. Stir in diced potatoes and chopped tomatoes.
5. Blend chicken broth, bouillon, oregano, and tomatoes separately until smooth, then pour into the pot.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until potatoes and tomato foam soften.
7. Stir in the toasted fideo pasta and chopped cilantro.
8. Simmer an additional 10-15 minutes until pasta is tender.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot, garnished with avocado slices, crumbled queso fresco, and Mexican crema if desired. Warm tortillas on the side.

Notes

🌶️ Leave serrano pepper whole for mild heat or remove for no spice.
🥔 Add extra vegetables or pinto beans for a heartier soup.
🍲 Reheat leftovers with additional broth to keep pasta from absorbing too much liquid.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg