Roxanne Quinteros Fideo Loco Recipe

Roxanne Quinteros’ Fideo Loco is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together the rich tastes of toasted fideo, ground beef, and savory beans. This recipe, with its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, is a perfect example of hearty, homemade Mexican comfort food.

The addition of potatoes adds an extra layer of texture, making it a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re familiar with Fideo Loco or trying it for the first time, this dish is sure to become a favorite for its depth of flavor and comforting qualities.

Roxanne Quinteros Fideo Loco Recipe

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

1 (5-ounce) bag or box Fideo (I used 7oz)

1 pound ground beef

4 ounces tomato sauce

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 1/2 cups water

1 1/2 cups chicken stock

1 medium potato chopped (I chose to add this)

2 cups pinto beans, freshly cooked or, if canned, drained and rinsed

Instructions:

Step 1:

Heat the oil in a skillet and add the fideo.

Toast the noodles until lightly browned, remove them from the skillet, and reserve.

Step 2:

Add the beef to the skillet and cook, using a spatula to break it into small crumbles, until browned through.

Add the tomato sauce, onion and garlic powders, water and stock to the pan, then stir in the reserved fideo.

I also added in the potato after I put in the water and chicken stock and added more water as needed.

Covering it while it cooks helps them get soft faster.

Bring to a simmer and cook until the noodles are tender.

Stir in the beans, then season with salt and pepper before serving.

Soooo good!

Notes:

Fideo Selection: Fideo is a type of thin pasta similar to vermicelli or angel hair. It typically comes in small, broken pieces. Toasting the fideo before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor, so don’t skip this step!

Ground Beef Substitutes: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. You can also use ground pork for a richer flavor.

Adding Potatoes: The addition of potatoes is optional but highly recommended. They absorb the flavors of the broth and add a heartiness to the dish. Cut them into small cubes to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.

Bean Options: Pinto beans are traditional, but you can also use black beans or even a mix of beans for variety. If you’re using canned beans, be sure to drain and rinse them to remove excess sodium.

Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. If you like it spicier, you can add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños.

Broth Adjustments: Depending on how soupy or thick you like your Fideo Loco, you can adjust the amount of water or chicken stock. If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the liquid slightly.

Serving Suggestions: Fideo Loco is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with warm tortillas, a side of rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage: This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The flavors meld together even more, making it a great option for leftovers.

Vegetarian Option: To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Add extra beans or vegetables like zucchini or carrots for added substance.

Garnishes: Consider garnishing with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.

The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

What is fideo, and can I substitute it with another type of pasta?

Fideo is a type of thin, short pasta commonly used in Mexican cuisine.

If you can’t find fideo, you can substitute it with broken-up vermicelli or thin spaghetti.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the ground beef and increase the amount of beans or add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.

Can I use canned beans instead of freshly cooked beans?

Yes, canned beans work perfectly in this recipe.

Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the dish.

How can I add more heat to this dish?

You can add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce to the recipe for more heat.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

The flavors may even deepen after sitting for a while.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Fideo loco can be frozen, but the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon reheating.

It’s best to freeze the dish in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

How do I keep the fideo from getting too soggy?

To avoid soggy noodles, be sure to toast the fideo well before adding it to the dish and avoid overcooking it.

Also, serve the dish as soon as the fideo is tender.

What side dishes go well with fideo loco?

Fideo loco pairs well with a simple salad, warm tortillas, or a side of avocado slices.

You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese on top.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or diced tomatoes to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.

Just add them when cooking the ground beef or with the potatoes.