Sopa Seca

Sopa Seca is one of our family’s new found favorites.  I have been making it a little over a year now and we love it.  It is not only delicious but surprisingly budget friendly and easy to make 

Sopa Seca 

1 pkg. fideo pasta- 7 oz. (yes, it really is enough)

1 lb. ground beef, turkey or pork

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, crushed

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. chili powder

½ tsp. black pepper

1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 to 2 chipotle peppers, finely chopped (optional)

1 c. grated cheddar cheese

Sour cream or Mexican Crema 

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Meanwhile brown meat with onions and garlic.  Drain any excess fat.  Add spices, tomatoes and peppers.  Fill tomato can with water and add to meat mixture.  Bring to a bubble, turn off heat and add drained pasta.  Stir completely and pour into 2 quart casserole.  Top with cheese and “bake” in microwave for 5 minutes.  Serve with sour cream.

Our store sells fideo for 28¢ a package!  Don’t let that little package fool you either because it definitely makes enough to serve four hungry adults.  The kids may find this too spicy so you can omit the chipotle peppers.  I really like them and I used to divide this recipe into two casseroles and add the peppers to half the mixture so my kids could have the milder dish.  Now they like the spicy version so I just make it in one casserole now. 

Give this one a try.  You won’t be disappointed.