Albondigas Soup - Traditional Mexican Meatball Soup Recipe
Albondigas Soup, also known as Mexican Meatball Soup, is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. Made with tender beef and rice meatballs simmered in a rich, tomato-based broth, this soup is packed with vegetables and warm spices. It's a satisfying dish that brings together bold Mexican flavors, making it ideal for family dinners or a cozy meal on a cool day.
Ingredients
-
For the Meatballs (Albondigas)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
-
For the Soup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 zucchini, sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Directions
Make the Meatballs (Albondigas). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, rice, egg, onion, garlic, cilantro, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set them aside.
Prepare the Soup Base. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Simmer the Broth. Add the beef or chicken broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, zucchini, and potatoes to the pot. Stir in the cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Cook the Meatballs. Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering soup one by one. Let the soup simmer for about 30-35 minutes until the vegetables are tender, and the meatballs are fully cooked.
Serve. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Recipe tips
Add more vegetables like green beans or corn to make the soup even heartier. For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili powder or paprika for a mild kick. Make sure to use fresh cilantro and lime for garnishing, as they enhance the authentic Mexican flavor. If you prefer a thicker soup, slightly mash some of the potatoes while cooking to thicken the broth.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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