Description
Albondigas Soup is a traditional Mexican comfort dish made with tender beef-and-rice meatballs simmered in a rich, tomato-infused broth with vegetables and herbs. This aromatic soup is warming, filling, and perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings — every spoonful delivers homestyle Mexican flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs (Albondigas):
- 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
- ½ cup cooked white rice
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp minced onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Soup Broth:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups beef or chicken broth
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 potato, cubed
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, rice, egg, onion, garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined; overmixing makes the meatballs tough.
- Form small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and set aside.
2. Make the Broth
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, and cumin; cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Add Broth and Simmer
- Pour in beef or chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Carefully drop the meatballs into the pot one by one.
- Reduce to low heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add Vegetables
- Stir in carrots, potatoes, and zucchini.
- Continue simmering for another 15–20 minutes, until vegetables and meatballs are tender.
5. Season and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT35M
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg