Albondigas Soup
A truly comforting bowl of Mexican meatball soup. This recipe features tender, mint-infused beef meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful broth packed with fresh vegetables. It's a heartwarming and complete meal perfect for any day of the week.
For 6 servings
5 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Meatballs (Albondigas)
- b.In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, about 1/4 of the chopped onion, chopped mint, 2 tablespoons of the chopped cilantro, beaten egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, ground cumin, 0.75 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper.
- c.Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
- d.Lightly wet your hands and roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should have about 24-30 meatballs. Place them on a plate and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Build the Soup Base
- b.Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the remaining chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- d.Add the remaining 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Soup and Cook Meatballs
- b.Pour in the beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Add the diced potatoes, the remaining 0.75 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
- c.Bring the soup to a rolling boil.
- d.Carefully drop the meatballs one by one into the boiling soup. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
- e.Cover the pot and let it simmer for 25 minutes. The meatballs will cook through, and the rice inside them will become tender.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Final Vegetables and Finish
- b.Stir in the diced zucchini. Cover the pot again.
- c.Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes and zucchini are fork-tender but not mushy.
- d.Skim any foam from the surface of the soup if desired for a clearer broth.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- c.Ladle the hot soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has plenty of meatballs and vegetables.
- d.Garnish generously with the remaining fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most tender meatballs, handle the meat mixture as little as possible. Mix only until the ingredients are incorporated.
- 2Wetting your hands with a little water before rolling the meatballs prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- 3Add the zucchini towards the end of cooking to ensure it remains tender-crisp and doesn't become mushy.
- 4For a richer broth, you can lightly brown the meatballs in the pot before making the soup base. Remove them, sauté the vegetables, then return the meatballs to the pot with the broth.
- 5Serve with warm corn tortillas or a crusty bread for dipping into the delicious broth.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Add one or two minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the soup base along with the garlic for a smoky, spicy kick. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
Different MeatDifferent Meat
This soup is also delicious with ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of ground pork and beef for the meatballs.
Extra VegetablesExtra Vegetables
Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, green beans, or peas. Add them along with the zucchini.
Herb VariationHerb Variation
While mint is traditional, you can substitute it with fresh oregano or parsley in the meatballs for a different flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The ground beef provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
This soup is loaded with vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, and zucchini, which supply essential vitamins such as Vitamin A and C, as well as minerals like potassium.
Provides Sustained Energy
The combination of complex carbohydrates from the potatoes and rice provides a steady release of energy, helping to fuel your body throughout the day.
Hydrating and Nourishing
The savory beef broth base not only carries all the delicious flavors but also helps with hydration, while the warm, comforting nature of the soup is nourishing for the body and soul.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of this Albondigas Soup contains approximately 360-400 calories, making it a satisfying and well-balanced meal.