Albondigas Soup (Mexican Meatball Soup): A Hearty and Flavorful Mexican Classic

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Albondigas Soup to warm you up on a chilly day or to bring the taste of Mexican cuisine to your dinner table. This Mexican meatball soup is filled with tender, flavorful meatballs made from seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth that’s packed with traditional spices. Known for its heartiness and vibrant flavors, Albondigas Soup is a dish that brings comfort to your soul while delivering bold and aromatic flavors.

Whether you’re serving it as a family dinner, a special gathering, or a comforting dish to enjoy on a cold evening, this Albondigas Soup recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

What is Albondigas Soup?

Albondigas Soup is a traditional Mexican dish featuring meatballs (albondigas), usually made from ground beef, rice, and spices, cooked in a rich broth with a variety of vegetables. The soup is famous for its complex flavors and heartwarming qualities, making it a beloved staple in Mexican homes. Albondigas translates to “meatballs” in Spanish, and when served as a soup, it often includes ingredients like carrots, zucchini, and diced tomatoes, creating a perfect balance of taste and texture.

With its savory meatballs, vibrant veggies, and aromatic spices, Albondigas Soup embodies the essence of Mexican comfort food that’s both nourishing and delicious.

Ingredients for Albondigas Soup

To prepare this vibrant and flavorful soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Soup Base:

• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced zucchini
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Albondigas Soup

1. Prepare the Meatballs

The meatballs are the heart of Albondigas Soup, and they’re easy to make. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, egg, chopped cilantro, diced onions, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly mix the ingredients until they are evenly incorporated. Once everything is mixed, take small portions of the mixture and form them into 1-inch meatballs. You should have about 20-25 meatballs, depending on the size you make them.

2. Simmer the Meatballs

In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring the beef broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the broth is simmering, carefully drop the meatballs into the pot. Be sure not to overcrowd the pot — if necessary, cook the meatballs in batches.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the meatballs simmer for about 10 minutes, or until they are cooked through. The broth should be gently bubbling, which will help cook the meatballs and infuse them with flavor.

3. Add the Vegetables

After the meatballs have simmered for 10 minutes, it’s time to add the vegetables. Stir in the diced tomatoes, carrots, and zucchini into the pot. Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the meatballs are fully cooked.

4. Season the Soup

Once the meatballs and vegetables are tender, stir in the remaining chopped cilantro. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add more cumin or paprika for additional flavor if desired. The goal is to ensure the broth is flavorful and well-balanced.

5. Serve and Garnish

Ladle the Albondigas Soup into individual bowls. Garnish with a handful of fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and color. If desired, you can also serve the soup with warm tortillas or a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth.

Variations of Albondigas Soup

1. Add Extra Vegetables:

Albondigas Soup is versatile and can be customized with various vegetables. Feel free to add potatoes, green beans, or bell peppers to make the soup heartier and packed with even more nutrients.

2. Spice It Up:

For a spicier version of this soup, you can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture. The heat will complement the savory meatballs and vegetables perfectly, adding a zing to the overall flavor.

3. Use Ground Turkey or Chicken:

If you prefer a lighter version of this soup, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. This will reduce the fat content while still providing the same satisfying texture and flavor.

4. Make It Dairy-Free:

This recipe is naturally dairy-free, but if you want to keep it lighter, you can skip the garnishing with cheese. The cilantro already adds a fresh, herby flavor that complements the soup without the need for dairy.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1 cup)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 17g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 18g

Note: Nutrition information may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Why You Should Try Albondigas Soup

Albondigas Soup is not only delicious but also nourishing and satisfying. The meatballs, filled with rice and seasonings, are perfectly complemented by the vegetables and rich broth. Whether you’re craving something hearty on a cold evening or need a meal that can be made in advance for busy weeknights, this soup is an excellent option.

The blend of Mexican spices, vegetables, and tender meatballs creates a dynamic and flavorful soup that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, this dish is perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed for multiple days, making it a convenient and budget-friendly option.

Conclusion

Bring the authentic flavors of Mexico into your home with this satisfying and comforting Albondigas Soup. With its perfectly cooked meatballs, tender vegetables, and aromatic spices, this dish is a true celebration of Mexican cuisine. Serve it as a warming dinner or enjoy it as a cozy lunch.

Buen provecho!