Description
A comforting and flavorful Mexican soup featuring tender homemade meatballs simmered in a savory tomato broth with vegetables. This Mexican Meatball Soup, also known as Albondigas Soup, is a hearty family meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- Lime wedges and extra cilantro for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, egg, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and form into small meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add carrots, potatoes, and zucchini to the pot. Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes. Add the bay leaf and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering soup. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-35 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free beef broth and ensure spices are certified gluten-free.
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep the albondigas light and tender.
- Consider swapping beef for ground turkey or pork for a lighter soup.
- To make it spicy, add a minced jalapeño or chipotle chili powder to the meatball mixture.
- For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth.
- Add corn, bell peppers, or green beans for a chunkier vegetable profile.
- Chill meatballs in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before adding to the soup to help them hold their shape.
- Homemade beef broth can provide a richer flavor.
- Fresh cilantro added at the end brightens the flavors.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Mexican, Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 0mg