Albondigas Mexican Meatball Soup Recipe

Albondigas, a flavorful Mexican meatball soup, is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. The rich, savory broth filled with tender meatballs and a variety of vegetables creates an incredible balance of flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a special gathering, or simply craving something warm and filling, Albondigas never disappoints. This recipe combines lean ground beef with aromatic herbs and spices, making each meatball a burst of flavor. The soup itself is packed with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and zucchini, making it not only delicious but nutritious. With the perfect blend of cumin, oregano, and mint, Albondigas brings a unique, fresh twist to the traditional Mexican cuisine. If you’re looking to try something new or need a cozy meal for the family, this Mexican meatball soup is the way to go.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Filling

The combination of meatballs and vegetables in this soup makes it a complete meal. It’s satisfying, comforting, and filling, perfect for cooler weather or when you need a substantial meal.

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2. Loaded with Flavor

The meatballs, seasoned with cumin, mint, and cilantro, add a burst of flavor to every bite. The broth is just as flavorful, making each spoonful delightful.

3. Nutritious and Wholesome

Packed with lean ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and zucchini, this soup is full of nutrients that are beneficial for your health. It’s a balanced, nourishing option for any meal.

4. Customizable

You can easily tweak the soup to suit your taste. Add more or fewer vegetables, adjust the seasoning to your preference, or use a different type of broth.

5. Perfect for Leftovers

This soup tastes even better the next day! The flavors have time to meld, and it’s an excellent dish for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Cooked white rice
• Eggs
• Fresh cilantro or parsley
• Fresh mint leaves
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

For the soup:

• Onion
• Beef broth
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Optional chili flakes for spice
• Salt and pepper
• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Zucchini

Variations

1. Turkey Albondigas

Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this soup. The flavor may differ slightly, but it will still be delicious.

2. Vegetarian Albondigas

Use plant-based protein, like lentils or crumbled tofu, instead of meat to make a vegetarian version of Albondigas. You can also skip the meatballs and focus on the hearty vegetable broth.

3. Spicy Albondigas

For a spicier twist, add more chili flakes or jalapeños to the broth or meatball mixture. This will bring extra heat and flavor to the dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the meatball mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, cooked rice, eggs, chopped cilantro, chopped mint, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until fully combined.

Step 2: Form the meatballs

Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Cook the meatballs

In a large pot, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs and cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally until browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.

Step 4: Prepare the soup base

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer.

Step 5: Add vegetables

Add the cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, and zucchini to the pot. Let the vegetables cook for about 10 minutes or until they are just tender.

Step 6: Return the meatballs to the soup

Carefully add the meatballs back into the pot. Simmer for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Serve

Once everything is cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Make Smaller Meatballs

Smaller meatballs will cook more quickly and evenly. You can adjust the size based on your preference, but keep in mind that smaller meatballs are easier to serve and eat.

2. Use Lean Meat

Using lean ground beef ensures that the meatballs aren’t too greasy. You can also opt for lean ground turkey or chicken as a healthier alternative.

3. Add Fresh Herbs

Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to the meatball mixture will give them a vibrant, aromatic flavor.

4. Simmer Slowly

Let the soup simmer for a long period for deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the ingredients blend together.

5. Adjust Seasoning

Always taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and cumin to your liking. This ensures that the soup has the perfect balance of flavors.

How to Serve

Albondigas is best served hot, straight from the pot. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness. Pair it with warm corn tortillas or a side of crusty bread to complete the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Albondigas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freezing

Albondigas can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on low heat on the stovetop. If frozen, allow the soup to thaw before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef in this recipe.

2. Can I make Albondigas spicy?

Absolutely! You can add chili flakes, jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce to make it as spicy as you like.

3. What other vegetables can I add to the soup?

You can add vegetables like corn, green beans, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.

4. Can I use rice that isn’t pre-cooked?

Yes, you can use uncooked rice, but make sure to adjust the cooking time for the rice to cook properly in the soup.

5. How do I make the meatballs more tender?

Adding cooked rice and eggs to the meatball mixture helps to keep them tender and moist.

6. Can I freeze the meatballs before cooking?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag.

7. What type of beef broth should I use?

You can use regular beef broth, or low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the salt content.

8. How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The meatballs should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

9. Can I substitute mint with another herb?

If you don’t like mint, you can substitute it with basil or parsley for a different flavor profile.

10. Can I make Albondigas without potatoes?

Yes, if you prefer, you can leave out the potatoes and add more of the other vegetables like carrots and zucchini.

Conclusion

Albondigas Mexican Meatball Soup is a flavorful and nourishing dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. With its savory broth, aromatic meatballs, and hearty vegetables, it’s sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is not only easy to make but also adaptable to suit your taste preferences, whether you like it mild or spicy. It’s the perfect dish to make ahead, store for later, or share with friends and family. Try this Albondigas recipe today and experience the delicious flavors of Mexican comfort food at its finest!

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