Albondigas Mexican Meatball Soup Recipe

Introduction

Albondigas Mexican Meatball Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender meatballs, vibrant vegetables, and a savory broth infused with rich, aromatic spices. This traditional Mexican soup is beloved for its balance of flavors, with fresh herbs like cilantro and mint elevating the taste of the meatballs, while the combination of potatoes, carrots, and zucchini provides a satisfying texture. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold day or craving a dish packed with flavor, this soup is the perfect comfort food.

The magic of Albondigas lies in its simplicity. The homemade meatballs, made with ground beef, cooked rice, and fresh herbs, are simmered in a rich beef broth, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The soup is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. It’s also easy to make and can be prepared in just under an hour, making it a wonderful weeknight dinner or a meal for special occasions. This recipe will transport your taste buds to Mexico with its authentic flavors, so let’s dive into how to make this delicious soup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Packed with Flavor: The meatballs are seasoned with cumin, oregano, cilantro, and mint, which infuse every bite with bold, aromatic flavor.
2. Comforting and Hearty: With tender meatballs, vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and zucchini, and a rich broth, this soup is filling enough to be a complete meal.
3. Quick and Easy: Despite its rich, complex flavor, this recipe comes together in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
4. Naturally Gluten-Free: The soup is made without any gluten-containing ingredients, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet.
5. Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the vegetables, spice level, or protein to suit your preferences, making this recipe adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• Ground beef (90% lean)
• Large onion, diced
• Cooked white rice
• Eggs
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (stems removed, chopped)
• Fresh mint leaves, chopped
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil (for sautéing)

For the Soup:

• Large onion, diced
• Minced garlic
• Beef broth
• Canned diced tomatoes (undrained)
• Ground cumin
• Ground paprika
• Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• Salt and pepper
• Potatoes, peeled and cubed
• Carrots, sliced
• Zucchini, sliced

Variations

• Use Ground Turkey: For a leaner version of this soup, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, maintaining the flavor and texture of the meatballs.
• Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as corn, peas, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Version: If you like spice, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped jalapeño to the soup.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, make the meatballs using cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat, and substitute vegetable broth for beef broth.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, cooked rice, eggs, chopped cilantro, chopped mint, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Use your hands to form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs to the pot and brown them on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground cumin, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring to toast the spices for about 1 minute.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the beef broth and add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Add the Vegetables and Meatballs

Add the cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, and zucchini to the pot. Carefully return the browned meatballs to the soup. Let the soup simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the meatballs are cooked through.

Step 6: Finish the Soup

Once the vegetables and meatballs are fully cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more spices if desired.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Cold Rice: Cold, leftover rice works best for the meatballs as it holds its shape better when mixed with the ground beef.
• Don’t Overwork the Meatball Mixture: Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs.
• Keep the Soup Simmering: Allow the soup to simmer gently to ensure the meatballs stay tender and the flavors meld properly.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup gets too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.

How to Serve

Albondigas Mexican Meatball Soup is a full meal on its own, but it can be served with sides like warm tortillas, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for added variety. For extra indulgence, sprinkle some grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top. It also pairs wonderfully with a squeeze of lime or fresh avocado slices for added freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Albondigas soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will deepen over time, making the soup even more flavorful the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and heat it on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much during storage, you can add a bit of water or broth to adjust the consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken for the meatballs?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in the meatballs.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. The flavors will develop even more overnight!

3. What if I don’t have fresh mint for the meatballs?

You can substitute fresh mint with extra cilantro or parsley for a different flavor profile.

4. Can I make this soup spicier?

Yes, you can add more red pepper flakes, chili powder, or fresh jalapeños to increase the heat.

5. Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, vegetable broth is a great substitute for beef broth if you want to make this soup vegetarian or lighter in flavor.

6. Can I skip the rice in the meatballs?

Yes, you can skip the rice, but it helps keep the meatballs tender. You could substitute with breadcrumbs or oats if desired.

7. Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade ones?

While homemade meatballs provide better flavor and texture, you can use frozen meatballs if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to simmer them long enough to cook through.

8. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! You can add bell peppers, corn, or green beans, or even some leafy greens like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking.

9. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can brown the meatballs beforehand, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

10. How can I make the soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can puree some of the vegetables or add more potatoes.

Conclusion

Albondigas Mexican Meatball Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that combines savory meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth for a truly satisfying meal. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, this soup is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your tastes, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Whether served with warm tortillas or a squeeze of lime, this hearty soup will become a family favorite in no time!

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