Albondigas Soup Recipe

Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a heartwarming, flavorful, and totally satisfying meal, this Albondigas Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with juicy meatballs, hearty veggies, and a zesty broth, it’s perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or when you want to wow your friends with authentic Mexican comfort food. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Albondigas Soup Recipe

• Rich and savory broth delivers ultimate comfort in every bite.
• Easy to make ahead and perfect for meal prepping.
• Packed with protein, veggies, and flavor for a balanced meal.
• Customizable—make it spicy or mild to fit your taste.
• Family-friendly and ideal for gatherings or potlucks.

Albondigas Soup Recipe Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (plus 1 cup for soup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (plus 2 cloves for soup)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (divided)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 large zucchini, chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 large russet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 bay leaf
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

How to Make Albondigas Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, egg, 1/4 cup onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, oregano, cumin, 1 tsp salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix gently by hand until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Roll mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Start the Soup Base

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add 1 cup onion, 2 cloves garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until veggies are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, potato, bay leaf, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Add Meatballs and Simmer

1. Reduce heat to low and carefully drop meatballs into the simmering soup.
2. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
3. Add zucchini and continue simmering, covered, for another 10 minutes or until rice is cooked and meatballs are tender.

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

1. Stir in remaining cilantro and lime juice.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt if needed. Remove bay leaf.
3. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with extra cilantro leaves.

Notes for the Best Albondigas Soup Recipe

• Use lean beef for flavorful but not greasy meatballs. Read more about authentic albondigas here.
• For extra tenderness, don’t overwork the meatball mixture.
• Want a spicier kick? Add a diced jalapeño when sautéing veggies.

Albondigas Soup Recipe Variations

• Turkey Albondigas Soup: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Albondigas Soup: Use plant-based meatballs and vegetable broth.
• Spicy Albondigas Soup: Add chipotle peppers in adobo for smoky heat.

Required Equipment for Albondigas Soup Recipe

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Storage Instructions for Albondigas Soup Recipe

• Allow soup to cool completely before storing.
• Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Albondigas Soup Recipe

• Serve with warm corn tortillas or crusty bread.
• Top with avocado slices and a sprinkle of queso fresco.
• Add a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Albondigas Soup Recipe

• Chop veggies evenly so they cook at the same rate. Learn more about proper chopping techniques.
• Add lime juice at the end for a fresh, zingy finish.
• Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving for deeper flavors.

Albondigas Soup Recipe FAQ

Can I make Albondigas Soup Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the soup up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.

What type of rice is best for Albondigas Soup Recipe?

Uncooked white rice works best as it absorbs flavors and cooks perfectly in the meatballs.

Can I freeze Albondigas Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Freeze cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

For more information on the health benefits of this dish, check out this guide to healthy Mexican cuisine.

★★★★★ 4.10 from 65 ratings

Albondigas Soup Recipe

yield: 6 servings

prep: 25 mins

cook: 40 mins

total: 50 mins

A comforting Mexican meatball soup featuring tender beef and rice meatballs simmered in a flavorful tomato broth with fresh vegetables.

🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

1. 1
   In a large bowl, combine ground beef, rice, egg, garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. 2
   Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Set aside.
3. 3
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
4. 4
   Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, zucchini, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. 5
   Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering soup. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and rice is tender.
6. 6
   Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 320 caloriescal

Protein: 22gg

Fat: 14gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 26gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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