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Albondigas Mexican Meatball Soup

Albondigas Mexican Meatball Soup

Albondigas Mexican Meatball Soup is a hearty and comforting traditional Mexican dish combining tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth seasoned with authentic spices and herbs. This nutritious, easy-to-make soup is perfect for any occasion, delivering warmth, vibrant flavors, and satisfying textures in every bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef or pork
  • 1/2 cup cooked rice
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Broth and Soup

  • 1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing)
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or puree
  • 6 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef or pork, cooked rice, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, egg, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined to keep the meatballs tender. Shape the mixture into small, uniform meatballs for even cooking.
  2. Make the Broth: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce or puree and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken or beef broth and bring to a simmer to develop rich flavors.
  3. Add Vegetables: Add the chopped carrots, zucchini, and any other desired vegetables to the simmering broth. Allow the vegetables to cook until tender but still slightly crisp.
  4. Cook the Meatballs in the Soup: Carefully drop the prepared meatballs into the simmering broth with vegetables. Cover the pot and let the meatballs cook through for about 20 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the soup.
  5. Final Seasoning and Herbs: Once the meatballs and vegetables are tender, stir in freshly chopped cilantro and sprinkle with dried oregano. Adjust salt and black pepper to taste to enhance the authentic Mexican flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh vegetables and herbs to dramatically improve the soup’s flavor and aroma.
  • Do not overmix the meatballs to avoid tough and dense texture; mix lightly.
  • Form uniform-sized meatballs to ensure even cooking throughout.
  • Simmer the soup gently to prevent meatballs from falling apart.
  • The soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld beautifully.

Nutrition

Keywords: Albondigas, Mexican Meatball Soup, Comfort Food, Hearty Soup, Traditional Mexican Recipe, Gluten Free Soup