Albondigas (Mexican Meatball Soup)

Here’s a classic and comforting recipe for Albondigas (Mexican Meatball Soup) — a hearty soup with flavorful meatballs and vegetables.

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Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or half beef, half pork)

• 1/4 cup uncooked white rice

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the soup:

• 6 cups chicken or beef broth

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

• 2 medium zucchini, diced

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, blended or pureed

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

• Optional: chopped chiles or jalapeños for a bit of heat

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Instructions

1. Make the meatballs:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, rice, chopped onion, garlic, cilantro, egg, salt, and pepper.

2. Mix gently until just combined (over-mixing can make them tough).

3. Shape into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

2. Prepare the soup base:

1. In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.

2. Add the blended tomatoes, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Cook the meatballs:

1. Carefully add meatballs to the simmering soup.

2. Cover and cook 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through and rice is tender.

4. Add vegetables:

• Add carrots, zucchini, and potatoes to the soup. Simmer another 15–20 minutes until vegetables are tender.

5. Serve:

• Ladle soup into bowls.

• Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired.

• Serve with warm tortillas or crusty bread.

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This soup is hearty, comforting, and perfect for cozy meals. The rice inside the meatballs makes them extra filling and tender.

I can also provide a faster weeknight version that uses pre-cooked rice or quick-cook meatballs to cut down on prep time without losing flavor. Do you want me to do that?