Hearty Albondigas Soup

Craving a taste of Mexico? This albondigas soup recipe is pure comfort! Juicy meatballs & vibrant veggies in a flavourful tomato broth. Get the secret to perfect meatballs here!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave a hug in a bowl? this albondigas soup recipe is exactly that. it's warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor.

Honestly, it is one of my favorite soups . the slight zest from mint makes these mexican meatballs out of this world.

Brief Overview

Mexican meatball soup albondigas comes from humble roots. passed down generations, it’s a hearty and wholesome dish that brings people together.

This recipe is of medium difficulty. it needs about 1 hour 45 minutes, makes 6 servings. enough for your whole family!

Main Benefits

This mexican albondigas soup is packed with nutrients. loaded with veggies and lean protein, it's good for you, and for your wallet!.

Serve it for a cozy weeknight dinner. or a mexican soup to impress your friends. what makes it special? the perfectly seasoned meatballs!

What is the Best Albondigas Soup Recipe?

Listen, finding the best albondigas soup recipe is a journey, not a destination. but this one? this one is pretty darn close.

I’ve tweaked it over the years. so it's now my go-to mexican meatball soup . like the ones from carlsbad cravings , i am a firm believer that every ingredient serves a purpose, creating a tomato broth that’s both light and intensely flavorful.

Flavor Explosion: Meatball Soup with a Mexican Twist!

Okay, let's talk about these meatballs. forget boring, bland spheres of ground beef. these are little flavor bombs! we're talking ground beef, cooked rice (yeah, rice!), chopped mint, onion, egg, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Seriously , don't skip the mint. it's a game changer! the addition of mint elevates the whole meatball soup and makes it undeniably mexican .

Now, the chilling part: you can skip chilling the meatballs. but, trust me, chilling them for 30 minutes helps them hold their shape.

So, they don’t fall apart in the soup, which is super annoying.

Ingredient spotlight

Here is the ingredient spotlight, we will be going through these ingredients and why we use them in our recipe.

Ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavour). we need some flavor in the soup, and that fat content will make it delicious.

Cooked rice (long-grain or medium-grain). acts like a great binder that doesn't change the flavour too much fresh mint leaves.

Now that's the bomb! the flavor that pops and explodes in your mouth.

So, are you ready to get cooking?

Alright, let's talk albondigas soup recipe ! seriously, is there anything more comforting? it's like a warm hug in a bowl.

You know? so, let's dive into what you need to make this happen.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Real

Before we even think about the stovetop, let’s get our ducks in a row. This Mexican Meatball Soup Albondigas is totally worth the effort, trust me.

Main Ingredients

Okay, first things first: the good stuff.

• Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g) . Look for 80/20 blend. It's got that good flavor.
• Cooked Rice: 1/2 cup (60g) . Day-old rice is honestly best here!
• Fresh Mint: 1/4 cup (20g) , chopped super fine.
• Onion: 1/4 cup (20g) , also finely chopped.
• Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
• Ground Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon .
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon .
• Black Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon .

Then, for the actual Mexican Meatball Soup part:

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon .
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped. (About 1 cup/120g )
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Chicken Broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters) . Low sodium is your friend here.
• Diced Tomatoes: One 14.5 ounce/410g can, undrained.
• Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and chopped. (About 1 cup/120g )
• Zucchini: 2 medium, chopped. (About 1 cup/120g )
• Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced. (About 1.5 cups/200g )
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon . Yes, more oregano!
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Bomb

Oregano and cumin are seriously key here. that's your foundation. for some extra oomph , a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes in the meatballs? don’t tell anyone i told you.

No lime? no mexican soup .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Big Mixing Bowl: For those Mexican Meatballs .
• Big Pot or Dutch Oven: This is where the magic happens.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Obvi.

Okay, so ready to make this mexican albondigas ? it will sure be one of your new favorite soups from carlsbad cravings ! this tomato broth meatball soup is amazing.

Now, let's get cooking!

Okay, here we go! let's dive into how to make a killer albondigas soup recipe ! seriously, this is one of my favorite soups .

It's like a hug in a bowl, and honestly, who doesn't need that? it’s my go-to when i’m craving some serious comfort food.

Hearty Albondigas: The Secret to Amazing Mexican Meatball Soup Albondigas

Making awesome mexican meatballs is all about the prep. good mise en place is key . first, get all your veggies chopped.

That's onion, garlic, carrots, zucchini, and potatoes. next, mix up those meatballs. remember: gentle mixing. seriously, don't overdo it!

From Prep to Plate: Cooking Your Mexican Albondigas Soup

Okay, here's the step-by-step:

1. Combine 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup cooked rice, 1/4 cup chopped mint, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper into meatballs.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté 1 cup chopped onion ( 5 minutes). Then add 2 cloves garlic (1 minute).
3. Pour in 6 cups chicken broth, 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add 1 cup chopped carrots, 1 cup chopped zucchini, and 1 1/2 cups diced potatoes. Cook for 15 minutes , until tender.
5. Gently drop meatballs into simmering soup. Cook for 15- 20 minutes until done. Meatballs internal temp: 165° F ( 74° C) .

Pro Tips for Restaurant-Worthy Mexican Meatball Soup

• Don't overmix the meatballs! This is crucial . Overmixing makes them tough.
• Taste as you go. Salt and pepper are your friends, but lime juice brightens everything.
• Chopped cilantro and lime wedges really elevate the flavour of the Mexican Soup . Seriously, don't skip them.

Seriously, this albondigas soup recipe will blow your mind. i found a similar recipe on the bbc good food but tweaked it to my liking.

Some people may tell you to try carlsbad cravings , but that is for you to test. it's the perfect bowl of meatball soup .

The tomato broth is so flavorful. it's one of my personal favorite soups . i think this mexican albondigas and mexican meatball soup it's a recipe that you will love to cook.

Alright, let's talk about this amazing albondigas soup recipe ! We've covered the basics. Now, for those extra tips that make it truly special. Think of this section as my personal notes.

Recipe Notes: The Secret Sauce

It’s those little extra things that turn good into great , you know? like that time i accidentally added too much cilantro and it was the best mistake ever.

So, let’s dive in!

Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!

Okay, so you've made this beautiful Mexican Meatball Soup Albondigas . Now how do you make it look as good as it tastes?

First, think about the bowl. a nice, deep bowl shows off all the delicious ingredients. garnish is crucial! a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro is a must, not only does it add freshness.

But it's also visually appealing. don’t forget those lime wedges! they add a burst of acidity that really makes the flavours pop.

You can totally pair this mexican albondigas with some warm tortillas or crusty bread for dipping. a dollop of sour cream? oh my gosh, yes! for drinks, a light mexican beer (think corona) works wonders.

Or even just a refreshing agua fresca. trust me !

Storage Tips: Keepin’ it Fresh

Let’s say you have leftovers, lucky you. This Mexican Meatball Soup tastes amazing the next day.

For refrigeration, store it in an airtight container. it’ll be good for up to 3-4 days. when you're reheating, you can microwave it (easy peasy).

Or gently heat it on the stovetop for even better results.

Freezing is also an option. just let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. it'll last for up to 2-3 months.

When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

Variations: Make it Your Own!

This is where you can get creative! Want a Mexican Soup that’s a bit healthier? Use ground turkey instead of beef for the meatballs. It works great!.

Going low-carb? Swap out the potatoes for cauliflower. I once used butternut squash in the fall. It was a game-changer!

Want to make it vegan? Swap the meat for a plant-based alternative. And make sure you use vegetable broth.

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food

Okay, let’s be real. This Meatball Soup is comfort food . But, it also has some good stuff in it. The vegetables provide fiber and vitamins. The broth is hydrating.

Each serving has about 350 calories, 25 grams of protein, 18 grams of fat and 25 grams of carbs. Of course, this is just an estimate, but you get the idea.

Carlsbad Cravings , you will love this Mexican Meatballs dish and will make you fall in love with Favorite Soups .

Bottom line? making this albondigas soup recipe is totally worth it. it's packed with flavour, it’s comforting, and it’s a fun way to bring a taste of mexico to your table.

So grab your apron, and let's get cooking! you got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to stop my albondigas from falling apart in the soup?

Nobody wants meatball mush! The key is to avoid overmixing the meatball mixture – think of it like making a delicate Victoria sponge, gentle is best. Chilling the meatballs for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the simmering soup helps them hold their shape beautifully. Also, make sure your soup is simmering gently, not boiling vigorously, which can break them apart.

Can I make this albondigas soup recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Albondigas soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal. The flavours actually deepen and meld together even more beautifully overnight, a bit like a good beef stew. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, like giving your favourite jumper a warm hug.

What can I substitute if I don't have all the vegetables listed in this albondigas soup recipe?

No worries if your vegetable drawer is looking a bit bare! You can easily adapt this recipe. Green beans, corn, or even peas would work well. Just use roughly the same amount of your chosen substitute as the original vegetable. It’s a bit like "Ready, Steady, Cook" but with Mexican flavours!

Is albondigas soup healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

Albondigas soup can be a relatively healthy and balanced meal, packed with protein from the meatballs and vitamins from the vegetables. To keep it on the healthier side, use lean ground beef, low-sodium chicken broth, and don't go too heavy on the salt. Remember, a little goes a long way – like adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to a Sunday roast!

Can I freeze leftover albondigas soup?

Yes, albondigas soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Be aware that the potatoes might become a little softer after thawing, but the flavour will still be fantastic. It's a great way to have a comforting bowl of Mexican sunshine on hand for a rainy day, just like having a stash of emergency biscuits!

I want a bit of a kick! How can I make this albondigas soup recipe spicier?

Spice is the spice of life, right? You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a subtle heat, or finely chop a jalapeño pepper and add it to the soup while it's simmering. A swirl of your favourite hot sauce just before serving also works wonders. Just remember, you can always add more spice, but you can't take it away, so start small and taste as you go, like choosing the perfect chilli strength for your curry night!

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