Albondigas Soup
Albondigas Soup is a hearty, flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender meatballs simmered in a savory broth with fresh vegetables. The combination of herbs, seasoned meat, and comforting broth makes it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, offering a delicious blend of savory and herbal notes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 cup long grain rice ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ice water ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz) cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes (undrained), cut up ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 rib celery, diced ⓘ
- 1 large carrot, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium potato, diced ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder with parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, rice, egg, cilantro, seasoned salt, and ice water.
- Mix until well combined and form into small meatballs.
- In a large saucepan, combine chicken broth, chopped tomatoes, chopped onions, diced celery, diced carrot, diced potato, and garlic powder with parsley.
- Bring the broth mixture to a boil.
- Add the meatballs to the boiling broth.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. If you prefer a spicier soup, add some diced jalapeños or chili powder. To enhance the flavor, swap out the chicken broth for homemade broth or stock. If you have leftover rice, you can substitute it for the long grain rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the albondigas soup hot, garnished with additional chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or homemade tortillas. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a side salad or alongside a dish like Chicken Quesadilla for a delightful Mexican-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover albondigas soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Albondigas Soup contains roughly 445 calories, with 12g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value), iron (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 512mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient alternative to fresh ones. Just make sure to add them to the soup while it simmers, allowing enough time for them to cook through. They will save preparation time and can still provide a good texture and flavor to the soup.
What can I substitute for beef in the meatballs?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the beef in the meatballs. Each option will bring a different flavor to the dish. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try using lentils or black beans blended with breadcrumbs and spices to create a meatless version.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
To ensure the meatballs are fully cooked, they should be firm to the touch and have an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can also cut one open to check that it's no longer pink inside. The simmering in the broth will also help ensure they are cooked through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).