Albondigas(Meatballs In Soup)
A comforting Mexican-inspired meatball soup with flavorful herbs, tender rice, and a savory tomato broth, perfect for hearty family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the lean hamburger meat, rice, diced onion, diced garlic, diced tomato, egg, chopped fresh oregano, a dash of dried oregano, salt, and pepper to form the meatball mixture.
- Bring water to a boil in a medium stock pot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating chopped fresh oregano or cilantro into the meatball mixture. If you don't have rice, quinoa or breadcrumbs can be great substitutes. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you use a different grain. Additionally, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative to hamburger meat in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the albondigas hot, garnished with fresh mint leaves for a burst of flavor. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. This dish also goes well with rice or tortillas, making it a versatile option for any dinner. For more delicious ideas, check out other Mexican recipes that complement this dish.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water to thin the soup if it has thickened, and gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Albondigas(Meatballs In Soup) contains roughly 480 calories, with 12g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (67% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2270mg per serving (99% 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 make the albondigas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. For longer storage, freeze the raw meatballs and cook them directly from frozen; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I add to the soup for more flavor?
You can enhance the soup with additional vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. Adding a bay leaf while simmering can also deepen the flavor. For a spicy kick, consider including diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
The meatballs are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can also cut one in half to check that it is no longer pink inside. The soup should be simmering gently to ensure the meatballs cook evenly.
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).