Albondingas Soup
Albondigas Soup offers tender meatballs in a flavorful broth with green peppers and tomatoes, perfect for comforting meals and gatherings with bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons water ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
- 1 large green pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 4 cups beef broth ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, seasoned bread crumbs, minced onion, water, egg, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce.
- Mix well until ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cover the meatballs and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Coarsely chop enough green pepper to yield 1/2 cup.
- Cut the remaining green pepper into thin strips for garnish.
- In a large pot, heat olive or vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add beef broth and canned tomatoes; bring to a boil.
- Gently add the meatballs to the broth and simmer until cooked through, about 20 minutes.
- Add the chopped green pepper and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with green pepper strips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. You can also swap in whole wheat bread crumbs for added fiber. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the Tabasco sauce or add diced jalapeños. Fresh herbs like cilantro can enhance flavor. Be mindful not to overcrowd the pot when adding meatballs to ensure they cook evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with strips of green pepper for a fresh crunch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of Mexican Rice Caliente. For a complete meal, consider serving with a simple green salad or tortilla chips for dipping. This comforting dish is perfect for family gatherings or chilly evenings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Albondigas soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Albondingas Soup contains roughly 708 calories, with 16g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (229% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and potassium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2182mg per serving (95% 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 Albondigas soup ahead of time?
Yes, Albondigas soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often deepen after a day in the fridge. Just prepare the meatballs and soup base, then store separately. When ready to serve, reheat the soup gently and add the meatballs, allowing them to warm through.
What can I use instead of beef broth?
If you don't have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as substitutes. While the flavor will differ slightly, both options will still provide a delicious base for the soup. If using vegetable broth, consider adding a splash of soy sauce for added depth.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the heat level of your Albondigas soup, you can add more Tabasco sauce or include chopped fresh chilies like jalapeños or serranos. Additionally, incorporating crushed red pepper flakes into the broth will elevate the spiciness without overwhelming the dish. Adjust to your preference!
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).