Mexican Meatball Soup
Mexican Meatball Soup combines savory meatballs with fresh vegetables and a flavorful tomato broth, delivering a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Its vibrant flavors and easy preparation make it a versatile choice for those craving a warm, satisfying meal with a hint of Mexican flair.
Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. lemon pepper ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz.) cans beef broth ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Mash 1 clove of garlic and combine with ground beef, beaten egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, rice, chili powder, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
- Dice the remaining garlic and cook in a 2-quart pan with oil along with chopped onion until tender.
- Add remaining salt, water, beef broth, chopped celery, and lemon pepper to the pan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and drop in the meatballs.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add stewed tomatoes and remaining parsley, then simmer for another 30 to 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like cumin or oregano into the meatball mixture. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey can be substituted for hamburger. You can also use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier alternative. To save time, use pre-made meatballs or cook them in the oven before adding to the soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley or a squeeze of lime for brightness. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Easy Mexican Casserole(Can Be Made Ahead Of Time) for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Mexican Meatball Soup can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Meatball Soup contains roughly 1477 calories, with 41g protein, 243g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (82% of the Daily Value), iron (76% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day ahead of time and refrigerate them until you're ready to cook the soup. This can help the flavors meld together, making for a tastier dish. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the soup.
What can I use instead of beef broth?
If you want a lighter flavor, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as substitutes for beef broth. This keeps the soup flavorful while accommodating different dietary preferences. Just keep in mind that the overall taste may vary slightly.
Is there a way to make this soup spicier?
Absolutely! To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the broth. You could also incorporate cayenne pepper or a spicier chili powder into the meatball mixture for an extra kick.
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).