Hearty Albondigas Soup with Fresh Vegetables Recipe

Introduction

Albondigas Soup is a comforting Mexican meatball soup that combines tender beef meatballs with hearty vegetables and flavorful broth. It’s a simple, warming dish perfect for any day when you crave something nourishing and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup rice
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 6 cups beef broth
• Fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, egg, half of the chopped onion, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well until fully incorporated.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large pot, bring the beef broth to a simmer. Add the remaining chopped onion, carrots, and potatoes. Cook until the vegetables start to soften, about 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering broth. Cook for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the rice is tender.
5. Step 5: Stir in chopped fresh mint leaves if using, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use jasmine or long-grain rice for a fluffier texture inside the meatballs.
• Add chopped cilantro in place of mint for a different fresh herb flavor.
• Include diced zucchini or green beans for extra vegetables.
• For spicier soup, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or chopped jalapeño to the meat mixture.

Storage

Store leftover Albondigas Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid boiling to keep the meatballs tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor will be milder, so consider adding extra seasoning or herbs to enhance taste.

Is it necessary to cook the rice inside the meatballs?

Cooking the rice inside the meatballs helps bind them and adds texture. You can partially cook the rice before mixing if preferred, but uncooked rice will soften as the meatballs cook in the broth.

Hearty Albondigas Soup with Fresh Vegetables Recipe

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Albondigas Soup is a comforting Mexican meatball soup featuring tender ground beef meatballs mixed with rice and egg, simmered in a flavorful beef broth with fresh vegetables like carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic, and finished with a hint of mint for brightness.

• Author: Yana
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/4 cup white rice, uncooked
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin (optional)

For the Soup

• 6 cups beef broth
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 small onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin if using. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small, golf ball-sized meatballs, ensuring they are compact so they hold together while cooking.
3. Prepare the Soup Base: In a large pot, bring the beef broth to a gentle boil. Add the diced carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Cook the Meatballs: Carefully add the formed meatballs to the simmering broth and vegetables. Cover the pot and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the rice inside is tender.
5. Finish the Soup: Stir in the chopped fresh mint and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Let the soup simmer for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy warm, garnished with extra mint or fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

• Use uncooked rice in the meatballs as it cooks while simmering in the broth, giving a delicious texture.
• Fresh mint adds a bright, fresh note but can be substituted with fresh cilantro if preferred.
• For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeño or a pinch of chili powder to the meatball mixture.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
• Make sure meatballs are not too large so they cook evenly in the soup.

Keywords: Albondigas Soup, Mexican meatball soup, beef soup with rice, comfort soup, traditional Mexican recipe