Ground Beef: Delivers hearty protein punch with rich, meaty flavor perfect for creating tender, juicy meatballs.
Rice: Adds delightful texture and helps bind ingredients while providing subtle, comforting starchiness.
Egg: Acts as natural glue to hold meatball mixture together and ensure smooth, cohesive texture.
For Aromatic Herbs and Seasonings:
Garlic, Cilantro, Mint, Oregano: Infuse vibrant, zesty layers of traditional Mexican flavor complexity with fresh herbal notes.
Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance overall taste profile, bringing out natural ingredient richness.
For Soup Vegetables and Liquid Base:
Onion, Carrot, Celery: Create delicious flavor foundation with sweet and earthy undertones.
Potatoes, Zucchini, Green Beans: Provide hearty vegetable substance, adding nutritional depth and satisfying texture.
Tomato Sauce: Contributes tangy, bright base with beautiful reddish color and rich Mediterranean-inspired essence.
Beef Stock: Develops robust, deep liquid foundation carrying complex savory characteristics throughout soup.
Olive Oil: Supplies silky cooking medium and subtle fruity undertone during vegetable sautéing.
Fresh Cilantro: Offers bright, final garnish with refreshing herbal finish and authentic Mexican accent.
Equipment List for Albondigas Soup
Large bowl: Perfect for mixing meatball ingredients thoroughly.
Scoop or hands: Essential for forming uniform meatballs.
Large stockpot or Dutch oven: Key for sautéing vegetables and cooking soup.
Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables and herbs.
Sharp knife: Crucial for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
Lid: Covers pot while simmering soup to retain heat and moisture.
Cooking Albondigas Soup Step by Step
Mexican Meatball Magic
Meatball Preparation Creating the heart of the soup with flavorful meat mixture. Mix ground beef with rice, herbs, and spices. Shape into tender, round balls. Chill in refrigerator while preparing soup base.
Vegetable Foundation Building layers of rich flavor. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened and fragrant. Let vegetables release their natural sweetness.
Liquid Landscape Transforming simple ingredients into a robust broth. Pour in beef stock, tomato sauce, and add potatoes, zucchini, and green beans. Allow liquid to bubble gently.
Meatball Immersion Nestling meat treasures into simmering soup. Carefully drop chilled meatballs into hot liquid. Cover and let flavors meld together.
Final Touch Elevating the soup with fresh herbs. Sprinkle chopped cilantro, taste and adjust seasoning. Serve steaming hot in deep bowls, inviting comfort and warmth to the table.
Albondigas Soup: Pro Tips & Tweaks
Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a blend of meats for a lighter protein option that maintains the soup's rich flavor profile.
Replace white rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice to create a lower-carb version of the traditional meatballs without sacrificing texture.
Add a dash of chipotle powder or diced jalapeños to the meatball mixture for an extra kick of heat that elevates the soup's traditional taste.
Customize the soup by rotating seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, corn, or bell peppers to keep the recipe exciting and adaptable to what's fresh in your kitchen.
Prepare the meatballs and soup base in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, which allows the flavors to develop and makes weeknight cooking a breeze.
Serving Ideas for Albondigas Soup
Mexican Fiesta Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and crumbled queso fresco on top for an authentic burst of flavor that enhances the soup's traditional taste.
Bread Companion: Serve warm corn tortillas or crusty Mexican bolillo rolls on the side to soak up the delicious broth and add a delightful textural contrast.
Spicy Zest Boost: Add a small bowl of sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat, allowing each person to customize their soup's spice level.
Fresh Finish Touch: Squeeze a wedge of lime just before eating to brighten the soup's rich flavors and add a tangy citrus note that complements the hearty meatballs.
Storage Advice for Albondigas Soup
Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep the soup in an airtight container for 3-4 days, maintaining its rich flavors and tender meatballs. Cool the soup completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.
Freezer Friendly Technique: Separate meatballs and broth when freezing to maintain optimal texture. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring delicious meals are always ready.
Reheating Magic: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef stock to restore moisture and prevent meatballs from becoming tough. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
Meal Prep Champion: Prepare meatballs and chop vegetables in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator. This strategy cuts cooking time and makes weeknight dinner preparation a breeze.
Mexican comfort classic albondigas soup delivers hearty warmth with spiced beef meatballs simmering in rich tomato broth. Savory ingredients blend seamlessly, offering you a delicious journey through traditional Mexican culinary heritage.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
1 medium egg
2 tbsps chopped fresh mint leaves
3 tbsps chopped fresh cilantro (coriander)
1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
¼ cup (50 g) long-grain rice
2 garlic cloves, grated or minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium carrot, diced or sliced
2–3 celery stalks, diced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 ½ cups (250 g) potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
1 medium zucchini, cut into ½-inch cubes
1 cup (150 g) green beans, sliced
2 tbsps fresh oregano, finely chopped
A handful of fresh cilantro (coriander), roughly chopped
2 tbsps olive oil
1 ½ cups (330 ml) tomato sauce (passata)
6 cups (1.5 liters) beef stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Meatball Preparation: Combine ground beef, rice, egg, herbs, and seasonings in a mixing bowl. Gently shape uniform meatballs and refrigerate while preparing the soup base.
Vegetable Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened and aromatic, approximately 8-10 minutes.
Soup Foundation: Add minced garlic and stir briefly. Pour in tomato sauce, beef stock, and remaining herbs, creating a flavorful liquid base.
Meatball Integration: Carefully place chilled meatballs into the simmering liquid, ensuring partial submersion. Introduce potatoes, zucchini, and green beans to the pot.
Simmering Process: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and cover. Allow the soup to simmer for 20 minutes, enabling meatballs to cook thoroughly and vegetables to become tender.
Finishing Touches: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the hearty Mexican meatball soup piping hot in individual bowls.
Notes
Chill Meatballs Before Cooking: Refrigerating the meatballs helps them maintain shape and prevents them from falling apart during simmering.
Vegetable Cutting Consistency: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and balanced texture throughout the soup.
Gentle Simmering is Key: Maintain a low, steady heat to prevent meatballs from becoming tough and to allow flavors to develop gradually.
Fresh Herb Finale: Add cilantro just before serving to preserve its bright flavor and vibrant green color, enhancing the soup’s overall freshness.
Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.
Sophie Martin
Co-Founder & Content Creator
Expertise
Education
Stellenbosch University, South Africa
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.