Albondigas Soup with Meatballs and Vegetables Recipe
This hearty Albondigas Soup features tender beef and rice meatballs simmered in a flavorful broth loaded with fresh vegetables and spices. The soup combines aromatic cumin, chili powder, and fire-roasted tomatoes for a comforting Mexican-inspired dish perfect for any season. Topped with fresh cilantro, avocado, lime, and cheese, it makes a satisfying and nutritious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs:
- 1 pound 80% ground beef
- ¼ cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 large egg, whisked
- ½ Tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2–3 Tablespoons chopped cilantro, optional
Soup:
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 small russet potatoes (about 1½ cups), cubed
- 32 ounces chicken or beef broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon chili powder, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro, plus more to taste
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Cilantro
- Avocados
- Tomatoes
- Lime juice
- Cheese
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine 1 pound ground beef, ¼ cup uncooked rice, 1 whisked egg, ½ Tablespoon minced garlic, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 2-3 Tablespoons chopped cilantro (if using). Handle the mixture lightly to avoid overmixing which can make the meatballs tough.
- Form and Bake Meatballs: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the mixture and roll into about 30 mini meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges start to brown. They do not need to be fully cooked as they will finish cooking in the soup.
- Sauté Vegetables: While meatballs are baking, heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ½ cup chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 1 cup carrots and 1 cup celery and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until tender. Add ½ Tablespoon minced garlic in the last minute, stirring to combine.
- Add Soup Ingredients and Simmer: To the pot, add 2 small cubed potatoes, 32 ounces chicken or beef broth, 1 (14-ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, and ¼ cup chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to medium-low and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook Meatballs in Soup: Carefully add the partially baked meatballs into the simmering soup one by one, being cautious not to add any excess grease from the baking sheet. Continue to simmer the soup with meatballs for an additional 10 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or additional chili powder as desired. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve topped with optional fresh cilantro, avocado slices, tomatoes, a squeeze of lime juice, cheese, or sour cream for added flavor.
Notes
- Variations: Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Customize the vegetables by adding green beans, corn, peas, cabbage, or zucchini based on what is in season or your preference. Adjust chili powder or cumin to increase the spice level.
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Once cooled, transfer soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.
Keywords: Albondigas Soup, Mexican meatball soup, beef meatballs, rice meatballs, comforting soup, fire roasted tomato soup, easy soup recipe