Here’s a classic Albondigas (Mexican Meatball Soup) recipe—hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor. This soup is famous for its tender beef meatballs, vegetables, and savory broth, perfect for a cozy meal. 🍲

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🥣 ALBONDIGAS (MEXICAN MEATBALL SOUP)

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half pork)

• ½ cup cooked rice

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup onion, finely diced

• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• Optional: ½ teaspoon chili powder

For the Soup

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium carrots, sliced

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced

• 2–3 medium potatoes, diced

• 6 cups chicken or beef broth

• 2 tomatoes, chopped or 1 cup tomato puree

• 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Optional: 1 jalapeño, sliced (for heat)

• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs

1. In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients.

2. Mix gently, then form into 1–1½ inch balls.

3. Set aside on a plate.

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2. Prepare the Soup Base

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.

3. Add carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and tomatoes (or tomato puree).

4. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

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3. Add Broth & Simmer

1. Pour in the broth.

2. Stir in salt, pepper, oregano, and jalapeño if using.

3. Bring to a gentle boil.

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4. Add Meatballs

1. Carefully add meatballs to the simmering soup.

2. Reduce heat to medium-low.

3. Simmer 20–25 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and vegetables are tender.

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5. Serve

• Ladle into bowls.

• Sprinkle with fresh cilantro.

• Serve with warm tortillas or crusty bread.

• Optional: Add lime wedges for a bright touch.

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⭐ Tips

• Rice in meatballs makes them tender and helps them hold together.

• For a smoother broth, blend tomatoes before adding.

• Add hominy or corn for extra heartiness.

• Freeze cooked meatballs without broth to make quick soups later.

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If you want, I can also give you:
🌶️ Spicy albondigas with chipotle
🥕 Vegetable-loaded albondigas for a lighter version
🧄 Slow-cooker albondigas soup for easy weeknight meals

Do you want me to provide one of those variations?