Easy Mexican Meatball Soup (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the meatballs
01 -
1 pound lean ground beef
02 -
1/4 cup uncooked long-grain rice
03 -
1 medium egg
04 -
2 garlic cloves, freshly minced
05 -
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
06 -
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
07 -
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
08 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
09 -
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ For the soup
10 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
11 -
1 medium onion, diced
12 -
1 medium carrot, diced
13 -
2-3 celery stalks, diced
14 -
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
15 -
1 1/2 cups potatoes, cut into bite-sized cubes
16 -
1 medium zucchini, cubed
17 -
1 cup green beans, sliced
18 -
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
19 -
2 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped
20 -
6 cups beef stock
21 -
A handful fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
22 -
Salt and pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Mix the ground beef, rice, egg, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, mint, oregano, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Form into small, bite-sized meatballs using a scoop, and place them on a tray. Pop them in the fridge while you start the soup.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, then cook for about 8-10 minutes until everything softens and becomes fragrant.
03 -
Toss in the chopped garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
04 -
Add the potato cubes, zucchini chunks, sliced green beans, tomato sauce, oregano, and beef broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
05 -
Reduce to a simmer and carefully drop the chilled meatballs into the hot soup. Cover with a lid and let everything cook together for about 20 minutes on medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
06 -
Stir in the fresh cilantro, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve while still hot and steaming.
# Notes:
01 -
Albondigas soup is a traditional Mexican comfort food that combines hearty meatballs with a nourishing vegetable broth.
02 -
The addition of rice to the meatballs helps keep them tender and adds texture to the soup.
03 -
This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop.