Go Back
+ servings
Easy Mexican Meatball Soup (Albondigas)
Print Recipe
5 from 8 votes

Mexican Meatball Soup

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Yummy Addiction

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven
  • Ladle
  • Knife Set

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
  • 2 garlic cloves , minced
  • 1/4 cup raw white rice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 egg , beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the soup:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion , chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves , minced
  • 1 carrot , peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 2 stalks celery , cut in chunks
  • 2 potatoes , peeled and chopped into small cubes
  • 3 cups chicken broth (I usually use fat-free and low sodium)
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 14.5 oz. (400g) can diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon died oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 cup chopped zucchini
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • salt and pepper , to taste
  • fresh parsley , for garnish

Instructions

  • Mix all the meatball ingredients together in a large bowl. Using wet hands, shape the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs by rolling it between your hands until it forms a ball. This should make about 35 meatballs, depending on how big you make them. Keep them in the refrigerator until ready to add to the soup.
  • In a large, heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic, chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften. Pour in the chicken broth, water and can of tomatoes. Stir in oregano and cumin. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
  • Add the meatballs to the simmering soup, one at a time. Stir very gently, to avoid breaking apart the meatballs. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for another 10 minutes. Stir in zucchini and cook, until soft, about 10 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.