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5 from 346 votes

Albondigas

Albondigas is a delicious Mexican soup filled with meatballs, vegetables, and spices! It's easy, flavorful, and sure to be a favorite. 
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 6
Author: Lil' Luna

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ cup cooked rice, optional
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Soup

  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • ½ carrot, sliced
  • 1 celery stalk, cut into chunks
  • 1 (16-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 potato, diced
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Meatballs

  • Combine 1 pound ground beef, 1 beaten egg, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ½ cup cooked rice.
  • Form 20-24 tight meatballs by rolling between your palms (we made ours about 1½ inches wide). Brown on all sides in a hot pan with 1-2 tablespoons olive oil for a few minutes. Set aside.

Soup

  • In a large pot, combine 4 cups chicken broth, ½ carrot sliced, 1 chopped celery stalk, 1 (16-ounce) can diced tomatoes, ½ teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, and ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves.
  • Bring to a boil, and reduce heat to a mild simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Drop meatballs and 1 diced potato in the soup and slightly boil so that the meatballs cook quickly. Return to simmer and cook another 20 minutes.
  • Salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy warm topped with some fresh parsley (if desired).

Video

Notes

STORE. Let cool, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
FREEZE in containers or double bagged in freezer bags.
To reheat, let thaw in the fridge overnight and return to the stove. Cook until heated through. You can microwave it as well.

Nutrition

Calories: 273kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 317mg | Potassium: 549mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 1100IU | Vitamin C: 5.5mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 3.5mg