Albondigas Soup (Traditional Mexican Meatball Soup)
Albondigas soup is a deeply comforting, traditional Mexican soup known for its tender meatballs, light yet flavorful broth, and hearty vegetables. It’s the kind of meal that feels nourishing, homemade, and full of warmth — a soup that has been cooked in family kitchens for generations and passed down as a symbol of comfort and care.
Unlike thick or creamy soups, albondigas soup relies on a clear, seasoned broth that allows every ingredient to shine. The meatballs are soft and juicy thanks to the addition of rice, while vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and zucchini make the soup filling without feeling heavy. Finished with fresh cilantro and lime, every bowl is balanced, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying.
What Makes Albondigas Soup Special
What sets traditional albondigas soup apart from other meatball soups is its texture and simplicity. The meatballs are gently simmered directly in the broth, allowing their flavor to infuse the soup while staying tender and moist. Rice inside the meatballs expands as it cooks, creating a light, fluffy interior rather than a dense bite.
This soup is rustic by design. It doesn’t rely on complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Instead, it focuses on slow simmering, simple seasoning, and fresh ingredients — the hallmarks of authentic home cooking.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- Ground beef
- Uncooked white rice
- Egg
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt
- Black pepper
For the Soup
- Olive oil
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Tomatoes, crushed or blended
- Chicken or beef broth
- Potatoes, peeled and chunked
- Carrots, sliced
- Zucchini, sliced
- Ground cumin
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, egg, chopped onion, garlic, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape mixture into medium-sized meatballs and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes and simmer 5 minutes to deepen flavor.
- Pour in broth, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Carefully add meatballs to the pot. Reduce heat to low.
- Simmer 20 minutes, allowing meatballs to cook through.
- Add potatoes and carrots; simmer 10 minutes.
- Add zucchini and cook another 5–10 minutes until tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with fresh cilantro and lime.
Albondigas Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix meatball ingredients and form into balls.
- Sauté onion and garlic in oil.
- Add tomatoes, broth, and seasonings; bring to boil.
- Add meatballs and simmer gently.
- Add vegetables and cook until tender.
Notes
Tender Meatballs Every Time
The rice inside the meatballs is key to achieving the signature texture of mexican meatball soup. As the rice cooks, it absorbs broth and releases starch, making the meatballs tender without falling apart. Avoid overmixing the meat to keep them light and soft.
Tips for the Best Albondigas Soup
Use uncooked rice
Cooked rice will change the texture and cause meatballs to break.
Simmer gently
A rolling boil can cause meatballs to fall apart.
Taste the broth
Seasoning should be adjusted at the end for balance.
Fresh herbs matter
Cilantro adds brightness that defines the soup.
Easy Variations
- Chicken Albondigas: Use ground chicken instead of beef
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeño or serrano pepper
- Vegetable-Heavy: Add green beans or corn
- Tomato-Light: Reduce tomatoes for a clearer broth
What to Serve with Albondigas Soup
This soup pairs well with simple sides that complement its light broth:
- Warm corn tortillas
- Crusty bread
- Mexican rice
- Avocado slices
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months
- Reheat: Simmer gently to avoid breaking meatballs
Cultural Roots of Albondigas Soup
Albondigas soup has roots in Spanish cuisine but became uniquely Mexican through the use of rice, herbs, and local vegetables. Today, it’s a staple in Mexican households, often made as a comforting family meal that nourishes both body and soul.
Final Thoughts
This homemade albondigas soup is a timeless recipe that delivers comfort, flavor, and tradition in every bowl. Light yet hearty, simple yet deeply satisfying, it’s a soup you’ll return to again and again — especially when you want something that feels like it was made with care.
