Mexican Albondigas Recipe (Meatball Soup)

Authentic Albondigas Recipe. A savory stew stuffed with juicy meatballs, potatoes and carrots in a flavorful broth. The flavors of this traditional Mexican Meatball Soup are incredible and it's a big hearty meal!

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe  
• 🗒️ Ingredients
• ⏲️  Instructions 
• Equipment
• 🙋‍♀️ FAQ's
• 👍 Tips
• Equipment
• Storage
• Serving suggestions
• Related recipes
• More great Mexican food recipes
• Homemade Albondigas Soup Recipe

❤️ Why you'll love this recipe  

There are some delicious soups on the blog, including these Mexican soups! Posole Recipe which is a rich pork and hominy stew, Chicken Posole Verde and Chicken Enchilada Soup. And this recipe for classic Mexican soup is no exception!

Although this is a hearty stew, it has a light broth. The chicken broth is flavored with spices vegetables and flavorful meatballs.

This is the best soup and leftovers are even better the next day! Now, those delicious flavors makes this a family favorite!

🗒️ Ingredients

For the exact measurements for the Mexican soup recipe, please refer to the card at the bottom of this post. 

• ground beef - I use an 80/20% for the meatball mixture. Because these are baked, the fat will cook off and it adds so much in taste! If you'd prefer, use ground turkey or chicken!
• pork sausage - gives richness to the meatballs.
• onion - I like to use mild yellow onion in this soup, though you could substitute with a white or red onion.
• fresh cilantro - serve this with plenty of chopped cilantro on the side.
• salt, ground cumin, ground coriander and fresh garlic - all for earthiness and flavor!
• cooked rice - I used long-grain rice. The rice helps the meatballs hold together.
• chicken broth - though you could use vegetable or beef broth, I recommend chicken, it gives this soup the BEST flavor!
• russet potatoes - nice starchy potatoes, though you can really substitute with any potato - Yukon Gold, red potatoes, etc.
• carrots - add just a touch of sweetness!

Optional toppings include a scoop of white rice, warm corn tortillas, diced white onion, cilantro, tortilla chips and lime wedges.

⏲️  Instructions 

This hearty soup is easy to make and you might even be able to get your kids in the kitchen with you to help make the meatballs and peeling the potatoes and carrots!

1. Preheat the oven.
2. Mix the ground meat and meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Form the meat mixture into small balls (I use a small ice cream scoop). Place on sheet pan lined with parchment paper and bake the rice meatballs.
3. While the meatballs are cooking peel and dice the potatoes, carrots and chop the onion.
4. In a large stockpot, saute the vegetables, seasoning well.
5. Add the chicken stock, increase the heat to high.
6. When the meatballs are done, add them to the soup, simmer until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

Making Mexican Albondigas Soup involves a few steps, but don't let that stop you! Meatball soup isn't hard to make, it's just a little more hands-on than some of my recipes. The reward is the meal because it's SO flavorful and delicious!

Equipment

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• You'll need a good knife to slice and dice the vegetables.
• Wooden spoon - this set is great as it includes a spoon, scraper and slotted spoon.
• This is a great 6 quart stainless steel large pot. It's dishwasher safe and comes in several sizes. 

🙋‍♀️ FAQ's

👍 Tips

• This is a mild, savory soup. If you enjoy hot, spicy food and want an extra kick, add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper or a few dashes of Tobasco sauce, yum!
• Cutting the potatoes and carrots into uniformly sized pieces will ensure they will be done at the same time.
• I do not recommend freezing this soup. As the potatoes thaw they become mealy. Enjoy the soup fresh!

Tips to make delicious homemade meatballs!

• Use a fork to mix the meatball ingredients. This helps keep the meatballs lighter and helps them to not get dense and overworked.
• Make small meatballs, smaller than the size of a golf ball, remember they need to fit on a spoon.
• Using a small ice cream scoop for the meatballs will ensure the meatballs be uniform in size, allowing them to cook in the same amount of time.
• Meatballs aren't snowballs and they don't need to be "packed" together tightly, just press and form them into balls. The goal is tender meatballs. Over-mixing and packing will make them heavy and dense.
• Use wet hands when forming the meatballs, they are less apt to stick to your hands.

I get it, you're busy right? I understand completely. If you just don't have time to make the meatballs, substitute with spicy Italian meatballs. It won't have the same authentic flavor but it will still be delicious and a great meal for dinner tonight!!

Equipment

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• large dutch oven
• ladle

Storage

Refrigerate - store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to three days.

Freezer - Leftovers freeze just ok. The potatoes may get a bit mealy however (freezing changes the texture of potatoes).

Reheat - in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Serving suggestions

• Top the soup with minced white onions, cilantro and crumbled queso fresco.
• Spice up the soup with thinly sliced jalapeño chile.
• If you're looking for more terrific recipes to serve alongside your meal give this Green Chile Chicken Enchilada recipe a try. All the flavor without the fuss of rolling the enchiladas!
• Layered Ground Beef Taco Dip - this is how the party gets started!

Related recipes

Here are more of my favorite soups from the blog!

• My Mom's recipe for easy Taco Soup (which is totally the BEST!!) is made with pantry staples you have on hand. It's simple and delicious!
• Get back to life and outa of the kitchen when you breakout the crockpot and make Chicken Taco Soup! Loads of great flavor and everyone will be begging for seconds!
• Instant Pot Chili - when you're in the mood for warm chili spices and a meal that won't take all day to make, this is the one!
• Love Chicken Soup? Me too! This one has a wonderful chipotle flavor and ONLY takes 30 minutes to make!

More great Mexican food recipes

• This layered Ground Beef Taco Dip is a perfect for parties and movie night.
• Queso Chicken Enchiladas - delicious, cheesy and easy to make this recipe is a crowd pleaser!
• We absolutely love all the freshness in this easy Mexican fruit salad recipe. It's a favorite all year long.
• Mexican Martini Recipe - like a great Martini, except with tequila - delicious!
• Check this out for all the BEST Mexican Party Food Recipes. It's packed with 60+ excellent recipes.

Do you know someone who loves soup? Check out my soup makers gift guide! Or for all my best soup making tips and tricks - Homemade Soup; A Complete Guide!