Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sopa de Albondigas, a traditional Mexican meatball soup, is hearty, flavorful, and comforting. Made with tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato-based broth along with vibrant vegetables, this soup is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights. The blend of spices and fresh herbs makes every spoonful warm and satisfying.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefground porkuncooked riceeggsgarlic cloveswhite onioncilantrocarrotspotatoeszucchinicelerytomatoessaltpeppercuminoreganochickenground corianderbeef broth or chicken broothojuelas de chile (optional for spice)

directions

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, uncooked rice, minced garlic, chopped onion, chopped cilantro, beaten eggs, salt, pepper, cumin, and ground coriander.

Mix gently until combined and form into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

In a large pot, heat a bit of oil and sauté chopped onions, garlic, and tomatoes until soft.

Add beef broth or chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.

Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering broth.

After 10 minutes, add diced carrots, potatoes, celery, and zucchini.

Season the broth with oregano, salt, pepper, and optional hojuelas de chile.

Simmer everything together for about 25-30 minutes, until vegetables are tender and meatballs are cooked through.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 6-8 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 40 minutesTotal time: 1 hour

Variations

Swap beef and pork for ground turkey for a lighter version.

Add green beans or corn for extra veggies.

Use cooked rice inside the meatballs for a softer texture.

Serve with a squeeze of lime and fresh chopped cilantro for a brighter flavor.

storage/reheating

Store Sopa de Albondigas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl.For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

What type of rice should I use?

Uncooked white rice is traditionally used, but brown rice can be substituted for a nuttier flavor.

Is this soup spicy?

It’s typically mild, but you can adjust the heat by adding hojuelas de chile or fresh jalapeños.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, use plant-based meat substitutes and vegetable broth instead of meat and beef broth.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture and make sure the broth is gently simmering, not boiling vigorously, when adding the meatballs.

Can I use pre-cooked meatballs?

It’s best to use raw meatballs so they cook and flavor the broth directly.

What is the best way to serve Sopa de Albondigas?

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and warm tortillas or crusty bread.

Conclusion

Sopa de Albondigas is a comforting, wholesome soup that’s filled with tender meatballs and vibrant vegetables, making it a perfect dish for any day of the week. Whether shared with family or enjoyed as a meal-prep favorite, this classic Mexican recipe will bring warmth and satisfaction to your table.