Savory Mexican Albondigas Soup
Indulge in a rich and flavorful bowl of Savory Mexican Albondigas Soup, where tender meatballs crafted from lean ground beef are infused with aromatic herbs and spices. This hearty soup features a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, including carrots, bell pepper, and celery, all swimming in a savory broth enhanced with stewed tomatoes and your favorite seasonings. Perfect for cozy family dinners, this dish not only warms the heart but also delights the palate. Pair it with fragrant Spanish rice and warm tortillas for dipping for a comforting meal everyone will love. My daughter affectionately calls it 'Go Diego Go Soup,' making it a fun and tasty family favorite.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lean Ground Beef
1 lb (Raw, for meatballs)
Garlic Cloves
2 (Minced)
Onion
1 (Minced)
Day-Old Bread
1 slice (Crumpled)
Egg
1 (Lightly beaten)
Water
2 tablespoons (To moisten meatball mix)
Hot Water
4 cups (For broth)
Beef Bouillon Cubes
2 (Dissolved in hot water)
Chili Powder
1.5 teaspoons (Spice)
Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (Herb)
Ground Cumin
1.5 teaspoons (Spice)
Carrots
3 (Sliced)
Green Bell Pepper
1 (Chopped)
Celery
2 stalks (Chopped)
Stewed Tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce can) (With liquid)
Potatoes
3-4 (Cubed (optional))
Salt
to taste (To season)
Pepper
to taste (To season)
Louisiana Hot Sauce
to taste (For heat)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, minced garlic, minced onion, crumbled bread, beaten egg, and water. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and shape the mixture into small meatballs.
2
In a large pot, dissolve the beef bouillon cubes in 4 cups of hot water over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3
Once boiling, carefully drop the meatballs into the pot. Allow them to cook for about 5 minutes to begin solidifying.
4
Add the sliced carrots, chopped green bell pepper, chopped celery, stewed tomatoes with their liquid, chili powder, dried oregano, and ground cumin to the pot.
5
If using, add the cubed potatoes. Stir to combine all ingredients.
6
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
7
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as desired with salt, pepper, and Louisiana hot sauce. Serve hot in bowls, accompanied by Spanish rice and warm tortillas for dipping.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Mexican Albondigas Soup?
It is a traditional Mexican soup featuring tender beef meatballs and a medley of fresh vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and celery in a savory tomato-based broth.
What are the main ingredients for the meatballs in this recipe?
The meatballs are made using lean ground beef, minced garlic, minced onion, crumbled day-old bread, a beaten egg, and a small amount of water for moisture.
How do you prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
The combination of egg and crumbled bread acts as a binder, while allowing the meatballs to simmer for 5 minutes before adding other ingredients helps them solidify.
What vegetables are included in Albondigas Soup?
This recipe includes sliced carrots, chopped green bell peppers, chopped celery, stewed tomatoes, and optional cubed potatoes.
Is Albondigas Soup spicy?
The soup features chili powder and can be adjusted with Louisiana hot sauce to your preferred heat level, but it is generally savory and mild.
How long should the soup simmer?
The soup should simmer on low heat for 30 to 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
What are the nutritional values for this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories, 12.5g of protein, and 18.75g of carbohydrates.
Why is this recipe called 'Go Diego Go Soup'?
It is a fun family nickname given to the dish by the creator's daughter, making it a kid-friendly favorite.
What should I serve with Mexican Albondigas Soup?
It is best served hot with a side of fragrant Spanish rice and warm tortillas for dipping.
How do you make the broth for the soup?
The broth is created by dissolving 2 beef bouillon cubes in 4 cups of hot water, enhanced by the juice from stewed tomatoes.
What spices are used in this Albondigas recipe?
The primary spices used are chili powder, dried oregano, and ground cumin, along with salt and pepper to taste.
Can I add potatoes to this soup?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding 3-4 cubed potatoes as an optional ingredient for a heartier meal.
Do I need to brown the meatballs before boiling them?
No, in this recipe, the meatballs are dropped directly into the boiling broth to cook and solidify.
What type of beef is best for the meatballs?
The recipe recommends using one pound of lean ground beef.
Can I use fresh garlic and onions?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 minced onion to be mixed directly into the meatball mixture.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses one 14.5-ounce can of stewed tomatoes, including the liquid.
Is there a specific way to prepare the bread for the meatballs?
You should use one slice of day-old bread and crumble it into small pieces before mixing it with the meat.
How many meatballs does this recipe make?
While the exact number depends on size, the recipe uses 1 lb of beef shaped into 'small' meatballs.
Can I substitute the beef bouillon?
Yes, you could use 4 cups of pre-made beef broth instead of the water and bouillon cubes.
What role does the egg play in the recipe?
The egg acts as a binding agent that holds the meatball ingredients together during the boiling process.
Is this soup considered a hearty meal?
Yes, with the combination of protein-rich meatballs and various vegetables, it is described as a very hearty and filling soup.
How much chili powder is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of chili powder.
How much ground cumin is used?
The recipe requires 1.5 teaspoons of ground cumin.
Is the onion cooked before being added to the meat?
No, the onion is minced and mixed raw into the meatball mixture before cooking in the broth.
Can I use different types of bell peppers?
The recipe specifies green bell pepper, but you could use red or yellow for a sweeter flavor.
How much water is added to the meatball mix?
2 tablespoons of water are added to the meatball mixture to help moisten the bread and meat.
What is the serving temperature?
This soup should be served hot in bowls for the best flavor and comfort.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, like many soups, the flavors often improve the next day after the ingredients have had more time to meld.
How many carrots are used?
The recipe calls for 3 sliced carrots.
What is the preparation for the celery?
The recipe uses 2 stalks of celery that should be chopped before adding to the pot.