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Grandma's Albondigas Soup

Handed down for generations, there's nothing better than Great Grandma's famous albondigas (Mexican meatball) soup!

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 273 kcal
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mexican

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
    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large bowl, 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.
  2. 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 over medium heat with 1-2 tablespoons olive oil for a few minutes. Set aside.
Soup
  1. 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.
  2. Bring to a boil, and reduce heat to a mild simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. 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.
  4. Salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy warm topped with some fresh parsley (if desired).

Notes

  • Recipe tips.
  • Store. Let cool, and store in an airtight container(s) in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or place in a freeze bag and freeze for up to 3 months. 
  • To reheat, let thaw in the fridge overnight and return to the stove. Cook until heated through. You can microwave it as well.
  • Use 80/20 ground beef for the most flavorful meatballs. You could use frozen or pre-made meatballs.
  • Traditional albondigas soup has fresh mint in the meatballs, feel free to add instead of cilantro.
  • To keep the meatballs from falling apart be sure to brown them in skillet first.
  • Cut all the vegetables about the same size so they cook evenly.

Nutrition Information

Calories 273kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 11g (4%) Protein 18g (36%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Cholesterol 80mg (27%) Sodium 317mg (13%) Potassium 549mg (16%) Fiber 1g (4%) Vitamin A 1100IU (22%) Vitamin C 5.5mg (6%) Calcium 46mg (5%) Iron 3.5mg (19%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 273

% Daily Value*

Calories 273kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 11g 4%
Protein 18g 36%
Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 80mg 27%
Sodium 317mg 13%
Potassium 549mg 12%
Fiber 1g 4%
Vitamin A 1100IU 22%
Vitamin C 5.5mg 6%
Calcium 46mg 5%
Iron 3.5mg 19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.