Print

Authentic Mexican Albondigas Soup

Close-up of a steaming white mug filled with rich, red Albondigas soup containing meatballs, rice, carrots, potatoes, and cilantro.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this traditional Mexican meatball soup, Caldo de Albondigas, featuring tender beef meatballs with rice simmered in a flavorful tomato and vegetable broth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/4 cup uncooked white rice
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, 1/4 cup onion, egg, mint, 1 tablespoon cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
  2. Roll the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should have about 18-20 meatballs.
  3. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup onion, garlic, cumin, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Carefully drop the meatballs into the boiling broth one at a time. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
  6. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has meatballs and vegetables. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can lightly brown the meatballs in a separate skillet before adding them to the broth.
  • If you prefer a smoother broth, strain the diced tomatoes before adding them.
  • Mint is a traditional herb in authentic albondigas; do not skip it for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/albondigas-soup-recipe-authentic-mexican/