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What Is a Traditional Mexican Meatball Soup?
Cozy, steamy, and full of love — meet the soup that hugs you back.
Picture a cool day. You hold a warm bowl. You smell tomatoes, herbs, and soft meatballs. One spoon and your shoulders drop. Yep, this is comfort. And it’s fast, friendly, and very “home.”
The short answer
Traditional Mexican meatball soup, called sopa de albóndigas, is a light tomato broth with tender meatballs made from beef or pork mixed with rice and herbs, plus veggies like carrots, potatoes, and zucchini. It is warm, simple, and loved in many Mexican homes.
Why families love it
- It is cozy and gentle, not too spicy.
- It has veggies, protein, and broth in one bowl.
- It stretches to feed a crowd.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
What goes in
- Ground meat: beef, pork, or a mix
- Rice: uncooked, to keep meatballs soft
- Egg: helps hold the meatballs
- Herbs: cilantro, and many families add fresh mint
- Broth: chicken or beef
- Tomato: fresh or canned, for the red broth
- Veggies: carrots, potatoes, zucchini, sometimes green beans
- Onion and garlic: for flavor
- Spices: a little cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper
- To finish: lime juice and more cilantro
How to make it (simple)
- Mix the meat with rice, egg, salt, pepper, cilantro, and a pinch of cumin. Roll small balls.
- In a pot, cook onion and garlic. Add tomato and broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add carrots and potatoes. Simmer a few minutes.
- Carefully drop in the meatballs. Simmer gently until cooked through and rice is tender.
- Stir in zucchini near the end so it stays firm.
- Finish with lime juice and cilantro. Taste and adjust salt.
Make it your way
- Milder: skip spicy chiles.
- Spicier: add a little chipotle or jalapeño.
- Lighter: use ground turkey or chicken.
- Plant-based: use veggie broth and plant-based “meat.”
- More veggies: add corn or green beans.
Smart tips for tender meatballs
- Do not over-mix the meat. Gentle hands make soft balls.
- Keep the simmer low so meatballs do not break.
- Same size balls cook evenly. Aim for golf-ball size or smaller.
- A splash of lime at the end makes flavors pop.
Serving ideas
- Warm corn tortillas on the side
- Avocado slices on top
- A sprinkle of queso fresco
- Extra lime wedges for the table
Quick FAQ
Is it spicy? It does not have to be. You control the spice.
Can I freeze it? Yes. Cool it first. Freeze without the zucchini if you want it firm later.
What does “albóndigas” mean? It means “meatballs” in Spanish.
The heart of the dish
Sopa de albóndigas is more than soup. It is family time in a bowl. It is simple, kind food that warms your hands and your mood. One pot, easy steps, happy faces. That is why this classic stays on the table, season after season.
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