Juicy & Tender Mexican Ground Beef Meatball Soup Recipe

Updated at: 15/02/2025

Caldo de Albondigas, or Mexican Meatball Soup, is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy family gathering. This vibrant soup bursts with the rich, savory taste of tender meatballs simmered in a deeply flavorful broth, enhanced by the bright acidity of tomatoes and the subtle spice of chiles. The aromatic blend of onions, garlic, and cilantro adds layers of complexity, making each spoonful a delightful experience. This recipe offers a delicious twist on a classic, resulting in meatballs that are incredibly juicy and tender, perfectly complementing the rich, satisfying broth.

Beyond the enticing aroma and taste, Caldo de Albondigas is surprisingly easy to prepare, utilizing readily available ingredients. Get ready to dive into the step-by-step instructions below to create this heartwarming and flavorful masterpiece, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on your own. Prepare to be transported to a warm and inviting Mexican kitchen with every delicious bite.

Tools Needed

  • pot
  • knife
  • blender
  • strainer
  • medium bowl

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Broth and Vegetables

  • Remove stems from tomatoes and boil until soft (approx. 15 minutes).
  • Slice carrots into sections.
  • Slice pumpkins and potatoes into four parts. Soak potatoes in water to prevent browning.
  • Cut chayote into sticks.
Remove stems from tomatoes and boil until soft (approx. 15 minutes).Slice carrots into sections.Slice pumpkins and potatoes into four parts. Soak potatoes in water to prevent browning.Cut chayote into sticks.
Prepare the Broth and Vegetables
  • Remove seeds from Anaheim chili and chop finely.
  • Blend cooled tomatoes with garlic and a quarter onion.
  • Strain the tomato mixture and fry the resulting puree.
  • In a pot, add tomato puree, half a teaspoon of salt, and 2.5 liters of water. Bring to a boil.
Remove seeds from Anaheim chili and chop finely.Strain the tomato mixture and fry the resulting puree.In a pot, add tomato puree, half a teaspoon of salt, and 2.5 liters of water. Bring to a boil.
Prepare the Broth and Vegetables

Step 2. Make and Cook the Meatballs

  • Finely chop half an onion for the meatballs.
  • Cut bread into squares, soak in milk.
  • Mix ground beef, garlic, chopped onion, salt, pepper, oregano, mint, soaked bread, and eggs. Add rice and mix until well combined.
  • Roll the meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
Finely chop half an onion for the meatballs.Cut bread into squares, soak in milk.Prepare the meatballs: Mix ground beef, garlic, chopped onion, salt, pepper, oregano, mint, soaked bread, and eggs. Add rice and mix until well combined.Roll the meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
Make and Cook the Meatballs
  • Add meatballs to the boiling broth three to four at a time.
  • Cook meatballs in broth at medium heat for 35 minutes.
Add meatballs to the boiling broth three to four at a time.Cook meatballs in broth at medium heat for 35 minutes.
Make and Cook the Meatballs

Step 3. Add Vegetables and Simmer

  • Add the chili to the broth.
  • Add potatoes to the broth and cook for 5-10 minutes.
  • Add carrots and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add chayote and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the chili to the broth.Add potatoes to the broth and cook for 5-10 minutes.Add carrots and cook for 5 minutes.Add chayote and cook for 5 minutes.
Add Vegetables and Simmer
  • Add pumpkin and cook for 5 minutes. Stir.
  • Add a sprig of mint and let it simmer for 5 more minutes.
Add pumpkin and cook for 5 minutes. Stir.Add a sprig of mint and let it simmer for 5 more minutes.
Add Vegetables and Simmer

Step 4. Serve

  • Serve hot with lemon, chiltepín, and tchité pink (optional).
Serve hot with lemon, chiltepín, and tchité pink (optional).
Serve

Read more: Creamy Caldo de Papa Recipe: Easy Mexican Potato Soup

Tips

  • Soaking potatoes in water prevents browning.
  • Soaked bread helps make the meatballs soft and juicy.
  • Adding eggs helps bind the meatballs and prevents them from falling apart.
  • Add meatballs to the broth gradually to prevent sticking.
  • Cook vegetables separately to maintain their shape and prevent them from falling apart.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a leaner option, but the flavor will differ slightly. Beef provides the most traditional taste.

2. How can I make the meatballs extra juicy?

Gently handle the meatball mixture to avoid overworking it. Adding a little bread crumbs or finely grated vegetables helps bind moisture.


This Caldo de Albondigas recipe delivers a hearty and flavorful soup that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the comforting warmth and rich taste of this classic Mexican dish, perfect for any occasion. Now get cooking and savor every delicious spoonful!