Traditional Albondigas (Mexican Meatballs)

Savor the comforting flavors of Traditional Albondigas (Mexican Meatballs), a hearty and soul-warming dish perfect for any occasion. This classic Mexican recipe features tender, hand-rolled meatballs made with a blend of ground beef and pork, aromatic garlic, fresh cilantro, and a hint of cumin for authentic flavor. Simmered in a vibrant tomato-based broth alongside a medley of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and zucchini, and enhanced with rice for a filling touch, this dish is both satisfying and wholesome. With just 25 minutes of prep, this rustic, one-pot meal brings the taste of Mexico straight to your table. Serve it steaming hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, for a comforting family dinner that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Perfect for soups, stews, and Mexican cuisine enthusiasts, this recipe ensures every bite is rich with tradition and flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams Ground beef
• 250 grams Ground pork
• 60 grams Breadcrumbs
• 1 large Egg
• 30 grams Fresh cilantro
• 3 large Garlic clove, minced
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 2 medium Carrots, diced
• 2 medium Potatoes, diced
• 1 medium Zucchini, diced
• 400 grams Canned tomatoes, chopped
• 1.5 liters Chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 50 grams Rice

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, half of the minced garlic, half of the chopped onion, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix until just combined using your hands or a spatula.

Step 2

Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the remaining chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent.

Step 4

Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Pour the chicken broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 6

Add diced carrots, potatoes, and zucchini into the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 7

Gently add the meatballs to the simmering soup, one at a time, ensuring they are fully submerged in the broth.

Step 8

Add the rice to the pot and gently stir, being careful not to break the meatballs. Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt into the pot.

Step 9

Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and rice is tender.

Step 10

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with more cilantro if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3783.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3317.0

Total Fat 195.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 66.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g
Cholesterol 789.7mg	0%
Sodium 9400.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 192.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.5g	0%
Total Sugars 35.2g
Protein 201.5g	0%

Vitamin D 84.7IU	0%
Calcium 626.2mg	0%
Iron 30.3mg	0%
Potassium 6061.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.8%

Protein: 24.2%

Carbs: 23.1%