Caldo De Albondigas Recipe

If you’re looking for a soul-warming meal with big flavor and a touch of nostalgic comfort, Caldo De Albondigas is that magical Mexican meatball soup you’ll want bubbling away in your kitchen. This hearty bowl features tender beef meatballs (albondigas) and a rainbow of vegetables simmered together in a savory, aromatic broth—the ultimate dish for chilly evenings or when you need a little edible hug.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What truly makes Caldo De Albondigas special is how simple but essential each ingredient is. Every element, from the perfectly seasoned beef to the medley of fresh vegetables, brings its own texture, flavor, and vibrant color, resulting in a bowl that’s wholesome and full of life.

• 96% Ground Beef: Lean but full of flavor—the perfect base for juicy, tender meatballs.
• Egg: Acts as the binder to hold your meatballs together while they simmer.
• Uncooked White Rice: Gives the albondigas incredible texture and softly plumps as they cook in the broth.
• Kosher Salt & Ground Pepper: Season both your meatballs and soup for that balanced, savory flavor.
• Oregano: Adds the signature Mexican herbal note throughout the broth and the meatballs.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the aromatics and rice, infusing everything with richness from the start.
• Celery, Onion, Carrots & Garlic: This veggie quartet lays the foundation for a sweet and savory soup base.
• Hot Water: It’s the canvas for your soup, ensuring everything melds together into a soothing broth.
• Tomato Sauce: Lends body, color, and gentle acidity that makes the broth extra vibrant.
• Beef Bouillon Cubes: Little flavor bombs that amp up the savoriness of every spoonful.
• Cilantro: Brings a burst of freshness to balance the hearty elements—don’t skip it unless you must!
• Fresh Green Beans, White Potatoes & Zucchini: Classic vegetables that add flavor, color, and plenty of nutrients.

Variations

One of the best things about Caldo De Albondigas is how forgiving and adaptable it is! Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it—these swaps and additions make it easy to tailor the recipe to your family’s taste or whatever you’ve got on hand.

• Turkey or Chicken Albondigas: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, just-as-delicious soup.
• Spicier Broth: Toss in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little extra heat in your caldo.
• Add More Veggies: Corn, peas, or chayote are all classic additions that boost nutrition and color.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the rice inside the meatballs and the soup to make a protein-packed, lower-carb variation.

How to Make Caldo De Albondigas

Step 1: Make the Albondigas (Meatballs)

Start by combining the ground beef, egg, uncooked rice, pepper, oregano, and salt in a large bowl. Use your hands—the warmth helps everything bind—then form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, rolling them gently between your palms. Set your army of meatballs aside; they’ll be the stars of the show.

Step 2: Sauté the Rice and Aromatics

In your biggest stock pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high, then add the white rice. Sauté until the grains turn a lovely light golden brown, stirring constantly to keep them from burning. Scoop the rice out and set it aside—that bit of toasting gives a cozy, nutty depth later on!

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Add the remaining olive oil to the pot and toss in your chopped celery, onion, carrots, and whole garlic clove. Sauté for about 3 minutes, just until the onions become soft and everything smells sweet and savory.

Step 4: Simmer with the Meatballs

Pour in the hot water, add your freshly rolled albondigas, beef bouillon cubes, tomato sauce, extra salt, pepper, oregano, and half the cilantro. Stir well and cover the pot with a lid. Let the soup simmer gently (not boil!) for 40 minutes to infuse every element with flavor and tenderness.

Step 5: Add More Veggies & Finish Cooking

Once the 40 minute timer is up, add the toasted rice, potatoes, and green beans to the pot. Let everything cook, covered, for another 10 minutes. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if you’d like. Finally, add the zucchini and cook for a final 10 minutes, until all veggies are perfectly fork-tender and the albondigas can be easily cut in half with a spoon.

How to Serve Caldo De Albondigas

Garnishes

Ladle your Caldo De Albondigas into deep bowls and finish with a handful of fresh chopped cilantro, a generous squeeze of lime, and a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. These bright, zesty touches bring all the flavors together and make each bite pop with freshness.

Side Dishes

This soup is wonderfully hearty on its own, but a warm stack of corn tortillas, a side of fluffy rice, or even a plate of sliced avocado take things to the next level. In my house, it’s also not uncommon to serve Caldo De Albondigas with a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bit of fun, serve the soup family-style in a big pot at the center of the table—let everyone fish out their favorite veggies and albondigas. Or, for dinner parties, spoon into smaller bowls and top with microgreens and a wedge of lime for a restaurant-worthy look!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, transfer leftover Caldo De Albondigas to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, making lunch or dinner a breeze all week long!

Freezing

This soup is freezer-friendly, so don’t be afraid to double the batch! Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers—just leave a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat Caldo De Albondigas on the stove over medium-low heat until hot, stirring occasionally to avoid breaking up the meatballs. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw first for even warming. Add a splash of water if the broth thickens too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fill your kitchen with the heartwarming aroma of home cooking, Caldo De Albondigas is the answer. This cozy, colorful soup will take you straight to the heart of a Mexican family table—so gather your loved ones, grab a big spoon, and enjoy every comforting bite!

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