How TO Make Albondigas 🇲🇽
HOW TO MAKE ALBONDIGAS 🇲🇽 is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Suigeneris on YouTube.
Prep: 45 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: $20.53 total, $3.42 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Ground Beef (lean, 80/20)
- 1 lb Ground Pork (fresh)
- 1 cup White Rice (uncooked, long‑grain)
- 1 medium Onion (diced, for meatball mixture)
- 1 cup Squash (diced; zucchini or yellow summer squash works)
- 0.25 cup Fresh Mint Leaves (chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced; 2 for meatballs, 2 for sauce)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 large Eggs (beaten)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for sautéing)
- 4 medium Tomatoes (diced; can use canned diced tomatoes)
- 1 medium Onion (diced, for sauce)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced, for sauce)
- 4 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 4 cup Water
- 2 medium Red Potatoes (cubed)
Instructions
Make meatball mixture
In a large mixing bowl combine the ground beef, ground pork, uncooked rice, diced onion, diced squash, chopped mint, minced garlic, black pepper, and beaten eggs. Mix with clean hands until just combined; avoid over‑mixing.
Time: PT15M
Shape meatballs
With damp hands roll the mixture into 1‑inch (about 2‑cm) balls, placing them on a parchment‑lined tray. Freeze the tray for 5 minutes to firm the balls before cooking.
Time: PT10M
Prepare sauce ingredients
Dice the tomatoes and onion, and mince the remaining garlic. Set aside in separate bowls.
Time: PT10M
Sauté aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in the large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, and chili powder; cook another 2 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Add broth and water
Pour in the chicken broth and water, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Time: PT5M
Simmer soup with potatoes and meatballs
Add the cubed red potatoes and the frozen meatballs to the pot. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the potatoes are fork‑tender.
Time: PT20M
Final seasoning and serve
Taste the soup and adjust salt or additional spices as desired. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra chopped mint if you like.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Contains Meat, Dairy‑Free
Allergens: Eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground Turkey, Ground Chicken
- Instead of Ground Pork: Ground Turkey, Pork Shoulder, minced
- Instead of White Rice: Quinoa, Couscous
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Squash: Carrots, Bell Pepper
- Instead of Fresh Mint Leaves: Cilantro, Parsley
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White Pepper
- Instead of Eggs: Flax egg (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola Oil, Olive Oil
- Instead of Tomatoes: Canned Diced Tomatoes (1 cup)
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable Broth, Water + bouillon cube
- Instead of Cumin: Taco seasoning (½ tsp)
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked Paprika
- Instead of Chili Powder: Ancho Chili Powder
- Instead of Red Potatoes: White Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Wooden Spoon
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Blender
- Ladle
- Freezer Bag (optional)
- Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mix meatball mixture just until combined; overmixing makes tough meatballs.
- Shape meatballs uniformly and chill briefly to prevent falling apart.
- Simmer until meatballs reach 160°F (71°C) for safety.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the cumin and paprika briefly in the oil before adding liquids for deeper flavor.
- For extra heat, add a sliced jalapeño with the tomatoes.
- A drizzle of crema or sour cream at serving adds richness.
Troubleshooting
Meatballs fall apart in the soup.
Make sure the mixture is chilled before shaping and avoid over‑mixing. Adding a tablespoon of flour or breadcrumbs can help bind them.
Soup is too thin.
Let the soup simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce, or blend a portion of the cooked potatoes and stir back in.
Potatoes become mushy.
Cut potatoes into uniform 1‑inch cubes and add them after the broth has boiled; check for doneness at 15 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked soup (without fresh herbs) in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; cool to refrigeration within 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze shaped raw meatballs on a tray; transfer to a zip‑top bag for up to 2 months.
- The soup base (broth, tomatoes, spices) can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Mexican Meatball Soup (AAS) in Mexican cuisine?
AAS, a regional Mexican meatball soup, traces its roots to rural home cooking where leftover rice and ground meat were combined into meatballs and simmered in a tomato‑based broth. It reflects the Mexican tradition of turning simple pantry staples into comforting, communal meals, especially during colder months.
What are traditional regional variations of AAS (Mexican meatball soup) in different parts of Mexico?
In northern Mexico, AAS often includes poblano peppers and uses beef‑only meatballs, while in central regions cilantro replaces mint and corn kernels are added. Coastal versions may feature seafood stock or shrimp instead of chicken broth, giving the soup a briny twist.
How is Mexican Meatball Soup (AAS) traditionally served in Mexican households?
Traditionally, AAS is served hot in deep bowls, topped with fresh chopped cilantro or mint, a squeeze of lime, and sometimes a drizzle of crema. It is commonly accompanied by warm corn tortillas or crusty bread to soak up the broth.
During which celebrations or occasions is AAS (Mexican meatball soup) typically prepared in Mexican culture?
AAS is a favorite comfort dish for family gatherings during the cooler winter season, as well as for festive occasions like Día de los Muertos or holiday reunions where a hearty, warming soup is appreciated.
What makes Mexican Meatball Soup (AAS) special or unique within Mexican cuisine?
The unique blend of rice‑infused meatballs, fresh mint, and a tomato‑chicken broth sets AAS apart from typical Mexican soups like pozole or caldo de pollo. The rice inside the meatballs adds texture and helps the balls stay moist.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Mexican Meatball Soup (AAS) versus acceptable modern substitutes?
Authentic AAS uses ground beef and pork, uncooked rice, fresh mint, and chicken broth. Modern cooks often substitute ground turkey for a leaner option, use quinoa instead of rice, or replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with Mexican Meatball Soup (AAS)?
AAS pairs nicely with side dishes such as Mexican street‑style corn (elote), fresh guacamole, or a simple avocado‑lime salad. For a fuller meal, serve with warm corn tortillas and a side of refried beans.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Mexican Meatball Soup (AAS) at home?
Common errors include over‑mixing the meatball mixture, which makes the balls tough, and adding the meatballs too early, causing them to fall apart. Also, letting the garlic burn during sautéing can impart bitterness.
Why does this Mexican Meatball Soup (AAS) recipe use both chicken broth and water instead of only broth?
Using a combination of broth and water balances flavor and prevents the soup from becoming overly salty. The broth provides depth, while water allows the fresh herbs and spices to shine without overwhelming the palate.
What does the YouTube channel Suigeneris specialize in?
The YouTube channel Suigeneris specializes in home‑cooked, family‑style recipes that blend comfort food with cultural twists, often featuring step‑by‑step tutorials and personal anecdotes from the host’s kitchen.
How does the YouTube channel Suigeneris's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?
Suigeneris focuses on practical, everyday Mexican dishes that can be made with ingredients found in typical American grocery stores, emphasizing clear instructions and time‑saving tips, whereas many other channels prioritize traditional techniques and regional authenticity.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
