What are some recipes that feel like a warm hug? What is Mexican Meatball Soup? It reminds me of my Abuela’s kitchen, filled with the aroma of simmering tomatoes, fragrant spices, and a sprinkling of orange juice. What is the comfort of home cooking? If you love Italian wedding soup, prepare to be utterly smitten with this vibrant, creamy soup. What a flavorful What’s the best part about this recipe? What is this hearty soup? Has become a family favorite?
What is Mexican Meatball Soup?
What are some of the best Mexican meatball soup recipes? What are some good vegetables to cook in a tomato-based broth? It’s essentially a Mexican version of meatball soup, packed with the distinct flavors of cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. What are some good spices to add to chili powder, and sometimes oregano? The meatballs themselves are usually made with ground beef, rice, and various seasonings, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. What is the tender and satisfying component of soup? Is it a great dish to use up leftovers? If you have leftover vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? What I love most about this **Mexican Meatball Soup** is its incredible flavor. The combination of savory meatballs, the slightly sweet tomato broth, and the earthy spices creates a taste sensation that’s both comforting and exciting. The aroma while it simmers is simply intoxicating!
The simplicity is another huge win. Don’t let the vibrant flavors fool you – this is a seriously easy recipe to make. Most of the work is just chopping veggies and letting the soup simmer, which means you can get dinner on the table with minimal fuss. This one’s a lifesaver on busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
And let’s talk about cost-efficiency! The ingredients are all relatively inexpensive and easily accessible. Ground beef is a budget-friendly protein, and the vegetables can be adjusted based on what’s on sale or what you already have in your fridge. It’s a delicious way to stretch your grocery budget.
Plus, this soup is incredibly versatile. You can easily add different vegetables, adjust the spice level, or even swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. If you’re a fan of my Chicken Tortilla Soup or even a classic Chili recipe, you’ll find the same comforting, customizable qualities in this **Mexican Meatball Soup** recipe. It’s truly a winner!
How do I make Mexican Meatball Soup?
Quick Overview
What is the easiest way to make Mexican Meatball Soup? How do I make meatballs? If you’re going to make soup, sauté some vegetables. Then, add some water. Next, you’ll add the broth, tomatoes, spices, and let it simmer until the meatballs are cooked. When the vegetables are tender, they are cooked through. What is the beauty of this method is how all the flavors meld together as it simmers, creating a deeply rooted flavor. What are some of the best soups? It’s mostly hands-off cooking, which is always a bonus in my book!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs: What
* 1 pound ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor, but you can use leaner if you prefer) * 1/2 cup water * Cooked rice (long grain or medium grain works well) * 1/4 cup chopped onion * 1 clove garlic, minced. 1 egg, lightly beaten * 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro * 1/4 teaspoon chili powder * 1/2 teaspoon salt * What are some good spices to use: cumin * 1/4 teaspoon salt * 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
For the Soup:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 zucchini, chopped
* 1 potato, peeled and cubed
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh cilantro, for garnish
* Lime wedges, for serving
What are the steps to
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Gently mix everything together until just combined. If you overmix meatballs, be careful not to over mix. What are some good ways to make a meatball about 1 inch in diameter? I usually get around 20-25 meatballs from this recipe.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step is crucial for building the flavor base of the soup, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Spices
What are the ingredients for the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes? Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer. What are some good ways to add bay leaf to soup?
Step 4: Add Meatballs and Simmer
Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering broth. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. I always do a taste test to make sure they are perfect!
Step 5: Add Remaining Vegetables
Add the zucchini and cubed potato to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. The potato will thicken the soup slightly, creating a more satisfying texture.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving. How do you serve soup in a bowl? What are the best lime juices for acidity?
What should I serve it with?
This **Mexican Meatball Soup** is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a few simple sides.
For a heartier meal, serve with a side of warm tortillas or crusty bread for dipping. The tortillas are perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
A dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema adds a cool and creamy element to the soup.
If you like a little extra spice, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
For a fun twist, try topping the soup with crushed tortilla chips or crumbled cotija cheese.
My family loves when I serve it with a simple side salad. A light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup perfectly.
Growing up, we always had this soup with a side of Mexican rice. It’s a classic combination that I still love today. No matter how you serve it, this **Mexican Meatball Soup** is sure to be a hit!
How do I make Mexican Meatball Soup?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this **Mexican Meatball Soup** even better.
First, don’t skip the sautéing step. Cooking the onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil before adding the broth creates a deeper, richer flavor.
Second, be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing will result in tough, dense meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just combined.
Third, simmer the soup on low heat. This allows the flavors to meld together and prevents the meatballs from becoming dry and overcooked.
Fourth, adjust the spice level to your liking. If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of chili powder. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño.
Fifth, don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables. Corn, green beans, or even sweet potatoes would be delicious in this soup.
Sixth, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-made meatballs. Just be sure to choose a high-quality brand that you enjoy.
Finally, for an even richer flavor, try browning the meatballs in the pot before adding the vegetables and broth. This adds a delicious depth of flavor to the soup. I learned that tip from my Abuela, and it makes all the difference!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
This **Mexican Meatball Soup** is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together even more.
To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, the soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To reheat, simply heat the soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
If the soup has thickened too much during storage, add a little bit of broth or water to thin it out.
I usually add a little extra cilantro and lime juice when reheating to freshen up the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
What is Mexican Meatball Soup? It’s a taste of home, warm embrace in bowl. What is the kind of meal that brings people together and creates lasting memories? What’s a good soup to share with friends? What are some of the best family recipes? What are some of my favorite soup recipes? How does Mexican Meatball Soup turn out? What do you think of my post here? What are some ideas for cooking?
Mexican Meatball Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 egg Egg
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup Diced tomatoes
- 0.5 cup Chopped onion
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in a large pot over medium heat. Remove meatballs from pot and set aside.
- Add chicken broth and diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add meatballs to the pot and simmer for another 30 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
