This Mexican Meatball Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. Tender meatballs simmered in a rich and savory broth with a medley of vegetables and spices, it’s a satisfying and comforting soup that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavorful and Hearty: This soup is packed with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine, making it a satisfying and comforting meal.
  • Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this soup comes together quickly and easily.
  • Versatile: You can customize this soup with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, sour cream, or tortilla chips.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious soup:

For the Meatballs:

  • Ground beef: Extra lean for a healthier option.
  • White rice: Adds texture and helps bind the meatballs.
  • Egg: Helps bind the meatball ingredients together.
  • Yellow onion: Diced, for flavor and texture.
  • Garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth.
  • Cilantro and parsley: Chopped, for fresh herb flavor.
  • Oregano, cumin, and chili powder: A blend of spices that adds warmth and complexity to the meatballs.
  • Salt and pepper: To taste.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

For the Soup:

  • Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
  • Yellow onion, carrots, and celery: Diced, for flavor, texture, and color.
  • Garlic: Minced, for aromatic intensity.
  • Chili powder, oregano, and paprika: A blend of spices that adds warmth and depth to the soup.
  • Potatoes: Diced, for heartiness and texture.
  • White rice: Adds body to the soup.
  • Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Adds a smoky sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Green chilies: Adds a touch of heat.
  • Beef broth: Forms the base of the flavorful soup.
  • Zucchini: Chopped, adds another layer of texture and nutrients.

How to Make Mexican Meatball Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Combine all the meatball ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Spices

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, oregano, and paprika, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients and Simmer

Add the diced potatoes, rice, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chilies, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Carefully add the meatballs and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Add the chopped zucchini and simmer until the rice and vegetables are tender. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, or tortilla chips.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Brown the meatballs (optional): For a richer flavor, you can brown the meatballs in a separate skillet before adding them to the soup.
  • Adjust the spice level: Use more or less chili powder to control the heat.
  • Add toppings: Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a dollop of salsa.

How to Serve Mexican Meatball Soup

  • Cozy Weeknight Meal: This Mexican Meatball Soup is perfect for a warm and satisfying weeknight dinner.
  • Party Food: Serve it in small bowls or mugs for a fun and festive party appetizer.
  • Lunchbox Friendly: Pack leftovers for a delicious and convenient lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can use a plant-based meat substitute or omit the meatballs altogether and add more vegetables.

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

How can I make this soup spicier?
Use a spicier chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the soup.

There you have it! A hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make recipe for Mexican Meatball Soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

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Mexican Meatball Soup Recipe

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  • Author: Stacy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Description

This Mexican Meatball Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening. It features tender meatballs simmered in a rich and savory broth with a medley of vegetables and spices.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (extra lean)
  • 1/3 cup white rice
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro (chopped)
  • 2 teaspoons parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 3/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Soup Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 carrots)
  • 1 cup diced celery (about 2 celery ribs)
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 1/2 cups potatoes (diced 1-inch bite size)
  • 1/2 cup white rice
  • 2 (15.9 ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can green chilis
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 zucchini, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare Meatballs: Combine all meatball ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Roll into 1 ½ inch meatballs and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
  3. Add Spices: Add garlic, chili powder, oregano, and paprika. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in potatoes, rice, diced tomatoes, green chilis, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Cook Meatballs: Carefully add meatballs to the simmering soup. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
  6. Add Zucchini: Add zucchini and simmer until rice and vegetables are tender.
  7. Serve: Serve hot with your preferred toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Prepare the meatball mixture and roll into balls up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator.
  • Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a spicier soup, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • If you don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes, you can use regular diced tomatoes.
  • To make this soup vegetarian, use a plant-based ground meat substitute and vegetable broth.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Serving
  • Calories: 350kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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