Breakfast & Soup

Albondigas Soup Recipe Slow Cooker – Easy Family Meal

Name: Albondigas Soup Recipe Slow Cooker – Easy Family Meal
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup cooked white rice; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1/2 cup diced yellow onion; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 1/2 cups Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes; 3 carrots, peeled, halved, and sliced; 6 cups beef broth; 15 ounce can diced tomatoes; 8 ounce can tomato sauce; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 large zucchini, quartered and sliced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Crystal Ivers March 15, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 50 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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When preparing a delicious bowl of albondigas soup in your slow cooker, the right pairings can take your meal to the next level. Start with a slice of crusty bread.

A robust sourdough or artisan loaf is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth, making each bite even more satisfying.

Crispy tortilla chips are another great addition. Their crunchy texture offers a delightful contrast to the warm, hearty soup, and they can be used for dipping, adding a fun, interactive element to your meal.

A fresh avocado salad makes an excellent side. Combine ripe avocado, diced tomatoes, lime juice, and diced onion for a refreshing touch. The creaminess of the avocado complements the bold flavors of the albondigas soup perfectly.

Finally, don’t forget lime wedges. Adding a few lime wedges to the table allows everyone to squeeze some fresh lime juice over their soup, brightening the flavors and adding a zesty finish to the meal.

An Invitation to Comfort Food: Albondigas Soup in the Slow Cooker

When I think of comforting meals, albondigas soup jumps to mind. It’s one of those dishes that transports you to simpler times. If you’ve ever enjoyed a warm bowl of soup accompanied by the laughter of family and friends, you know exactly what I mean.

As a registered dietitian and passionate foodie, I often find myself experimenting with classic recipes. Albondigas, or meatball soup, has long been a staple in many households. However, using a slow cooker to prepare it offers greater convenience and flavor.

When I first tried slow-cooking albondigas soup, I was amazed. After hours of simmering, the ingredients melded together to create something extraordinary. It’s like a warm hug on a cold day, nourishing and satisfying.

What is Albondigas Soup in a Slow Cooker?

Albondigas soup is a traditional Mexican dish featuring meatballs and a medley of vegetables in a savory broth. When made in a slow cooker, it marries flavors beautifully over time. This method allows the soup to develop depth that is hard to achieve in a hurry.

Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of this soup wafting through the house. The anticipation builds as you open the front door. You can just about taste that rich, comforting soup, and that feeling is honestly unbeatable.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, thanks to a blend of spices and fresh herbs. The vegetables add layers of texture and taste, while the broth surrounds everything with warmth.

Using a slow cooker for this recipe is key. It’s forgiving. You can throw in your ingredients, set the timer, and go about your day.

When you’re ready, the soup is perfectly simmered, saving you time and frustration. Data shows that cooking at lower temperatures allows flavors to marry; hence, this method not only makes it easier but also enhances taste.

What You’ll Need to Make This Dish

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you need:

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef (I prefer 90% lean)
1/2 cup cooked white rice
1 egg
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Soup:

2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 1/2 cups Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
3 carrots, peeled, halved, and sliced
6 cups beef broth
15-ounce can diced tomatoes (undrained)
8-ounce can tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 large zucchini, quartered and sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Albondigas Soup Copycat Recipe Slow Cooker

How to Make Albondigas Soup in a Slow Cooker?

Let’s jump into the nitty-gritty of preparing this rich and hearty dish. Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through it step-by-step.

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Start by mixing the ground beef with cooked white rice, egg, garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in a large bowl. Combine everything until just blended. Don’t overmix; this can make the meatballs tough. Scoop out portions, about an inch in diameter, and roll them into balls.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In your slow cooker, drizzle olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them lightly until onions are translucent. This step is like laying the foundation for your flavor profile—it’s essential.

Step 3: Chop and Add Vegetables

Add the potatoes, carrots, and zucchini to the slow cooker. Stir to combine them with the sautéed onion and garlic. This mixture will absorb the flavors beautifully during cooking.

Step 4: Construct the Soup Base

Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), and tomato sauce. Sprinkle in cumin, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, ensuring the vegetables are submerged in the broth.

Step 5: Introduce the Meatballs

Carefully place your meatballs into the slow cooker, nestling them within the vegetables and broth. This helps them cook evenly.

Step 6: Cooking Time

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer cook time allows all the flavors to meld together. If you’re at home, the aroma wafting through the air serves as the perfect countdown to dinnertime.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Once cooking time is up, taste the soup. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. Your soup is now ready to serve!

Tips for the Best Albondigas Soup

Don’t Overcrowd the Meatballs: If you pack them in too tightly, they won’t cook evenly. Leave a little space for them to float.
Use Leftover Rice: Using leftover rice saves time and adds a nice texture to the meatballs.
Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to sneak in any other vegetables you have on hand, like corn or green beans.
Add Spice Cautiously: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less red pepper flakes. You can always add more later!
Marinate: For better flavor, you can let the meatball mixture rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking.

How to Store Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they can be easily stored in the refrigerator. Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers.

Refrigerate for up to three days. You can also freeze portions for longer storage. Just remember to leave some space in the container, as the soup expands when frozen!

How Would I Recommend Serving Albondigas Soup?

For a delightful dining experience, consider the following:

1. Top with Avocado: Sliced or diced avocado enhances the creaminess and adds healthy fats. There is something about the richness of avocado that complements the spice of the soup.

2. Sprinkle with Queso Fresco: This mild cheese adds a touch of saltiness and pairs well with the flavors. Just crumble it over the top before serving.

3. Serve with Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro brightens the dish even more. Its fresh flavor rounds out the hearty notes of the soup.

4. Pair with Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice not only brightens the flavors but also adds a refreshing twist. Don’t be shy—add as much as you like!

What Alternatives Can You Use for Ingredients if Not Available?

Sometimes, you may find yourself missing an ingredient. No need to worry! Here are some smart substitutes:

Ground Beef: Ground Turkey or Chicken can be used as a leaner protein option, still producing delicious meatballs.
Rice: If you’re out of cooked white rice, quinoa works beautifully and is gluten-free, giving an appealing texture and taste.
Vegetables: You can use frozen mixed vegetables if fresh ones aren’t available. Just toss them in during the last hour of cooking to keep them vibrant.
Beef Broth: If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth is a fantastic alternative. It will impart different but equally delicious flavors.

Conclusion

Creating a warm bowl of albondigas soup in a slow cooker is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about the conversations and connections that happen over it.

This recipe serves as a reminder of how food can bring people together. It’s packed with flavor, warms the soul, and adapts to your needs.

So, gather your ingredients and dive into this culinary adventure! Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter night or a breezy summer evening, this soup is a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for compliments and requests for seconds.

You’ll find your family and friends reaching for serving bowls after the first spoonful. And as the clock ticks, you can relive the joy of making a dish that is not only delicious but also made with love. Enjoy!

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