This Paleo Mexican albondigas meatball soup came about when my friend Jen, who lives in Southern California, wouldn’t stop talking about it. Albondiga in Spanish simply means meatball. I learned that the traditional way this soup was made included adding fresh mint to the meatballs. I was sold. But then I learned that the traditional way also included rice. So I went on a mission to make a version that still held true to the authentic original recipe Jen told me about while keeping it Paleo and Whole30.
The soup wouldn’t have been nearly as hearty if I just excluded rice all together so instead I swapped it for diced potatoes. That makes this soup loaded with veggies – potatoes, carrots, tomatoes and onions.
Even better, swapping the rice makes it grain-free, Paleo and Whole3o compliant!
The meatballs are super easy to make. Not that it should surprise you by now, what with me cooking just about everything the easiest way possible. You’ll just combine everything together, roll into balls and plop them into the soup. No extra baking or any of that mess. I used fresh parsley and fresh mint in the meatballs, but if you wanted to save a few bucks you could easily use dried parsley instead. Totally not a big deal. I do recommend doing the fresh mint because it adds such awesome flavor to the meat.
Also, I used baby blonde potatoes because of their creamy, buttery flavor. No worries though! A regular white potato would work just fine as well. This Mexican albondigas meatball soup is jam packed with flavors so you won’t be missing any, no matter what kind of potato you use!
Being the soup obsessed person that I am, I’m really critical of which soups are really that good. This soup was a little different than most of the soups I usually make for myself but I’m so happy with how it turned out! It was fun to try something new and play around with it. It was even better that I got to eat it for the next few days!
Other Paleo soup recipes you might like:
Chicken Taco Soup: Slow Cooker & Instant Pot
Slow Cooker Italian Tomato Chicken Soup
Potato and Bacon Chowder: Slow Cooker & Instant Pot
Mexican Albondigas “Meatball” Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 large white onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
For the Soup:
- 1/2 large white onion, diced
- 5 baby blonde potatoes, peeled and diced OR 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 3 cups water
- 1 14 ounce can of diced tomatoes with liquid
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/8 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1/8–1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro, to taste
Instructions
To Make Meatballs:
- Mix all ingredients together
- Roll into half dollar sized meatballs
- Set aside
For the Soup:
- Add olive oil, garlic and onion to a large stock pot over medium heat
- Let saute until garlic is fragrant
- Add in carrots and potatoes, cooking for 3-4 minutes
- Add in all other ingredients except meatballs
- Bring to a simmer
- Once simmering, turn down heat a touch and add in meatballs
- Cover and let cook for 15-20 minutes until meat and veggies are cooked thoroughly
- Top with fresh cilantro and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 589.5
- Sugar: 5
- Fat: 42
- Carbohydrates: 21
- Protein: 25
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Angel Fitzpatrick says
I loved the flavors in this recipe! My only complaint was the texture of the meatballs was a little lackluster. I think the next time I make this, I’ll brown the meatballs before adding them to the soup.
Cecia says
So happy to see a paleo version of albondigas! I grew up eating these. Only change I made was using fresh cilantro in place of the parsley since its the way my mom made it and all I had on hand for fresh herb. This ones a keeper for sure!
paleobailey says
I’m SO happy to hear this, Cecia!! Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know! <3 - B
Jacey says
This is the best soup ever!! Entire family is a fan and is sad when it’s gone haha!! Thank you!
Kitty G says
Very good! I added 1/4 cup rice to meatballs and simmered for 45 minutes. Will definitely make again. Thank you.
paleobailey says
I’m so glad you enjoyed! Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know! <3 - B
Linda says
LOVE. LOVE, LOVE IT when you include the nutritional facts in your recipes. Your recipes work SO WELL in my new Paleo diet where I am also counting macronutrients, so it is so helpful.
Thanks!!!!!
paleobailey says
Hey Linda! Thank you for your feedback – I’m glad they’re helpful to you. Unfortunately, calculating and then inputting them is a manual process for each recipe. We’ve been working to get them up for each one, but it’s a slow process to update every recipe ? Thanks for understanding and your patience as we work on it! We so appreciate your support and excitement for the recipes!! 🙂
martin meza says
It great dish