Albondigas Soup: A Hearty, Healthy Hug in a Bowl (Yes, Even from a White Girl) 🥣✨

This albondigas soup isn't just comfort food—it's a nutrient-packed powerhouse!

Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room: yes, I’m a white girl making Mexican meatball soup. 😂 But hear me out—this isn’t your abuela’s recipe, but it is packed with love, respect for traditional flavors, and a serious health boost.

Think of it as albondigas with a holistic twist- From the vibrant veggies to the nutrient-packed meatballs, this soup delivers cozy vibes AND a nutritional punch. Here’s why you’re going to love it:

From the colorful veggies to the protein-rich meatballs (with a hidden health boost!), every ingredient has something incredible to offer your body. Here's why you'll want to make this recipe ASAP:

🌿 Health Benefits of the Ingredients

For the Soup:

🥔 Red Potatoes: Loaded with potassium to support heart health and balance electrolytes.
🥕 Carrots: Packed with beta-carotene for glowing skin and strong immunity.
🫑 Bell Pepper: A vitamin C superstar that boosts your immune system and fights inflammation.
🧅 Yellow Onion & 🧄 Garlic: Nature's antibiotics! These boost immunity and support gut health.
🥒 Zucchini: Low in calories but high in fiber—great for digestion and keeping you full.
🌶️ Jalapeño (Optional): Add a spicy kick while revving up your metabolism.

For the Meatballs:

🥩 Grass-Fed Beef & Ancestral Blend: Rich in iron, B vitamins, and essential amino acids to boost energy and brain function. Organ meats in the ancestral blend (hello, liver!) provide added vitamins A and D for hormone health.
🥚 Pasture-Raised Eggs: A protein-packed binder full of choline to support brain and nervous system health.
🌱 Flaxseed (Optional): Omega-3s galore, promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.

Albondigas Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Soup

• 1 whole yellow onion, diced*

• 5 garlic cloves, minced*

• 1 jalapeño, diced* (optional)

• 4 medium red potatoes, diced

• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 1 large zucchini, diced

• 1 can roasted tomatoes with green chiles

• 32oz chicken bone broth

• 3 tsp cumin

• Salt + Pepper to taste

*If you struggle with gut health issues, try leaving the onion and garlic whole, then removing before consumption. I would also recommend omitting the  jalapeño.

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb grass-fed ground beef

• 1 lb Force of Nature Ancestral Blend (beef, bison, or venison)

• 1/2 cup organic breadcrumbs, pork rind crumbs, or ground flaxseed

• 2 pasture-raised eggs

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• 2 tsp onion powder

• 2 tsp oregano

• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

See my HIDDEN LIVER MEATBALL RECIPE.

Instructions:

1. Prep the Meatballs

   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ancestral blend, breadcrumbs (or alternative), eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

   • Mix until fully combined but do not overwork the meat.

   • Roll into golf ball-sized meatballs and set aside on a tray.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

   • Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

   • Add a splash of avocado oil and sauté the onion, garlic, and jalapeño (if using) until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Build the Soup Base

   • Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper to the pot. Stir to combine with the aromatics.

   • Pour in the can of roasted tomatoes with green chiles, and add enough water or broth to fully cover the vegetables (about 6-8 cups).

   • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

4. Cook the Meatballs

   • Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering soup, one at a time.

   • Cover and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

5. Add the Zucchini

   • In the last 5-7 minutes of cooking, stir in the diced zucchini. Allow it to cook until just tender but not mushy.

6. Season to Taste

   • Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

7. Serve and Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets plenty of meatballs and veggies.

   • Serve warm and garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime, if desired.

This isn’t just comfort food—it’s functional food that makes you feel amazing.

This soup is a perfect blend of cozy flavors and nutrient density, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a meal-prep staple.

Bonus? It's kid-approved—even with the sneaky liver!

So, whether you’re Mexican, a white girl like me, or just really hungry, this soup is the cozy, nutritious meal you didn’t know you needed.