Craving a warm, comforting bowl of deliciousness that's also incredibly easy to make? Then look no further than this slow cooker albondigas soup recipe! This hearty, flavorful soup is perfect for a chilly evening or a busy weeknight. Packed with tender meatballs, vibrant vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s a family favorite that's surprisingly simple to whip up. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, rice, onion, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until just combined—avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Step 2: Shape and Brown (Optional)
Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. For extra flavor, you can lightly brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cooker Magic
Place the browned (or unbrowned) meatballs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, corn, carrots, zucchini, and green bell pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice, if desired. This delicious and healthy meal is perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy weekend lunch.
Tips for the Best Albondigas Soup:
- Don't overmix the meatballs: Overmixing develops the gluten in the meat, resulting in tough meatballs.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, celery, or yellow squash.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping.
Variations:
- Chicken Albondigas: Substitute ground chicken for ground beef.
- Spicy Albondigas: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Albondigas: Use a vegetarian meat substitute for the meatballs.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350 Protein: Approximately 25g Fat: Approximately 15g Carbohydrates: Approximately 25g
This slow cooker albondigas soup recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It’s a perfect addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas, and a great way to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this homemade cooking masterpiece!