Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make? Then look no further! This Crockpot Albondigas Soup recipe is your answer. This delicious and satisfying soup is packed with tender meatballs, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth – perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend lunch. Best of all, the slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy the delicious results. It's one of those healthy meals that's also incredibly quick and easy to put together, ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork (optional, for richer flavor)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
Making the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork (if using), rice, onion, garlic, cilantro, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Assembling and Cooking the Soup:
- Place the meatballs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, water, and diced tomatoes over the meatballs.
- Add the carrots and celery.
- 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 rice is tender.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot, garnished with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley also makes a delicious addition.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes.
- If you don't have fresh cilantro, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried cilantro.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked meatballs against the side of the slow cooker before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
This Crockpot Albondigas Soup is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. It’s a delicious dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more leisurely weekend meal. Enjoy the ease and delicious flavors of this fantastic recipe! It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. This is undoubtedly one of the best recipes for a hearty and flavorful soup that requires minimal effort. It's a quick dinner idea that's both delicious and satisfying.