Crazy Good Chipotle Albóndigas Soup

As the temperatures drop and cozy evenings settle in, there’s nothing more satisfying than a warm, flavorful bowl of homemade soup. Whether it’s a chilly afternoon or a crisp winter night, a steaming bowl of soup brings comfort like nothing else. Chipotle Albóndigas Soup is the perfect way to add a little spice and heartiness to your table. This smoky, slightly spicy take on traditional Mexican meatball soup is packed with bold flavors and deep warmth exactly what you need to chase away the cold.

Chipotle Albóndigas Soup

A Spicy, Hearty Twist on a Classic!

Albóndigas, or Mexican style meatballs, are the star of this dish. If you thought that the chipotle part was the twist, think again. Traditionally made with ground beef, this version kicks things up a notch by blending ground beef with Mexican chorizo for extra richness and spice. As they simmer in a smoky chipotle infused tomato broth, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s deeply comforting yet excitingly bold. Combined with hearty vegetables like carrots, sweet corn, and nutrient packed kale, this soup is a meal in itself nourishing, wholesome, and irresistibly delicious.

The Comforting Power of Soup

There’s something truly special about a pot of soup simmering on the stove. Soup is more than just a meal it’s a tradition, a source of nourishment, and a way to bring people together. Whether you’re sharing a bowl with family or savoring leftovers for lunch, this Chipotle Albóndigas Soup is the ultimate comfort food.

How to Make Crazy Good Chipotle Albóndigas Soup

This recipe combines smoky, spicy, and savory flavors in a rich broth with hearty meatballs and vegetables. I have to admit, that I am the type of cook that has a hard time sticking with exact measurements. Sometimes, we have to season to taste as my Nonna would say. When making the broth, use your preference to how spicy or how salty you like. The recipe below is your guide, but you can adjust the ingredients to fit your tastes.

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1/2 lb fresh Mexican chorizo (raw, uncooked)

• 1/2 cup of fine whole grain cornmeal or cooked white rice, your preference

• 1 egg

• 1 lime zest, reserve the juice to the side

• 1/2 cup finely chopped scallions

• 1 tsp garlic powder or 4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp oregano

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the soup:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)-1 can of corn may be substituted

• 4 cups kale leaves, stems removed and roughly chopped

• 1 can (14 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes

• 8 cups beef or chicken broth

• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust for spice level) I remove the seeds from inside the peppers but it's not mandatory

• 1/2 tsp cumin to start, you may add more to taste

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, chorizo, cornmeal or rice, egg, zest of 1 lime, cilantro and seasonings. Mix until well combined, then roll into small meatballs and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.

3. Build the Broth: Stir in the carrots, corn, fire roasted tomatoes, chipotle peppers, broth, and seasonings. Bring to a simmer.

4. Cook the Meatballs: Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering soup, allowing them to cook for about 20 minutes until fully cooked and tender.

5. Add the Kale: Stir in the chopped kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking and the reserved lime juice. The kale will wilt beautifully into the broth, adding a nutritious boost.

6. Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, a dash of oregano or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.

   
   

   

   Chipotle Albóndigas Soup

   
   

A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Meal

This Crazy Good Chipotle Albóndigas Soup is the perfect dish for cold weather, combining the richness of beef and chorizo meatballs with a smoky, spicy broth. The addition of the sweet corn with the spicy broth complements each other and kale makes it not only hearty but also packed with nutrients. It’s bold, deeply satisfying, and guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out. Whether for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week, I hope this soup will become a favorite in your kitchen.

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As Always, Happy Cooking!

Jennifer