Mexican Meatball Soup (Printable Recipe)

Vegan Mexican meatball soup with hearty potatoes in a flavorful tomato-based broth.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ For Meatballs

01 - 1/2 cup uncooked short grain rice
02 - 1 pound vegan ground beef
03 - 2 prepared vegan eggs
04 - 1/2 cup minced white onion
05 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
06 - 1/4 cup fresh minced cilantro
07 - 3 cloves fresh minced garlic
08 - 2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
09 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
10 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ For the Soup

11 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
12 - 2 cups diced white onion
13 - 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juice
14 - 5 cloves fresh minced garlic
15 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
16 - 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
17 - 8 cups vegan chicken broth or vegetable broth
18 - 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
19 - 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
20 - 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
21 - 1/2 cup fresh minced cilantro, plus more for garnish
22 - Fresh sliced jalapeño, optional
23 - Fresh lemon wedges, optional

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Combine all meatball ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. If too soft, add breadcrumbs. Shape into 1-inch meatballs and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes.
02 - Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and tomatoes with juice. Sauté 6 to 8 minutes until onion is translucent. Stir in garlic, cumin, and oregano. Cook 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in broth and bring to a light boil.
03 - Gently add the chilled meatballs to the simmering broth. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes.
04 - Add cubed potatoes to the broth and continue simmering uncovered for 10 minutes.
05 - Add carrots, zucchini, and cilantro. Stir to combine and simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes until vegetables are tender. Adjust seasoning to taste.
06 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeño, and lemon wedges if desired.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Refrigerating meatballs before cooking helps them retain shape in the simmering broth.
02 - Use high-quality, flavorful broth for the best results.
03 - Keep broth at a gentle simmer to avoid breaking the meatballs.
04 - Adjust final seasoning with salt, cumin, or lemon juice to taste.
05 - Rice in the meatballs provides texture and helps bind the mixture.