Dive into the heart of Mexican cuisine with our mouthwatering Albondigas Guisadas Stewed Meatballs! These savory meatballs, infused with aromatic spices and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, are not just a meal—they're a celebration of flavor and tradition. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this dish promises to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. Are you ready to impress your loved ones with a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious? Read on to discover the secrets to crafting the perfect Albondigas Guisadas!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup rice
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure the ground beef is fresh, and the rice is rinsed under cold water to remove excess starch.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, rinsed rice, chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
- Once mixed, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should have approximately 12 to 16 meatballs, depending on the size.
- In a large skillet or pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the browned meatballs and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the tomato sauce and water. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, carefully add the browned meatballs back into the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.
- Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the meatballs stew in the sauce for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
- After 30 minutes, check the meatballs for doneness; they should be cooked through and the rice should be tender. If necessary, adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper to taste.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro for a fresh flavor boost.
- Serve the Albondigas Guisadas hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired. These meatballs pair wonderfully with warm tortillas or over a bed of rice.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ground beef and fresh herbs will elevate the flavor of your meatballs. Don't skimp on quality!
- Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the rice before mixing it into the meatball mixture helps remove excess starch and prevents the meatballs from becoming gummy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the meatballs, cook them in batches to ensure they get a nice sear. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than browning.
- Scrape the Pan: After browning the meatballs, be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan when adding the sauce. This adds depth and richness to your dish.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your sauce and meatballs before serving. Adjust the seasoning to your preference for the best flavor.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro adds a bright touch to the dish. Don’t hesitate to sprinkle extra on top before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve with Sides: These meatballs pair beautifully with warm tortillas, rice, or even a simple salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 95mg
