How Many Calories Are in Albondigas Soup with Rice?

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

While albondigas soup recipes vary, a typical homemade serving containing rice often falls between 300 and 400 calories. The exact calorie count depends significantly on the ingredients and portion size, so the answer to how many calories are in albondigas soup with rice can fluctuate widely depending on the recipe.

Quick Summary

The calorie total for a bowl of albondigas soup with rice fluctuates based on several factors, including meat fat content, the amount of rice, and recipe variations. The precise nutritional value is determined by the specific ingredients and portion size used.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in albondigas soup with rice typically ranges from 300 to 400 per serving but varies widely based on the recipe and portion size.
Lean Meat Reduces Calories: Using leaner ground beef (90%) or substituting ground turkey or chicken is an effective way to lower the total fat and calorie content.
Rice Quantity Affects Carb Load: The amount of rice, both in the meatballs and the broth, directly impacts the carbohydrate and calorie count of the soup.
Low-Calorie Vegetables Add Nutrients: Vegetables like zucchini and carrots contribute fiber and vitamins with minimal calories, making them a great way to bulk up the soup.
Toppings Can Increase Calories: Extra ingredients like avocado, sour cream, or cheese can add significant calories, so use them in moderation if you're watching your intake.
Customization is Key: You can easily customize the recipe by adjusting meat fat, rice content, and toppings to create a lower-calorie, satisfying meal.

Understanding the Calorie Variability

The calorie content of albondigas soup with rice is not a fixed number. Instead, it is a range influenced by a number of factors, primarily the fat content of the ground meat, the quantity of rice, and the overall serving size. For instance, a 'healthy' recipe from Muy Delish reports 398 kcal per serving, while another from The Kitchn clocks in at 473 kcal per serving. This variability is due to the customizable nature of a homemade soup. The following sections break down how different components contribute to the total.

Breaking Down the Calorie Contributors

The calories in albondigas soup with rice come from its main components: the meatballs, the rice, the broth, and any additional toppings.

The Meatballs (Albondigas)

The meatballs are the most significant source of calories and protein in the soup. The type and leanness of the ground meat used directly affect the total fat and calorie count. Leaner ground beef, such as 90% or 95% lean, will result in fewer calories and less grease in the broth compared to a fattier mix like 80/20. Additionally, some recipes incorporate chorizo or other high-fat meats, which can dramatically increase the calorie count. Some recipes suggest swapping ground beef for lower-calorie alternatives like ground chicken or turkey to reduce fat and calories.

The Rice

Rice serves two purposes in albondigas soup: it acts as a binder for the meatballs and adds a source of carbohydrates to the broth. The amount of rice used is a key determinant of the carbohydrate and total calorie content. A small amount of rice, like the 18.62 grams that contributes 24 calories in one detailed breakdown, has a minimal impact. However, adding more rice to the broth can increase the caloric density significantly. To control calories, some cooks reduce the amount of rice or even omit it from the meatballs entirely. Sautéing the rice before adding it to the soup, as some recipes suggest, also changes its properties slightly but doesn't substantially change the caloric contribution.

The Broth and Vegetables

The vegetable-based broth, typically made with chicken or beef broth, tomatoes, and vegetables like carrots, celery, and zucchini, is the lowest-calorie component of the dish. These vegetables add essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber for a relatively low caloric cost. Using low-sodium broth allows for better control over the overall sodium content, which can be high in some versions.

Toppings and Garnishes

While not always included in a basic recipe calculation, toppings can add a significant number of calories. Common garnishes include diced avocado, sour cream, cheese, or tortilla strips. Adding an avocado can increase the healthy fat content, but also adds calories. Be mindful of how much and what kind of toppings you add if you are monitoring your calorie intake.

Comparison of Different Albondigas Recipes

Here is a comparison of the reported nutritional information for different online albondigas soup recipes, highlighting the variability in calorie, fat, and protein content per serving.


Recipe Source	Calories (per serving)	Fat (g)	Protein (g)	Carbs (g)
The Kitchn	473 kcal	24.6g	25.2g	36.9g
Muy Delish (Healthy)	398 kcal	11g	45g	34g
Simply Recipes	341 kcal	17g	25g	21g
Allrecipes (Mama's)	369 kcal	15g	29g	30g
Eat This Much	432 kcal	21g	27g	34g

How to Reduce the Calories in Albondigas Soup

To make your albondigas soup a more diet-friendly meal, consider these modifications:

Use leaner meat: Opt for 90% or 95% lean ground beef, or substitute ground chicken or turkey. For even lower fat, use extra-lean ground turkey breast.
Control the rice: Either reduce the amount of rice in the meatballs or omit it entirely. The meatballs will still bind together with the egg and spices.
Maximize vegetables: Increase the proportion of low-calorie vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and celery in the soup to increase volume and nutrients without adding many calories.
Skim the fat: After cooking the soup, you can skim any excess fat from the surface of the broth before serving.
Mind your toppings: Choose low-fat or non-fat sour cream, and use avocado and cheese sparingly.

Conclusion

Determining exactly how many calories are in albondigas soup with rice depends on a range of factors, primarily the fat content of the meat, the amount of rice, and the serving size. A typical homemade portion is usually between 300 and 400 calories, but this can vary widely. By choosing leaner meat, controlling the rice, and being mindful of toppings, you can easily adjust this delicious Mexican comfort food to fit your dietary needs. The robust flavors of the broth and vegetables ensure that a lighter version of the soup remains just as satisfying. For a great starting recipe, consider exploring the details at The Kitchn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, albondigas soup can be a balanced and healthy meal. It provides a good source of protein from the meatballs and contains vitamins and fiber from the vegetables. The overall healthiness depends on the specific ingredients and preparation methods, such as using lean meat and controlling sodium.

The fat content of the ground meat is one of the largest factors in the total calorie count. Using a leaner cut of meat, like 90/10 ground beef, will result in fewer calories compared to a fattier 80/20 mix.

Yes, you can make albondigas soup without rice, especially in the broth, to reduce carbohydrates and calories. The rice in the meatballs acts as a binder, but you can use less or omit it entirely; adding a little extra egg or breadcrumbs can help them hold their shape.

A typical serving size for albondigas soup varies by recipe and source. Examples include a 1-cup serving from a commercial source or larger, 2-cup bowls for a more hearty, homemade meal. Checking the specific recipe's serving yield is the most accurate way to determine portion size.

To make your soup lower in fat, start by using extra-lean ground meat, such as 90% lean beef or ground turkey. You can also pre-cook the meatballs and drain the fat before adding them to the broth. If fat pools on the soup's surface, you can skim it off before serving.

The vegetables in albondigas soup, such as carrots, celery, and zucchini, contribute very few calories. They are, however, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Increasing the vegetable content is an excellent strategy for boosting the soup's nutritional value and volume without adding significant calories.

Yes, adding avocado will increase the total calorie count. While it contains healthy monounsaturated fats, it is a calorie-dense food. Using avocado as a garnish is a great way to add flavor and nutrients, but portion control is important if you're managing calorie intake.

You can make the broth healthier by using a low-sodium chicken or beef broth. This allows you to control the salt content more precisely. Also, adding a wide variety of fresh vegetables and herbs, like cilantro and oregano, will naturally enhance the flavor without adding unwanted calories.