Albondigas en Salsa Verde (Meatballs in Green Sauce)
Soft beef and pork meatballs with rice and mint, simmered with potatoes in a tangy green tomatillo sauce.
Made with Green enchilada sauce and Corn tortillas from masa harina. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time55 min
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £1.99 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
In a bowl mix the beef mince, pork mince, uncooked rice, egg, mint, garlic and salt. Use your hands for a minute until combined. Do not overwork it.
- 2
Roll into 20 walnut sized balls with wet hands. Chill for 10 minutes.
10 min - 3
In a large wide pan bring your ready made green enchilada sauce (see the base recipe) and the water to a gentle simmer. Add the potatoes and carrots and cook for 10 minutes.
10 min - 4
Lower the meatballs gently into the sauce in a single layer. Cover and simmer very gently for 25 minutes, turning once, until the rice in the meatballs is cooked and the meat is cooked through with no pink.
25 min - 5
Taste the broth and adjust the salt. Cook uncovered for 3 minutes if you want it thicker.
3 min - 6
Serve in bowls with warm corn tortillas on the side for scooping.
Tips
- Use raw rice, not cooked. It swells inside the meatball and keeps them light and tender.
- Lower the meatballs in gently and do not stir for the first 10 minutes, or they will break up.
- Cut one meatball open to check it is cooked through before serving.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 2 hours and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Can I make the meatballs with just beef?
Yes. Use 500 g beef mince. Pork adds tenderness and a touch of sweetness, so an all beef version can be slightly firmer.
Can I leave out the egg?
Yes, but the meatballs will be a little more delicate. Add 1 tbsp of masa harina or cooked rice to help bind them if you want them egg free.
Are these meatballs gluten free?
Yes. They use rice instead of breadcrumbs, so they are gluten free with pure corn tortillas and a gluten free sauce.
More made with green enchilada sauce
Costillas de Puerco en Salsa Verde (Pork Ribs in Green Sauce)
DFEFNFTortas de Pollo en Salsa Verde (Chicken Torta Sandwiches)
EFNFDFBurritos Ahogados de Pavo (Smothered Turkey Burritos)
EFNFArroz con Pollo Verde (Mexican Green Chicken and Rice)
GFDFEFDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.