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Delicious Puerto Rican Meatball Stew (Albondigas Guisadas)

This Puerto Rican Meatball Stew, also known as Albondigas Guisadas, is a comforting and flavorful dish made with tender meatballs, potatoes, carrots, and Puerto Rican seasonings simmered in a savory tomato and sofrito broth. Perfect over white rice!
Print Recipe
Picture of Puerto Rican meatballs served with white rice in a bowl
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:1 hour
Total Time:1 hour 10 minutes

Equipment

  • 1 4qrt pot or dutch oven

Ingredients

  • 1 pack Italian-style fresh meatballs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ medium onion chopped
  • 1 cup carrots sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced
  • 2 tbsp sofrito
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 2 cups water use empty tomato can to measure
  • 1 packet Goya Jamón ham flavoring
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp adobo seasoning or to taste
  • 2 tbsp Manzanilla olives with pimentos and capers optional
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro
  • 2 bay leaves optional

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Add meatballs and brown on all sides for 5–7 minutes.
  • Stir in chopped onions and sauté for 1–2 minutes.
  • Add sofrito and tomato sauce. Stir and let simmer briefly.
  • Pour in 2 cups of water. Stir in Goya Jamón, oregano, turmeric, and adobo.
  • Add olives (if using), potatoes, and carrots. Mix well.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the fresh cilantro and bay leaves (if using). Cover and reduce heat to low.
  • Let simmer for 45 minutes, allowing flavors to develop and vegetables to soften.
  • Serve hot over white rice. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • For homemade meatballs, mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, adobo, and oregano, then form into balls and brown.
  • Want more veggies? Add bell peppers or peas for extra color and texture.
  • Gluten-free like me? Use gluten-free meatballs and double-check seasonings.
Servings: 4