There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate filled with tender Salisbury steak meatballs smothered in rich gravy, paired with creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes. This dish is the ultimate family dinner, combining savory, juicy meatballs with buttery, herb-infused potatoes that melt in your mouth. It’s a classic comfort food with a modern twist, perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or when you simply crave a hearty, satisfying meal.
What makes this recipe particularly special is how it balances ease and flavor. With simple pantry ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant, but in the comfort of your own kitchen. The garlic herb mashed potatoes provide a luscious base, while the Salisbury steak meatballs, coated in a savory gravy, bring depth, warmth, and satisfaction to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort food at its finest: Juicy meatballs and creamy mashed potatoes create a cozy, satisfying meal.
- Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Quick and straightforward: Ready in just 50 minutes with minimal hands-on prep.
- Customizable: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Meal prep-friendly: Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Flavor-packed: Garlic, herbs, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard create layers of savory depth.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s the exact ingredient list, organized for clarity:
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Gravy
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Frying pan
- Potato masher
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Optional: colander for draining potatoes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps for perfectly cooked Salisbury steak meatballs with garlic herb mashed potatoes:
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your meatballs bake evenly and achieve a nice golden crust.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 finely chopped medium onion
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs dense.
3. Shape and Bake the Meatballs
- Shape the mixture into meatballs roughly 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and slightly browned.
4. Prepare the Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes
- While the meatballs are baking, boil 2 lbs of peeled and chopped potatoes in a large saucepan of salted water until tender, approximately 15–20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan.
- Add 4 cloves minced garlic, ¼ cup butter, and ½ cup milk. Mash until smooth.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. Keep warm until ready to serve.
5. Make the Gravy
- In a frying pan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes until the gravy thickens slightly.
6. Combine Meatballs and Gravy
- Once the meatballs are fully cooked, transfer them to the frying pan with the gravy.
- Coat the meatballs evenly, allowing them to simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
7. Serve
- Plate a generous portion of garlic herb mashed potatoes.
- Top with Salisbury steak meatballs and pour extra gravy over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Pre-sauté onions and garlic: For even more flavor, sauté the onion and garlic in butter before adding them to the meatball mixture.
- Alternative proteins: Ground turkey or chicken works well if you prefer a lighter option.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the meatball mixture for subtle heat.
- Cheesy mashed potatoes: Stir in a ¼ cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for an extra indulgent side.
- Meal prep: Store meatballs, gravy, and mashed potatoes separately for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
Flavor Profile & Pairings
These Salisbury steak meatballs are rich, savory, and deeply comforting, with the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce providing complex umami notes. The mashed potatoes are buttery and garlicky, providing a creamy base that balances the robust flavors of the meatballs.
Suggested sides:
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Roasted carrots or asparagus
- A simple side salad with vinaigrette
Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
| Cholesterol | 110 mg |
Dietary Notes: Can be adapted for lower-fat or gluten-free diets by using lean ground meat and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
- Meatballs: Shape and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Gravy: Can be prepared in advance and reheated gently.
- Mashed potatoes: Boil and mash, then reheat in a microwave or over low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Freezing: Meatballs freeze well cooked or uncooked; freeze gravy separately in airtight containers.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes. Adjust cooking time slightly; turkey and chicken cook faster and are leaner than beef.
2. Can this dish be made dairy-free?
Yes. Use olive oil or dairy-free butter in the mashed potatoes and skip or replace milk with a plant-based alternative.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store meatballs, gravy, and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour substitute for the gravy.
5. How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheat meatballs in gravy over low heat and gently warm mashed potatoes with a splash of milk.
Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Ingredients | 20 min |
| Bake Meatballs | 20 min |
| Boil Potatoes | 15–20 min |
| Make Gravy | 5–7 min |
| Assemble & Serve | 5 min |
| Total | 50 min |
Serving Suggestions
- Place meatballs over a generous mound of garlic herb mashed potatoes.
- Spoon extra gravy for an indulgent touch.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color.
- Serve family-style for casual meals or plate individually for a more elegant presentation.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Meatballs: Mix ¼ cup shredded cheese into the meatball mixture before baking.
- Herbed Mashed Potatoes: Add rosemary or thyme to the potatoes for extra aroma.
- Spicy Gravy: Include a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for subtle heat.
- Vegetable Mash: Mix sweet potatoes or cauliflower with potatoes for a colorful, nutrient-rich side.
Ingredient Spotlight
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the meatballs. A pantry staple for enhancing savory dishes.
Garlic: Elevates the flavor of both meatballs and mashed potatoes. Fresh garlic provides a sweet, aromatic quality when cooked.
Pro Cooking Tips
- Don’t overmix meatballs; it keeps them tender.
- Simmer gravy slowly and whisk constantly to prevent lumps.
- Mash potatoes just before serving to keep them fluffy and creamy.
- Taste as you go to adjust seasoning, especially salt and pepper.
Storage & Freezing Guide
- Meatballs: Freeze cooked or uncooked in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
- Gravy: Refrigerate for up to 3 days; freeze for 1 month.
- Mashed Potatoes: Refrigerate for up to 3 days; freeze with a little extra butter or milk for creaminess.
Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
| Cholesterol | 110 mg |
Expanded Conclusion
These Salisbury Steak Meatballs With Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes are the perfect marriage of classic comfort food and weeknight convenience. Juicy meatballs, flavorful gravy, and creamy, buttery potatoes create a dish that’s satisfying, family-friendly, and utterly delicious.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or prepping for the week ahead, this recipe delivers rich flavor with minimal stress. Try it once, and it will quickly become a staple in your home-cooking repertoire. Serve it generously, savor every bite, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors that only a well-made Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes combination can deliver.
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Salisbury Steak Meatballs With Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes
A quick and delicious recipe that combines savory Salisbury steak meatballs with creamy garlic herb mashed potatoes, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, dried parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the garlic herb mashed potatoes. Boil the chopped potatoes in a large saucepan of water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan. Add minced garlic, butter, and milk. Mash until smooth. Stir in chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
- For the gravy, in a frying pan, add 2 tablespoons of flour and cook over medium heat for about a minute. Gradually add beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in soy sauce and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper, and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the gravy, ensuring they are well coated.
- Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs with a generous portion of garlic herb mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can sauté the onion and garlic before adding them to the meatball mixture.
- Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked Meatballs
- Cuisine: American
