Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes

There’s nothing quite like a hearty, comforting dinner to satisfy your cravings after a long day, and this Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes hits all the right notes. Juicy, tender meatballs coated in a savory gravy served over creamy garlic herb mashed potatoes make this dish a classic favorite that feels indulgent while still being approachable for home cooks.

Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep for the week, this recipe combines rich flavors, comforting textures, and easy-to-follow steps, giving you a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love These Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Here’s why this dish should be a staple in your recipe collection:

• Hearty and Filling: Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and generously portioned.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Garlic and butter infuse the potatoes with rich, comforting flavor.
• Savory Gravy: A homemade beef gravy adds depth and richness to every bite.
• Family-Friendly: Mild, classic flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Meatballs can be prepared ahead and frozen for convenience.
• Versatile: Serve with green vegetables, roasted carrots, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

This recipe combines classic comfort food elements into a single, memorable plate.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s the full ingredient list, grouped by component for clarity and precision.

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Gravy

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Serving Size

This recipe makes 4 generous servings, each with approximately 550 calories per plate.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Large skillet for gravy
• Large pot for potatoes
• Potato masher or electric mixer
• Whisk for cornstarch slurry
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for perfectly cooked Salisbury steak meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy.

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
   • 1 lb ground beef
   • ½ cup breadcrumbs
   • 1 egg
   • 1 finely chopped onion
   • 2 cloves minced garlic
   • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • ½ teaspoon black pepper
   • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
3. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
4. Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Step 2: Prepare the Gravy

1. While meatballs bake, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add 1 sliced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic, sautéing until onion is translucent.
3. Pour in 2 cups beef broth and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
4. Slowly whisk in 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water. Continue simmering until the gravy thickens.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Make Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes

1. In a large pot, add 2 lbs peeled and chopped potatoes and 4 cloves minced garlic. Cover with cold water.
2. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Drain and return potatoes to the pot. Add ½ cup milk, 4 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
4. Mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh parsley for flavor and color.

Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Gravy

1. Add cooked meatballs to the skillet with gravy, gently tossing to coat.
2. Allow the meatballs to simmer in the gravy for a few minutes to absorb flavor.

Step 5: Serve

• Spoon garlic herb mashed potatoes onto plates.
• Place meatballs on top and drizzle with extra savory gravy.
• Garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Prepare meatballs ahead of time and freeze for up to two months.
• Reheat gently in the oven or skillet with gravy.

Flavor Boosters

• Substitute half of the beef broth in gravy with red wine for a richer flavor.
• Use fresh thyme instead of dried for a more aromatic gravy.

Potato Variations

• Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture.
• Add roasted garlic for extra depth.
• Swap milk for cream for an ultra-rich mash.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or glazed carrots.
• Add a side salad for a lighter, balanced meal.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish balances savory, rich, and aromatic flavors:

• Savory Meatballs: Tender, flavorful, with umami from Worcestershire sauce.
• Rich Gravy: Silky, thick, and infused with onion and garlic.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth texture with buttery garlic flavor.

Pairing the dish with green vegetables or a light salad helps cut through the richness, keeping the meal balanced.

Nutritional Overview

Per serving:

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Protein: 35 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 115 mg

This meal provides a high-protein, satisfying dinner that’s ideal for comfort food lovers.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Meatballs: Form and freeze raw meatballs for future dinners. Bake directly from frozen; increase baking time by 5–10 minutes.
• Gravy: Prepare in advance and reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• Mashed Potatoes: Make and refrigerate; reheat gently with a bit of milk to restore creaminess.

FAQs

1. Can I make these meatballs on the stovetop?
Yes. Brown meatballs in a skillet, then simmer in gravy until cooked through.

2. Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?
You can, but beef provides the richest flavor for Salisbury steak.

3. How can I make the gravy richer?
Use half red wine and half beef broth, or add a splash of heavy cream at the end.

4. Can I prep this recipe ahead of time for a weeknight dinner?
Absolutely! Meatballs can be formed and frozen, and potatoes can be boiled ahead.

5. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, but fresh garlic mashed potatoes offer better flavor and texture.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Meatballs	15 minutes
Bake Meatballs	20 minutes
Prepare Gravy	10 minutes
Boil & Mash Potatoes	20 minutes
Rest & Serve	10 minutes
Total Time	1 hr 10 mins

Serving Suggestions

• Plating: Scoop mashed potatoes onto plate, top with meatballs, drizzle gravy, garnish with parsley.
• Family Style: Serve meatballs and potatoes on a large platter for everyone to help themselves.
• Side Dish Pairings: Green beans, roasted carrots, steamed broccoli, or a simple salad.

Recipe Variations

1. Red Wine Gravy Variation: Use half beef broth and half red wine for a richer gravy.
2. Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Fold shredded cheddar into mashed potatoes for extra indulgence.
3. Mini Meatball Version: Make smaller meatballs for appetizers or party platters.
4. Herb-Infused Gravy: Add rosemary, sage, or thyme to the gravy for more depth.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ground Beef

• Provides a rich, juicy base for meatballs.
• Choose 80/20 for best flavor and tenderness.
• Can be mixed with half ground pork for extra moistness.

Yukon Gold Potatoes

• Creamy, buttery texture perfect for mashed potatoes.
• Holds flavor well and pairs beautifully with gravy.

Worcestershire Sauce

• Adds umami depth to both meatballs and gravy.
• Enhances savory flavor without overpowering.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Don’t Overmix Meatballs: Keeps them tender and juicy.
• Even Cooking: Make uniform 1-inch meatballs for consistent baking.
• Thick Gravy: Gradually add cornstarch slurry while stirring to avoid lumps.
• Potatoes: Mash while still warm; reheating works best with added milk or butter.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Meatballs: Freeze raw meatballs for up to 2 months.
• Gravy: Can be frozen separately; reheat gently.
• Mashed Potatoes: Refrigerate for 2–3 days, or freeze for 1 month.
• Reheating: Reheat meatballs and gravy on the stove; mash potatoes with a splash of milk.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	550 kcal
Protein	35 g
Carbs	40 g
Fat	28 g
Fiber	4 g
Sodium	600 mg
Dietary Notes	Comfort food, high-protein, family-friendly

Expanded Conclusion

These Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes are a classic comfort food experience. Juicy meatballs, rich gravy, and creamy garlic potatoes combine into a meal that’s satisfying, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re serving this for a weeknight family dinner or a special gathering, it delivers hearty flavors, balanced textures, and homey nostalgia that everyone will love. Make ahead for convenience, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy a dinner that feels like a hug on a plate.

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