If you are craving a cozy, comforting meal that fills both your belly and heart, look no further than this Irresistible Salisbury Meatballs & Mashed Potatoes Recipe. Juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs bathed in a rich, savory gravy served atop creamy, buttery mashed potatoes make every bite a soul-soothing experience. It’s a classic American comfort dish reimagined to be straightforward yet bursting with flavor, guaranteed to become a highlight in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to bring this classic Irresistible Salisbury Meatballs & Mashed Potatoes Recipe to life. Each item plays a delicious role, whether adding flavor, texture, or that creamy smoothness we adore in mashed potatoes.
- Ground beef: The hearty base for tender and flavorful meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs without making them dense.
- Milk: Moisturizes the meatball mixture and enriches the mashed potatoes.
- Egg: Acts as a natural binder for perfectly shaped meatballs.
- Onion (finely chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic (minced): Brings bold aroma and savory punch.
- Worcestershire sauce: Infuses umami-rich complexity in both meatballs and gravy.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings balancing every bite.
- Butter: Creates silky gravy and creamy mashed potatoes.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the luscious gravy to the perfect consistency.
- Beef broth: The savory backbone of the gravy.
- Ketchup: Adds a subtle tang and sweetness to the gravy.
- Onion powder: Enhances the gravy’s savory notes without overpowering.
- Russet potatoes: The ideal starchy potato for fluffy, dreamy mashed potatoes.
How to Make Irresistible Salisbury Meatballs & Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Begin by peeling and cubing your russet potatoes. Place them in a large pot covered with cold water and bring it to a gentle boil. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. This steaming tender texture is essential to achieving that perfectly smooth mash. Drain the potatoes thoroughly, then mash them with butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper. The warmth of the milk and butter melts into the potatoes, creating a creamy, velvety base to support the meatballs and gravy.
Step 2: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. It’s important not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender once cooked. Roll the mixture into generous 1 1/2-inch meatballs, handling them with care to keep the shape uniform for even cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs to Perfection
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs in batches. Sear each meatball until they form a beautiful golden-brown crust on all sides and are cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Browning the meatballs not only locks in juices but also builds rich flavor in the pan—the foundation for your gravy.
Step 4: Whip Up the Savory Gravy
Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour, cooking for about a minute to get rid of any raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and onion powder to create a rich and tangy gravy. Allow it to simmer and thicken for around 5 minutes, turning the skillet into a hub of comforting aromas.
Step 5: Combine Meatballs and Gravy
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, spoon the luscious gravy generously over them, and let them simmer together for an additional 5 minutes. This step melts all the flavors into one another, making the dish truly irresistible. Then, spoon the meatballs and gravy over your warm mashed potatoes and get ready to serve pure comfort on a plate.
How to Serve Irresistible Salisbury Meatballs & Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the meatballs and mashed potatoes. It adds a subtle herbal note that brightens the dish without stealing the spotlight. If you like a touch of tang, a dollop of sour cream on the side can complement the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple green vegetables such as steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts. Their slight bitterness and crisp texture create a perfect counterbalance to the hearty meatballs and creamy potatoes. A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette also works as a refreshing complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic family-style meal, serve the meatballs and mashed potatoes in a large cast iron skillet straight from the stove, encouraging everyone to dig in together. Alternatively, plate each serving with a neat scoop of mashed potatoes, meatballs arranged on top, and gravy elegantly drizzled over. This straightforward presentation highlights the homey appeal of this classic comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place your leftover meatballs and mashed potatoes in airtight containers and refrigerate them. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for perfect next-day comfort meals or quick lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze both meatballs and mashed potatoes separately for up to 3 months. Wrap the mashed potatoes tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store the meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if the mashed potatoes need loosening or the gravy has thickened too much. This ensures your leftovers taste almost as fresh and delicious as the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well with the savory gravy. Just keep in mind it may cook a bit faster and can benefit from added moisture like a bit more milk or breadcrumbs to stay tender.
What can I add to the gravy for extra flavor?
Sliced mushrooms stir into the gravy wonderfully, adding an earthy depth that complements the meatballs perfectly. You can sauté them first in the skillet before making the gravy for even richer flavor.
Is there a way to make the mashed potatoes creamier?
Definitely! Using a hand mixer or potato ricer instead of a regular masher gives a silkier texture. Also, warming the milk and butter before mixing helps them absorb better into the potatoes, making them extra creamy.
Can I prepare this dish for a large gathering?
Yes! This recipe scales up nicely. Just make extra batches of meatballs and mashed potatoes, and keep the gravy warm in a slow cooker. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
How can I reheat leftovers without drying out the meatballs?
Reheat them gently over low heat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep them moist. Cover the pan to trap steam, which helps maintain their juiciness and keeps the gravy silky.
Final Thoughts
This Irresistible Salisbury Meatballs & Mashed Potatoes Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that’s perfect any day of the week. Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and utterly comforting flavors come together to create a dish that feels like home. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own cozy favorite!
Print
Irresistible Salisbury Meatballs & Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Irresistible Salisbury Meatballs & Mashed Potatoes recipe offers a comforting classic American meal featuring juicy ground beef meatballs smothered in rich gravy, served over creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients with straightforward stovetop cooking for a satisfying homestyle experience.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the mashed potatoes: Place the cubed russet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are fork tender. Drain the potatoes well, then mash them with milk, butter, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Cover to keep warm.
- Make the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently, just until all ingredients are combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form and cook the meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs using your hands. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs in batches, browning all sides and ensuring they are cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes total. Remove meatballs from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the gravy: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in beef broth, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and onion powder. Simmer the sauce until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Combine meatballs with gravy: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Spoon sauce over the meatballs and simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
- Serve: Spoon the warm mashed potatoes onto plates and top generously with the Salisbury meatballs and their rich gravy. Serve hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the gravy for extra depth and richness.
- Leftovers reheat well on the stovetop or in the microwave for convenient next-day meals.
