Salisbury Meatballs Mashed Potatoes

Salisbury meatballs and mashed potatoes bring all the comfort of a classic diner meal to your kitchen but with extra tenderness and a cozy rich gravy. These bite-sized meatballs are savory, tossed in a silky onion gravy, and balanced with pile-high creamy mashed potatoes. This has been my favorite make-ahead dinner for family gatherings and always guarantees empty plates.

My family first requested this on a snowy February evening and now it is the most requested dish for Sunday get-togethers. The flavors never get old.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: choose 80 percent lean for perfect juiciness and easier shaping
• Breadcrumbs: help bind the mixture and keep the meatballs tender use fresh if possible
• Egg: adds rich texture and helps everything stick together go for farm-fresh if you can
• Milk: moistens the mix and creates that signature fork-tender result whole milk is best
• Small onion: brings sweetness and depth chop very fine so it blends nicely
• Garlic powder: gives classic savory aroma for true Salisbury steak flavor
• Worcestershire sauce: the secret to deep savory notes a splash goes a long way
• Salt and pepper: let you control seasoning taste as you go
• Olive oil: for frying offers flavor and a golden crust use extra virgin if handy
• Butter: for the gravy creates silkiness and that restaurant sheen unsalted works best
• All-purpose flour: thickens the gravy for that cozy richness sift if yours is clumpy
• Beef broth: the base of the gravy for the boldest flavor choose a low-sodium version
• Dijon mustard: a touch of tang rounds out the gravy use real Dijon for balance
• Another small onion: sliced sweetens and perfumes the gravy yellow or white both work
• Thyme (optional): adds herbal freshness dried or fresh both give great aroma
• Russet potatoes: best for fluffy mash and soaking up gravy seek smooth unblemished spuds
• Sour cream (optional): but adds luscious extra creaminess use full-fat for the silkiest mash

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Meatball Base:

In a large bowl add the ground beef breadcrumbs egg milk finely chopped onion garlic powder Worcestershire sauce salt and pepper Mix thoroughly with clean hands until the mixture feels consistent and slightly moist This ensures even seasoning and a tender bite

Form and Brown the Meatballs:

Pinch off pieces and roll into 1-inch balls Place them evenly on a tray Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Working in batches lay in the meatballs with space between them Sear each side for two minutes turning gently until the surface is caramelized and the centers are cooked through about 7 to 8 minutes Remove to a plate as they finish

Build the Onion Gravy:

In the same skillet melt the butter over medium heat Add the thinly sliced onion and sauté until perfectly golden and soft about 5 minutes Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for a full minute This toasts the flour and erases any raw taste

Bring the Gravy Together:

Slowly whisk in the beef broth Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard blending until smooth Add a pinch of thyme if you like plus salt and pepper Raise heat to simmer Stir frequently while the gravy thickens to a glossy consistency about 5 to 7 minutes

Simmer the Meatballs in Gravy:

Gently nestle the browned meatballs into the skillet turning to coat each in sauce Lower the heat and let them simmer in the gravy for five minutes so flavors meld and everything is piping hot

Boil and Mash Potatoes:

Place peeled and cubed russet potatoes in a large pot Fill with cold salted water to cover Bring to a boil and cook until completely tender about 15 to 20 minutes Drain well and return potatoes to the hot pot Add butter room temperature milk sour cream if using salt and pepper Mash right away to locking in steam and achieve that fluffy creamy texture

Plate and Serve:

Spoon a generous mountain of mashed potatoes onto each plate Top with Salisbury meatballs and pour over a big scoop of onion gravy Add chopped parsley for color if you wish Serve steaming hot for the ultimate comfort

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Mashed potatoes have always been my favorite base for gravies like this The smell of butter and onions coming together while cooking the gravy brings back memories of winter dinners It is a dish that always feels like home

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days Meatballs and potatoes can be frozen separately for longer storage When reheating add a little extra broth or milk to loosen the gravy and mash

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of breadcrumbs try crushed crackers or rolled oats For beef broth use chicken or vegetable broth in a pinch Ground turkey or pork can replace beef for a lighter twist If you want dairy-free potatoes swap in olive oil and a splash of broth

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Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside steamed green beans or roasted carrots for color and crunch Warm dinner rolls complete the comfort food vibe For parties set up a mashed potato bar and let everyone top their plate with meatballs and gravy

Cultural and Historical Context

Inspired by the original Salisbury steak invented as a nourishing meal this recipe adapts it into bite-sized portions familiar from Scandinavian meatball dishes American diners helped popularize this combo The rich gravy and potato mash evoke classic home kitchen traditions

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes Salisbury meatballs different from traditional meatballs?

Salisbury meatballs use classic Salisbury steak flavorings like Worcestershire sauce and onion, and are typically served in a savory brown gravy rather than tomato-based sauce.

→ How do you get smooth mashed potatoes?

Boil potatoes until tender, drain, then mash with butter and warm milk for a creamy, lump-free finish. Adding sour cream gives extra richness.

→ Can I prepare these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes—shape and brown the meatballs ahead of time, then store in the fridge. Assemble with gravy before serving for the best flavor.

→ What variations can I try with the gravy?

Experiment by adding mushrooms, extra herbs like thyme, or a splash of sherry for deeper, more complex flavor in the onion gravy.

→ What are good sides to serve with this dish?

Alongside the mashed potatoes, consider buttered green beans, roasted carrots, or a fresh green salad to complement the hearty flavors.