Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than the Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes Recipe. This classic dish pairs juicy, flavorful meatballs with silky, buttery mashed potatoes, all smothered in a rich, savory brown gravy that will have you coming back for seconds. It’s the perfect combo of textures and flavors that can turn any ordinary dinner into a special occasion, whether for weeknight family meals or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes Recipe shine. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s building the meatballs’ perfect texture, creating a smooth and indulgent gravy, or producing fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up all that goodness.

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean): The star protein, juicy and flavorful, forms the heart of the meatballs.
• ½ cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender and moist.
• 1 egg: Acts as a natural glue to hold everything together perfectly.
• ¼ cup milk: Adds moisture for soft meatballs with just the right texture.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Brings a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a savory note without overpowering the dish.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami richness that deepens the meatballs’ flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for frying the meatballs to a perfect golden crust.
• 2 tablespoons butter (for gravy): Creates a smooth and rich base for the gravy.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy to just the right consistency.
• 2 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid foundation for the roux and gravy blend.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for gravy): Lifts the gravy with its tangy, savory zing.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds subtle complexity to the gravy’s depth.
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced: Caramelizes beautifully to impart sweetness in the gravy.
• ½ teaspoon thyme (optional): Offers a hint of aromatic herbaceousness.
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed: Perfect for creamy mashed potatoes that soak up all the gravy.
• ½ cup milk (for potatoes): Smooths out the mash for luxuriously creamy results.
• ¼ cup butter (for potatoes): Adds richness and a velvety finish.
• ¼ cup sour cream (optional): Boosts creaminess and adds a subtle tang, making the potatoes unforgettable.

How to Make Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Meatballs

Start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to distribute the seasonings and binders evenly. Then, roll the mixture into uniform 1-inch meatballs — consistency here is key for even cooking. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the meatballs in batches, turning them carefully to brown all sides. This process locks in their juiciness and creates a beautiful crust. Once they’re cooked through in about 7-8 minutes, set them aside for the next step.

Step 2: Building the Rich Gravy

The magic continues in the same skillet. Melt butter over medium heat, then add the thinly sliced onions. Cook them gently until they turn soft and golden, releasing their natural sweetness — about five minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for an additional minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. Next, slowly whisk in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, forming a luscious gravy base. Add thyme if you like a subtle herbal note, then season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer until thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Finally, return the meatballs to the skillet and coat them lovingly in the gravy, letting everything meld together as it warms through for 5 more minutes.

Step 3: Whipping Up Creamy Mashed Potatoes

While your meatballs are taking a gravy bath, it’s time to tackle the mashed potatoes. Boil the peeled and cubed russet potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain thoroughly, return to the pot, and add butter, milk, and if you’re feeling indulgent, sour cream. Season with salt and pepper, then mash everything together until the texture is smooth, creamy, and irresistible. These potatoes are the dreamiest base for your Salisbury meatballs.

Step 4: Bringing It All Together

To serve, dollop generous scoops of mashed potatoes on your plates, spoon the Salisbury meatballs over the top along with plenty of that glorious brown gravy. If you want to add a splash of color and freshness, a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley works beautifully. This is the moment where all the flavors and textures come together in perfect harmony.

How to Serve Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way with this dish. Fresh parsley or chopped chives add a pop of color and a subtle freshness that cuts through the richness. A light dusting of paprika can also bring a hint of warmth and color that makes this meal visually enticing before even taking the first delicious bite.

Side Dishes

Although the Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with some steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp garden salad adds a vibrant contrast both in texture and flavor. These sides help balance the dish with a touch of brightness and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive twist, serve the meatballs and mashed potatoes in individual mini casserole dishes or gratin plates, layering the meatballs and potatoes and topping with gravy just before serving. Alternatively, create a “meatball sandwich” by placing the meatballs and savory gravy between thick slices of crusty bread with a side of mashed potatoes for a fun, no-fuss comfort food experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the meatballs and gravy separate from the mashed potatoes if possible, as this helps maintain the best texture when reheating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, place the meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container and the mashed potatoes in another. Both will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is on the stovetop for the meatballs and gravy, warming them slowly over medium heat with a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stove with a little butter or milk to regain their creamy consistency without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a leaner alternative, though you might want to add an extra egg or a bit more milk to keep the meatballs moist and tender.

What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

If Worcestershire sauce is hard to find, a combination of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice can mimic its tangy, umami qualities quite well.

Is it necessary to use russet potatoes for the mashed potatoes?

Russets are ideal due to their fluffy texture when mashed, but Yukon Gold potatoes can also work well if you prefer a buttery flavor and creamier texture.

Can I make the Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour substitutes like cornstarch or rice flour for the gravy to accommodate gluten-free diets without sacrificing taste.

How can I make the gravy thicker if it’s too runny?

Mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and whisk it into the simmering gravy gradually until you reach your desired thickness.

Final Thoughts

The Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a celebration of comfort food at its finest. It’s approachable, satisfying, and offers layers of flavor that warm both the stomach and the soul. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon – it’s perfect for creating memories around the dinner table and satisfying cravings for a hearty, homemade meal.

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