There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a family gathered around a cozy dinner table, and what better way to create that moment than with Salisbury Meatballs and Creamy Mashed Potatoes? This delightful take on the classic dish transforms the traditional Salisbury steak into bite-sized meatballs, making it both fun and approachable for any weeknight meal. Not only is this comfort food quick to prepare, but it also promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Imagine those tender meatballs enveloped in smooth, rich gravy, paired perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth—it’s a recipe that brings back those cherished family meal memories. What’s your go-to comfort food that warms your heart? Why will you adore Salisbury Meatballs? Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, whipping up these Salisbury meatballs is a breeze, perfect for busy weeknights! Flavor Packed: Each bite is bursting with flavor, thanks to savory seasoning and a creamy gravy that ties it all together. Kid-Friendly: Their bite-sized nature makes these meatballs a hit with kids, ensuring everyone will clean their plates. Versatile: Feel free to experiment! Swap in ground turkey for a lighter twist or add vegetables for extra nutrition. Comforting Side: Pair them with creamy mashed potatoes for that beloved nostalgia of family dinners, leaving you satisfied and cozy. Consider serving with a side salad for a complete meal, just like in my Crock Pot Potatoes or Ground Beef Potatoes. Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes Ingredients For the Meatballs • Ground Beef – Provides the main flavor and structure; opt for lean to avoid greasiness. • Breadcrumbs – Binds the meat, adding texture; use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a light option. • Egg – Acts as a binding agent; substitute with flax egg for a vegan alternative. • Onion (finely chopped) – Enhances flavor depth; shallots can be a milder substitute. • Garlic (minced) – Infuses the meatballs with rich aroma; garlic powder works well for convenience. • Salt & Pepper – Essential for taste; adjust according to your preference. For the Gravy • Beef Broth – The base that gives gravy its richness; low-sodium is great for sodium control. • Cream – Adds a smooth texture to the gravy; substitute with milk for a lighter version. For the Mashed Potatoes • Mashed Potatoes – Creamy side dish; adjust milk and butter for your desired consistency. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in the flavorful ensemble of Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes, making it an ideal option for comfort food lovers who crave home-cooked goodness. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, mix until everything is well incorporated, ensuring no dry ingredients remain. This mixture creates the foundation for your flavorful Salisbury meatballs. Let it rest for a few minutes to meld the flavors together. Step 2: Shape the Meatballs Once the mixture has rested, scoop out portions with your hands and form bite-sized meatballs, about one inch in diameter. You should aim for uniformity for even cooking. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper while you prepare for cooking, ensuring they are not touching each other. Step 3: Cook the Meatballs Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, browning them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden crust to form, indicating they’re cooking properly. Aim for a total cooking time of 8-10 minutes. Step 4: Make the Gravy After browning the Salisbury meatballs, remove them from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Use a whisk to combine the broth with the brown bits left in the pan. Slowly whisk in cream, allowing it to thicken slightly; it should take about 3-5 minutes before returning the meatballs to the skillet. Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs in Gravy Carefully nestle the cooked meatballs back into the skillet with the creamy gravy. Let them simmer together for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to heat through. The gravy should become rich and flavorful, coating each meatball generously as they soak up the delicious sauce. Step 6: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes While the meatballs are simmering, peel and chop your potatoes into even-sized pieces. Boil them in a large pot of salted water for about 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain the water, return the potatoes to the pot, and mash them with butter and milk until creamy and smooth, adjusting to your preferred consistency. Step 7: Serve and Enjoy To plate your delicious Salisbury meatballs, serve them over a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes. Drizzle some of the remaining gravy on top for that comforting, homestyle experience. Enjoy this heartwarming meal that’s sure to delight and satisfy your family around the dinner table. What to Serve with Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes Elevate your comfort food experience with delightful side dishes that complement every bite of these hearty meatballs. Garlic Green Beans: A fresh, crunchy side that adds a pop of color and a hint of garlic flavor, balancing the richness of the meatballs. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted to perfection, these offer a delightful crunch and slightly bitter taste, contrasting the creamy gravy beautifully. Side Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette refreshes the palate between the savory bites of meatballs and potatoes. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet and moist, they enhance the overall experience with their delightful crumbly texture while soaking up the gravy. Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy and naturally sweet, this alternative to classic mashed potatoes brings a healthy twist that pairs wonderfully with rich gravy. Homemade Coleslaw: Provides a crunchy, tangy element that lightens the meal, making every bite feel fresh and balanced. Cranberry Sauce: A tart contrast that complements the savory meatballs, offering a burst of flavor that perfectly marries the dish’s richness. Red Wine: A smooth, full-bodied red enhances the dish’s flavors, turning your dinner into a warm, inviting celebration. Chocolate Cake: End your meal on a sweet note with a slice of rich chocolate cake; its decadence will linger in a lovely way, leaving everyone satisfied. Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes Variations Feel free to explore these delightful twists and substitutions to make this recipe uniquely yours! Ground Turkey: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter yet still delicious option. The flavors hold up beautifully with the savory gravy! Vegetarian Alternative: Use lentils or chickpeas instead of meat to create a plant-based version. Just mash them well and spice up with your favorite seasonings. Cheesy Delight: Mix in grated cheese like cheddar or Parmesan into the meatball mixture for an extra flavor boost. The melted cheese creates a lovely richness in every bite! Herbaceous Touch: Stir in fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary into the meatball mix. The freshness brightens up the dish, making it feel vibrant! Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the meat mixture for a touch of heat. This gives a delightful warmth that excites the taste buds. Vegetable Medley: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or carrots into the meatball mix. Not only do they add color, but they also boost nutrition and flavor! Creamy Substitute: For the gravy, swap cream with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. This adds a different dimension of creaminess that’s equally satisfying. Different Carbs: Serve the meatballs with mashed sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash instead of traditional mashed potatoes for a delightful change in texture and flavor. The slight sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory gravy! Feel inspired? Check out my Sausage Egg Wraps for a fun breakfast twist or try the comforting Roasted Chicken Potatoes for another cozy meal option! How to Store and Freeze Salisbury Meatballs Fridge: Store cooked Salisbury meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will keep them fresh and delicious while allowing for easy reheating during busy weeknights. Freezer: For longer storage, place meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag after solidified. They can last for up to 3 months. Reheating: Reheat frozen Salisbury meatballs by gently warming them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until thoroughly heated. Add a splash of broth for a bit of moisture if desired. Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw meatballs in the fridge overnight before reheating, ensuring they stay flavorful and tender. Expert Tips for Salisbury Meatballs Choose Lean Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the meatballs juicy without excessive grease, enhancing the flavors in your Salisbury meatballs. Don’t Skip Resting: Allow the meatball mixture to rest before shaping. This helps meld the flavors and results in tastier and more cohesive meatballs. Perfectly Brown Them: Ensure meatballs are well-browned on the outside to lock in moisture and flavor. This step is crucial for the best texture in your Salisbury meatballs. Adjust Gravy Thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, use less broth or let it simmer longer. Conversely, add more liquid for a lighter sauce that complements the meatballs. Prep Potatoes Simultaneously: To save time, cook the mashed potatoes while the meatballs simmer. This way, everything is ready to serve at the same time! Make Ahead Options These Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the meatballs and gravy up to 3 days in advance; simply cook and cool them before storing in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For best quality, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the meatballs’ tender texture. The creamy mashed potatoes can also be made ahead and stored separately; reheat with a splash of milk to achieve that luscious consistency. When ready to serve, simply warm both components together, and you’ll have a comforting, homemade meal with minimal effort! Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes Recipe FAQs What type of ground beef should I use for the meatballs? Choosing lean ground beef is ideal for your Salisbury meatballs. It provides excellent flavor without excessive greasiness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can also work well, adding a different flavor profile while keeping the dish healthier. How can I tell if my breadcrumbs are fresh enough? Fresh breadcrumbs should smell mild and slightly yeasty, without any off-putting or stale odor. If you notice dark spots or a sour scent, it’s best to discard them. For the best results in your Salisbury meatballs, use breadcrumbs that are crispy and well-balanced in texture, ensuring that they bind effectively without making the meatballs dense. How should I store leftover Salisbury meatballs? After cooking, store your leftover Salisbury meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re cooled to room temperature before sealing, which helps maintain their moisture and flavor. When ready to reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep them juicy! Can I freeze Salisbury meatballs? If so, how? Absolutely! To freeze your Salisbury meatballs, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze completely. Once they’re solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or microwave. What should I do if my meatballs fall apart while cooking? If your Salisbury meatballs are falling apart, it’s often due to not enough binding agent. Next time, ensure you’re using breadcrumbs and egg in the right amounts. Adding a bit of grated Parmesan cheese or even a tablespoon of milk can help-hold everything together. Letting the mixture rest also allows it to firm up before forming the meatballs. Are Salisbury meatballs safe for my pet? While the ingredients used in Salisbury meatballs are safe for most pets in small amounts, avoid serving them gravy, which may contain ingredients like onions and garlic that can be harmful to dogs and cats. Always consult your vet if you’re considering sharing any recipe with your furry friends! Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes Enjoy delicious Salisbury Meatballs and Creamy Mashed Potatoes, the perfect cozy comfort food for family dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 4 peopleCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 550 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Meatballs1 lb Ground Beef Opt for lean to avoid greasiness.1 cup Breadcrumbs Use gluten-free if desired.1 large Egg Substitute with flax egg for vegan option.1 medium Onion Finely chopped; shallots can be used.2 cloves Garlic Minced; garlic powder is a convenient substitute.to taste Saltto taste PepperFor the Gravy2 cups Beef Broth Low-sodium recommended.1 cup Cream Substitute with milk for a lighter version.For the Mashed Potatoes2 lbs Potatoes Creamy side dish; adjust milk and butter for consistency. Equipment large mixing bowlSkilletBaking sheetpotWhisk Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated and let rest for a few minutes.Scoop out portions and form into bite-sized meatballs, about one inch in diameter. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of oil. Brown the meatballs for 4-5 minutes on each side, cooking a total of 8-10 minutes.Remove browned meatballs and add beef broth to the skillet, whisking to combine with brown bits. Whisk in cream and let thicken for 3-5 minutes before returning meatballs to the skillet.Nestle meatballs into the gravy and let simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors.Peel and chop potatoes, boil in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain, return to pot, and mash with butter and milk.Serve meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes with gravy drizzled on top. Nutrition Serving: 1plateCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg NotesChoose lean beef and allow the meatball mixture to rest for enhanced flavors. Adjust gravy thickness and cook potatoes simultaneously for efficiency. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
