When you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and downright comforting, Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes is the meal to make. It’s a cozy twist on the classic Salisbury steak—tender, juicy meatballs smothered in a rich, savory onion gravy and served over creamy, buttery mashed potatoes infused with garlic and herbs. Every bite is packed with warmth, nostalgia, and deep flavor.
I love making this recipe on chilly evenings when I want something filling but easy. Once, I swapped ground beef for turkey, and it turned out just as delicious (a little lighter, too). The gravy alone is worth making—it’s glossy, flavorful, and coats the meatballs perfectly. Serve this dish for a family dinner or when you just want to treat yourself to the ultimate comfort meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes recipe takes a timeless classic and gives it a modern, crowd-pleasing twist. Instead of traditional patties, you get juicy, bite-sized meatballs simmered in homemade brown gravy. The garlic herb mashed potatoes are luxuriously creamy and the perfect base for soaking up every drop of gravy. It’s hearty, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make—ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
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Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes: A Comfort Food Classic Reinvented
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy Salisbury steak–style meatballs simmered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy, served over creamy garlic herb mashed potatoes — the ultimate comfort food dinner.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
- For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup milk (more as needed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined and shape into 1 ½-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides (about 5–6 minutes total). Remove and set aside — they will finish cooking in the gravy.
- Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onions and mushrooms; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth, then add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer until thickened.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low for 10–15 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked and the gravy is rich.
- Make the Mashed Potatoes: While the meatballs cook, boil potatoes in salted water for 12–15 minutes until tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth.
- Serve: Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top with Salisbury steak meatballs and generous ladles of gravy. Garnish with extra parsley.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a mix of ground beef and pork.
- Add a splash of cream to the gravy for a silkier texture.
- Mashed potatoes can be made ahead and reheated with a bit of milk to loosen.
- Serve with green beans or roasted carrots for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef – The main protein; choose 80/20 for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
Breadcrumbs – Bind the mixture and keep the meatballs tender.
Egg – Helps the meatballs hold their shape while staying moist.
Worcestershire sauce – Adds that signature Salisbury steak flavor—deep, tangy, and savory.
Garlic powder and onion powder – Classic seasonings that infuse the meatballs with flavor.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings that bring balance and depth.
Olive oil or butter – Used to brown the meatballs and enhance flavor.
Onion – Thinly sliced for the rich, caramelized onion gravy.
Beef broth – The base of the gravy, giving it a rich, meaty flavor.
Flour – Thickens the gravy to the perfect silky consistency.
Butter – Adds richness and depth to the gravy.
Fresh thyme or parsley – Adds freshness and color to the dish.
Potatoes – Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work best for creamy mashed potatoes.
Heavy cream or milk – For smooth, rich mashed potatoes.
Garlic – Roasted or sautéed for a mellow, aromatic flavor in the mash.
Butter and olive oil – Combine for a luscious, flavorful finish.
Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or chives) – Add brightness and aroma to the mashed potatoes.
Directions
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined. Roll into 1-inch balls.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.
- Make the onion gravy: In the same skillet, add butter and sliced onions. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in beef broth, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened.
- Simmer the meatballs: Return the meatballs to the skillet, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until cooked through. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce and season to taste.
- Make the mashed potatoes: While the meatballs cook, boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes). Drain and mash with butter, heavy cream, roasted garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir in chopped fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Serve: Spoon the garlic herb mashed potatoes onto plates, top with Salisbury steak meatballs, and drizzle with the rich onion gravy. Garnish with extra herbs for a beautiful finish.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes about 45–50 minutes total—20 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking. It’s perfect for a comforting family dinner or an impressive weekend meal.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the gravy and mashed potatoes. You can also freeze the meatballs and gravy separately for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Turkey Salisbury Meatballs
Use ground turkey for a lighter version that’s just as flavorful.
Mushroom Gravy Twist
Add sliced mushrooms to the onion gravy for an earthy, rich variation.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Mix shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the mashed potatoes for extra creaminess.
Cream of Onion Version
Add a splash of cream to the gravy for a velvety, indulgent texture.
Low-Carb Option
Swap the mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower to lighten it up.
Classic Salisbury Steak Style
Form the mixture into patties instead of meatballs for a traditional presentation.
FAQs
1. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes, then finish in the gravy.
2. Can I use ground pork or a mix of meats?
Yes, a mix of beef and pork adds even more flavor and tenderness.
3. How do I keep my meatballs from falling apart?
Don’t overmix the meat, and make sure to include the egg and breadcrumbs.
4. Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream before serving.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of flour for the gravy.
6. How can I make the gravy thicker?
Simmer it uncovered a few extra minutes or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
7. What potatoes are best for mashing?
Yukon golds yield creamy mashed potatoes, while russets are lighter and fluffier.
8. Can I add wine to the gravy?
Yes, a splash of red wine adds depth and sophistication to the sauce.
9. What can I serve alongside this dish?
A side of green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp salad pairs perfectly.
10. Can I make the gravy creamier?
Stir in a tablespoon of sour cream or heavy cream just before serving for extra richness.
Conclusion
Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something special. Juicy, flavorful meatballs in a savory onion gravy paired with buttery, herbed mashed potatoes—it’s comfort food at its best. Easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests, this dish delivers everything you love about homemade comfort: warmth, flavor, and a whole lot of satisfaction in every bite.
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