These Easy Salisbury Meatballs are tender and packed with flavor, swimming in a creamy gravy. Paired with fluffy mashed potatoes, this dish is comfort food at its best!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good meatball? I always make extra to snack on! Serve with those mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a meal that makes everyone happy.
For me, it’s all about the simplicity. You mix, bake, and enjoy! Plus, the creamy potatoes soak up that delicious gravy—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: While I usually stick with ground beef for its rich flavor, you can mix in ground pork for added juiciness. Turkey or chicken also works if you’re looking for a lighter option!
Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, crushed crackers or even oats can work in a pinch. Just keep in mind that oats might slightly change the texture.
Onion & Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic are great, but if you’re in a hurry, onion powder and garlic powder can give you similar flavor. Just adjust your amounts based on your taste!
Beef Broth: For a richer taste, use homemade broth or stock. If you’re reducing sodium or want it vegetarian, swap in vegetable broth instead!
Potatoes: Russets give a fluffy texture, but Yukon Gold potatoes will provide a delightful creaminess. Sweet potatoes are an interesting twist if you’re feeling adventurous!
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Creamy Mashed Potatoes?
A common challenge with mashed potatoes is getting them creamy without being gummy. The key here is to follow these steps:
- Start with cold salted water when boiling the potatoes. This ensures even cooking.
- Once soft, drain the potatoes well. Excess water can make them watery.
- Return them to the pot to steam off any remaining moisture for a minute or two.
- Add the warm milk gradually while mashing. This helps keep them fluffy!
- For creaminess, I love adding a bit of sour cream or cream cheese—this makes them extra special!
Following these tips will ensure your mashed potatoes are silky and not sticky. Enjoy your meal!
Easy Salisbury Meatballs with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salisbury Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Gravy:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs (900g) potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warm)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, totaling around 1 hour. It’s a cozy meal that’s quick enough for a family dinner but delicious enough to impress guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently, either with your hands or a spoon until combined—don’t overmix!
2. Form Meatballs:
Shape the mix into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a plate or tray. Make sure they are uniform, so they cook evenly.
3. Cook Meatballs:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. They don’t need to be cooked through—just nicely browned. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make Gravy:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to avoid burning. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Add Worcestershire sauce, then bring the gravy to a simmer and cook until it thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
5. Simmer Meatballs in Gravy:
Return the meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Cover the skillet and let them simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Make Mashed Potatoes:
While the meatballs are cooking, place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until they are tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain the potatoes well.
7. Mash Potatoes:
Return the drained potatoes to the pot (or a large bowl). Add warm milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. For added richness and flavor, you may fold in sour cream or cream cheese if desired.
8. Serve:
Plate the creamy mashed potatoes and generously top with the Salisbury meatballs and savory gravy. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dinner!
This dish gives you classic Salisbury flavors with an easy-to-make gravy and smooth mashed potatoes—a perfect comforting dinner that everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Salisbury Meatballs with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lighter option that works well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey meatballs might be slightly less juicy, so you might want to add a bit more moisture (like an extra spoonful of milk) to the mixture.
How Do I Make the Gravy Gluten-Free?
To make the gravy gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix it with a small amount of cold beef broth to create a slurry before adding it to the simmering gravy to avoid lumps.
Can I Prep the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them up to 24 hours in advance. Form the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and cover them tightly. When ready to cook, simply follow the recipe instructions for browning and simmering!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the gravy thickens, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up a bit.
