Introduction
Transform humble ground beef and potatoes into a comforting classic with this easy Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes recipe! It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make. Get ready for a taste of home-cooked goodness that the whole family will adore.
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s a beautiful balance of savory and creamy. The juicy Salisbury meatballs, bursting with flavor, are perfectly complemented by the smooth, buttery mashed potatoes. It’s a classic comfort food combination that’s always a winner, especially on chilly evenings. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients
- 🥔 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 🥛 1 cup milk
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef
- 🧅 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 🍞 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 🥚 1 egg, beaten
- 🥣 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 🧄 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Potatoes: Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain well.
2️⃣ Make the Mashed Potatoes: Return the potatoes to the pot. Add the milk and butter. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
3️⃣ Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, bread crumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, and garlic. Gently mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix!
4️⃣ Cook the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Brown the meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
5️⃣ Simmer the Meatballs (Optional): For extra juicy meatballs, add 1/2 cup of beef broth to the skillet, bring to a simmer, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
6️⃣ Serve: Spoon the mashed potatoes onto plates and top with the Salisbury meatballs.
Handy Tips
- For extra fluffy mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer instead of a masher.
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture, or the meatballs will be tough.
- If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute soy sauce or steak sauce.
Heat Control
Medium heat is key for both browning the meatballs and preventing burning. For the mashed potatoes, a gentle simmer is all you need to ensure the potatoes cook evenly and don’t become mushy.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe focuses on creamy and tender textures, you can add a little crunch by sprinkling some crispy fried onions on top of the finished dish.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For even quicker meatballs, use pre-shredded onion.
- Add a pinch of dried thyme or oregano to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
- For a richer flavor, use ground chuck instead of ground beef.
Storage Tips
Store leftover meatballs and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t typically gifted, but if you’re making it for a potluck, you can transport the meatballs and mashed potatoes separately in attractive disposable containers.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Salisbury: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture.
🌟 Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mashed potatoes.
🌟 Herb-infused Meatballs: Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) to the meatball mixture.
🌟 Mushroom Medley: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions before adding them to the meatball mixture.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Meatballs: If your meatballs are dry, make sure you don’t overcook them. Adding a little more bread crumbs can also help.
- Lumpy Mashed Potatoes: If you have lumps, use a potato ricer or mash more thoroughly. Add a splash more milk if needed for a smoother consistency.
- Overly Browned Meatballs: Lower the heat and cook more slowly to prevent burning.
FAQ
- Can I use other types of potatoes? Yukon gold potatoes will also work well, but russets are best for creamy mashed potatoes.
- Can I freeze this dish? While freezing isn’t recommended for best quality, you can freeze the cooked meatballs separately and reheat them later. Mashed potatoes do not freeze well.
- How many does this serve? This recipe serves 4-6 people.
- What can I serve with this? A simple green salad would complement this meal perfectly.
- Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture and form the meatballs ahead of time, then cook them just before serving.
Conclusion
This Easy Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes recipe is a true comfort food classic. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Share your photos and reviews on Ratemyrecipes.com – we can’t wait to see your creations!
Super Simple Salisbury Steaks & Mash
A comforting dish featuring juicy Salisbury steaks served with creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 4 oval patties.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add the patties back into the skillet and cover. Cook for 20 minutes until the patties are cooked through.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add to the skillet and stir until the gravy thickens. Remove from heat.
- Meanwhile, in a large pot, boil the quartered potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
- Add milk, butter, and salt to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Serve the Salisbury steaks with mashed potatoes and spoon gravy over the top.
Tips
- For extra flavor, sautu00e9 the onions before adding them to the meat mixture.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.