Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes

Introduction

Warm, comforting, and ready to become a weeknight favorite, these Salisbury steak meatballs served over garlic herb mashed potatoes are pure comfort food in a single plate. The meatballs are seasoned with classic pantry staples and baked for an easy hands-off finish. Creamy mashed potatoes get a fragrant garlic and parsley lift that pairs perfectly with the savory brown gravy. If you love dishes that feel special but are simple to make, this recipe is a keeper and pairs nicely with a lighter seafood mash like our creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This dish combines ease and depth of flavor without a long ingredient list, making it perfect for busy evenings or cozy weekends. Baking the meatballs saves time and keeps cleanup minimal while still delivering a browned exterior and juicy center. The gravy simmers up quickly from sliced onions and beef broth, turning drippings into a silky sauce that clings to both meat and potato. The garlic in the mashed potatoes is mellowed by cooking and then brightened with fresh parsley for a clean finish. Overall, it’s a fuss free dinner that feels homemade and impressive when served family style.

Flavor and Texture

The meatballs offer a satisfying balance of savory beef, tang from Worcestershire sauce, and herbal notes from dried thyme. Browning in the oven creates a slightly caramelized outer bite that contrasts with a tender interior. The gravy is glossy and smooth, coating each meatball with rich beef flavor and sweet onion undertones. Mashed potatoes are velvety, with little pockets of roasted garlic aroma and a fresh hit of parsley. Together the plate delivers a comforting mix of creamy, tender, and saucy textures that make every forkful memorable.

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• For the Gravy:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Mashed Potatoes:
• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme; mix until just combined.
3. Shape the meat mixture into 1 inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add sliced onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
6. Stir in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
7. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue to simmer until the gravy thickens, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. For the mashed potatoes, place chopped potatoes and garlic in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil, cooking until the potatoes are tender.
9. Drain the potatoes and garlic, return them to the pot, add milk and butter, and mash until smooth; stir in salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley.
10. Add the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the gravy, gently tossing to coat, then serve the meatballs over a generous scoop of garlic herb mashed potatoes and drizzle with extra gravy.

Tips for Best Results

Use a light touch when mixing the meatball mixture to avoid compacting the meat and ending up with dense meatballs. If you prefer a deeper gravy, brown the baked meatballs briefly in the skillet before adding the broth to pick up extra fond. Taste the gravy after thickening and adjust seasoning; a splash more Worcestershire sauce can enhance savory depth. If potatoes become gluey, warm a little extra milk and fold it in gently until fluffy. For a twist, follow techniques from our cracked garlic steak tortellini post for additional garlic forward ideas.

Storage and Make Ahead

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days, keeping gravy and potatoes together for best texture. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if the gravy or potatoes have thickened. You can bake the meatballs ahead and freeze them on a tray, then move to a sealed bag; thaw and reheat in gravy when ready to serve. Mashed potatoes reheat well with a bit of butter added for renewed creaminess.

Final Thought

This recipe brings classic comfort to the table with minimal effort and maximum payoff. It’s flexible, family friendly, and looks beautiful when plated with a sprig of parsley. Keep the method in your weeknight rotation for an easy, satisfying meal.

Conclusion

For the original full recipe inspiration and variations, see the original recipe post which inspired this comforting plate.

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