Irresistible Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes

When the craving for hearty, soul-satisfying food hits, nothing compares to a plate of Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes. Juicy, flavorful meatballs are simmered in a rich onion gravy and served over buttery, creamy mashed potatoes. This timeless comfort food combo is everything a cozy dinner should be—warming, satisfying, and packed with homemade goodness.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping a make-ahead dinner, or just looking for a stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal, this recipe delivers. It’s a delicious twist on classic Salisbury steak, combining ground beef with mashed potatoes and savory gravy in a way that feels both nostalgic and elevated.

Let’s dive into how to make this perfect dish—from tender meatballs to the smoothest mashed potatoes, plus all the tips you need to get it just right.

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What Are Salisbury Meatballs? A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

Salisbury meatballs are inspired by traditional Salisbury steak, which is typically a seasoned ground beef patty served with onion gravy. In this version, we transform that concept into bite-sized meatballs that cook faster and are even more versatile.

They’re:

• Made with ground beef and pantry seasonings
• Simmered in a rich, beefy onion gravy
• Perfect served with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles
• A go-to meal for comforting, homemade flavor

It’s the best of meatballs with mashed potatoes and gravy, all in one easy-to-make, family-friendly recipe.

Ingredients for Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes (With Exact Measurements)

This recipe serves 4–6 and includes both the meatballs and mashed potatoes.

For the Salisbury meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (80–85% lean)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)

For the onion gravy:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the mashed potatoes:

• 2 lbs Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup milk (or more, to desired consistency)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess

These ingredients work together to create that classic meatballs and mashed potatoes gravy experience—rich, tender, and totally comforting.

Essential Tools You’ll Need to Make This Recipe at Home

To prepare this dish, you’ll need:

• Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Medium saucepan (for potatoes)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• Potato masher or electric mixer
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

These tools help ensure smooth prep and perfect results from stovetop to table.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Salisbury Meatballs with Gravy

Step 1: Make the meatball mixture
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Use your hands or a fork to mix just until combined.

Step 2: Shape and brown the meatballs
Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5–6 minutes total), then remove and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the onion gravy
In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced onions. Cook over medium-low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until golden and caramelized. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute.

Step 4: Add broth and simmer
Slowly whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Add meatballs and simmer
Return meatballs to the skillet. Cover and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, or until meatballs are fully cooked and the gravy thickens.

While the meatballs cook, make your mashed potatoes.

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How to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes to Pair with Meatballs

Step 1: Boil the potatoes
Place peeled, cubed potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.

Step 2: Drain and mash
Drain the potatoes and return to the hot pot. Add butter, warm milk, and optional sour cream or cream cheese. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.

Step 3: Keep warm
Cover to keep warm until the meatballs and gravy are ready to serve.

This method delivers fluffy, rich mashed potatoes—ideal for soaking up all that Salisbury meatballs gravy.

Tips for Perfect Gravy, Juicy Meatballs, and Fluffy Potatoes

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture – it can make them tough.
• Brown the meatballs first – it locks in moisture and adds flavor.
• Caramelize onions low and slow – for a deep, sweet flavor in the gravy.
• Use Yukon Gold potatoes – they make naturally creamy mash without needing heavy cream.
• Warm your milk and butter – it helps the potatoes absorb liquid evenly.

These tricks guarantee delicious, restaurant-quality mash potatoes and meatballs at home.

Instant Pot Option: How to Make Salisbury Meatballs Faster

Short on time? Try this Salisbury meatballs Instant Pot method.

Step 1: Brown meatballs using the sauté function.
Step 2: Remove meatballs, cook onions in butter, then add flour and broth.
Step 3: Return meatballs to the pot. Lock lid and pressure cook on high for 8 minutes.
Step 4: Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release.
Step 5: Thicken gravy if needed using the sauté function before serving.

It’s a fast and easy way to get the same slow-cooked flavor on a busy night.

Serving Suggestions: From Weeknight Dinners to Comfort Food Cravings

Here are some ideas for serving meatballs on mashed potatoes:

• Classic style: Spoon meatballs and gravy generously over mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
• Family-style platter: Serve everything in a large dish for a rustic presentation.
• Add a side: Steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple salad make great additions.
• Meal prep bowls: Portion mashed potatoes and meatballs into containers for hearty lunches.

However you serve it, this is comfort food at its absolute best.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips for Meal Prep

To store:
Cool leftovers and transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat:
Microwave individual servings or warm in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or milk.

To freeze:
Freeze meatballs and gravy separately from mashed potatoes for best texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Meal prep tip:
Make double the meatballs and freeze half for a ready-made dinner another night.

This dish is highly freezer- and meal prep-friendly—ideal for batch cooking.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values for one serving (1/6 of recipe):

• Calories: 475
• Protein: 26 g
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Calcium: 6% DV
• Iron: 18% DV

You can lighten it up by using lean ground beef, low-fat milk, or olive oil in the mash.

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Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes! Just reduce cooking time slightly and check for doneness at 165°F internal temperature.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use plant-based butter and milk for the mashed potatoes, and olive oil in the gravy.

Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute cornstarch for flour in the gravy.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, then transfer to gravy.

Do the mashed potatoes hold up for leftovers?
Yes. Just add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to revive the creamy texture.

Final Thoughts and Invite to Share or Subscribe

Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes are everything you want in a comfort food classic—rich, savory, hearty, and made from scratch with love. Whether you’re cooking a cozy family dinner, planning a weekend meal prep, or just need a warm plate after a long day, this recipe delivers every time.

It’s a modern twist on a nostalgic favorite that keeps things simple yet satisfying.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your comfort food-loving friends, pin it to your favorite dinner ideas board, and subscribe to the blog for more hearty, homemade meals your whole family will love.

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