Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes: A Cozy, Classic Comfort Food Dinner

Few meals bring the same kind of comfort as Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes—tender, juicy meatballs smothered in rich brown gravy and served alongside creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. It’s the perfect blend of savory, hearty flavors and soft, pillowy textures that warm you from the inside out.

This dish takes inspiration from the classic Salisbury steak, but swaps the traditional patties for bite-sized meatballs that are perfect for soaking up that luscious gravy. Paired with smooth mashed potatoes, it’s a dinner that feels like home, whether you’re cooking for a quiet family night or serving guests on a chilly evening.

Even better, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and can be made in under an hour. That means you can enjoy a made-from-scratch comfort meal without spending all night in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate comfort food – Hearty, satisfying, and soul-warming.

• Family-friendly – Familiar flavors everyone enjoys.

• Budget-conscious – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.

• Make-ahead option – Meatballs and gravy store well for easy reheating.

• Perfect pairing – Mashed potatoes are the ideal canvas for rich gravy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85–90% lean)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup milk

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Gravy

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ½ cup whole milk (warm)

• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Extra black pepper

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until fork-tender (about 15 minutes).

3. Drain and return potatoes to the pot.

4. Mash with butter, warm milk, and cream (if using) until smooth and fluffy.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.

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Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.

2. Roll mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add a little oil, and brown meatballs on all sides (about 6–8 minutes total).

4. Transfer meatballs to a plate (they will finish cooking in the gravy).

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Step 3: Make the Gravy

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden brown (this removes the raw flour taste).

3. Gradually whisk in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

4. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, then season with salt and pepper.

5. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

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Step 4: Simmer Meatballs in Gravy

1. Return meatballs to the skillet, spooning gravy over them.

2. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature 160°F / 71°C).

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Step 5: Serve

• Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top with meatballs, and ladle gravy generously over everything.

• Garnish with fresh parsley for color and a burst of freshness.

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Tips for the Best Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes

• Don’t overmix meatball mixture – This keeps them tender.

• Brown first, then simmer – Browning adds flavor, simmering keeps them juicy.

• Warm your milk for mashed potatoes – This helps them absorb liquid without cooling down.

• Use Yukon Gold for creamy texture – They mash smooth but still have a buttery flavor.

• Double the gravy – Because there’s no such thing as too much gravy.

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Flavor Variations

• Mushroom gravy – Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms when making the gravy.

• Cheesy mashed potatoes – Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan before serving.

• Turkey version – Use ground turkey and chicken broth for a lighter twist.

• Herb boost – Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the gravy.

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Serving Suggestions

• With vegetables – Serve with green beans, peas, or roasted carrots for a balanced plate.

• Over egg noodles – Swap potatoes for buttered noodles for a different take.

• With crusty bread – Perfect for sopping up extra gravy.

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Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store meatballs and potatoes separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Freeze meatballs in gravy for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge before reheating. Mashed potatoes freeze less well but can be done if needed.

• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen the gravy.

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Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 26g

• Carbohydrates: 38g

• Fat: 28g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 3g

Exact values will vary depending on ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Yes—bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, then add to gravy.

2. Can I make the gravy gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener.

3. How do I make the potatoes extra creamy?
Use a potato ricer instead of a masher for the smoothest texture.

4. Can I use instant potatoes in a pinch?
Yes—but homemade mashed potatoes have a richer flavor.

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Final Thoughts

Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes is a timeless comfort meal—juicy, flavorful meatballs in savory brown gravy paired with buttery mashed potatoes. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet hearty enough to feel like a Sunday dinner.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why Salisbury-style dishes have stayed popular for generations. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a meal you’ll crave again and again.

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