Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to love this Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing guests without hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try these tender meatballs smothered in a rich gravy alongside creamy garlic herb mashed potatoes, you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe has a purpose, balancing texture and flavor beautifully. You’ll find pantry staples alongside fresh ingredients that elevate the dish without overwhelming your shopping list.

• Ground beef: The star protein—choose 80/20 for juiciness without too much fat.
• Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs so they hold together and stay tender.
• Milk: Adds moisture and softens the texture of the meatballs and potatoes.
• Onion & garlic: Freshly chopped for depth and aromatic flavor.
• Egg: Acts as a binder so the meatballs keep their shape in the oven.
• Worcestershire sauce: Gives the meat a savory, umami boost.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout.
• Dried parsley, onion powder & garlic powder: Adds layers of herb and spice flavor.
• Beef broth: Base for that gravy magic, rich and flavorful.
• Flour: Thickens the gravy just right.
• Soy sauce & Dijon mustard: Adds complexity and a subtle tang to the sauce.
• Potatoes: Ideal for creamy mashed potatoes—Yukon Gold or Russet work best.
• Butter: Gives the mashed potatoes that silky, rich mouthfeel.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish, freshening every bite.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of the joys of this Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe is how flexible it is. I’ve tried it with different herbs and seasonings to suit whatever mood I’m in, and I encourage you to do the same. Feel free to tweak things and make it your own masterpiece!

• Variation: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mix—I’ve done this when hosting friends who love spice, and it always gets rave reviews.
• Dietary twist: You can use ground turkey or chicken to lighten the dish, though I find beef gives the richest flavor.
• Seasonal switch: Swap fresh parsley for thyme or rosemary in mashed potatoes for a different herbaceous kick.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour alternatives to suit dietary needs.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Mix all the meatball ingredients

I start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings in a big bowl. It’s important to mix just until everything is evenly incorporated—you don’t want to overwork the meat, or the meatballs might become tough. I usually use my hands because it’s the easiest way to feel when it’s just right.

Step 2: Shape and bake the meatballs

I shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches across—nice and uniform so they cook evenly. Then, I lay them out on a baking sheet and pop them into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Baking takes roughly 20 minutes, which is great since it frees you up to start the mashed potatoes.

Step 3: Make the garlic herb mashed potatoes

While the meatballs bake, I boil the peeled, chopped potatoes until fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes). After draining, I add minced garlic, butter, and milk. Then, I mash until smooth and fold in fresh parsley plus a pinch of salt and pepper. The garlic infuses the potatoes with amazing aroma without overpowering, and that fresh parsley truly brightens the dish.

Step 4: Whip up the savory gravy

For the gravy, I cook the flour in a frying pan over medium heat for about a minute to get rid of any raw taste. Slowly, I whisk in the beef broth to avoid lumps. Then, I add soy sauce and Dijon mustard for depth, seasoning with salt and pepper, and let it simmer until thickened, around 5 minutes. Once the meatballs are done, I gently coat them in the gravy—this is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Plate and enjoy

I serve the meatballs smothered in gravy right next to a generous scoop of the garlic herb mashed potatoes. The rich meatballs and creamy potatoes make the perfect cozy dinner duo.

How to Serve Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I like sprinkling a little extra fresh parsley over both the meatballs and the mashed potatoes—adds a fresh pop of color and a slight herbal note. Sometimes, a few crispy fried onions on top of the meatballs add a fantastic crunch and extra flavor that everyone raves about.

Side Dishes

Though this dish is hearty on its own, a simple steamed green vegetable like broccoli or green beans balances the plate nicely. Roasted carrots or sautéed mushrooms add another layer of earthiness that works wonderfully here.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these Salisbury Steak Meatballs with mashed potatoes in individual ramekins layered with extra gravy and topped with a sprig of fresh parsley—makes it feel extra special and fancy, and everyone loves the presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container. I always separate the meatballs and mashed potatoes into different containers to keep the textures fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen extra meatballs and gravy together in freezer-safe bags, and they thaw and reheat well without losing flavor. The mashed potatoes freeze too, but I prefer to freeze them separately for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the meatballs and gravy gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally. For mashed potatoes, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to restore creaminess and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes I find myself coming back to because it’s just so comforting and reliably delicious. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress family or friends. Give it a try—I promise you’ll feel that satisfying “home cooked” warmth with every bite, and maybe even create a new favorite in your household like I did in mine.

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