Name: Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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; 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

I am absolutely in love with this Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe because it brings all the cozy, home-cooked comfort food vibes into one delicious plate. The savory meatballs perfectly paired with rich, garlicky mashed potatoes feel like a warm hug on a fork. Every bite bursts with deep, hearty flavors that make it my go-to dish whenever I crave a satisfying meal that still feels a bit special. I know you’ll adore it just like I do.

Why You'll Love This Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe

What really makes this Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe stand out for me is the balance of flavors that come together so effortlessly. The meatballs are juicy and seasoned with the perfect blend of Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and garlic, giving them a robust, savory taste without being too heavy. Then, pairing them with the creamy garlic herb mashed potatoes creates this heavenly combo — one that feels indulgent but comforting at the same time.

I’m also a big fan of how straightforward the recipe is. Even if you’re not usually up for meatball-making or gravy-simmering, the step-by-step process is pretty simple and rewarding. Baking the meatballs instead of frying saves a lot of hassle and mess, plus it really helps keep them moist. Meanwhile, the gravy made right in the skillet adds that luscious finish, turning a simple meal into something restaurant-quality on your dining table.

This dish is perfect for so many occasions—I’ve served it on busy weeknights, cozy family dinners on the weekend, and even during holiday gatherings when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s hearty enough to satisfy a crowd but still feels like a personal, warm meal. If you want something deliciously classic that doesn’t feel boring, this is exactly what you need in your recipe box.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a white deep plate filled with many brown meatballs covered in a thick, shiny brown sauce with small chunks of onions. The meatballs are arranged close together, almost touching, with a metal spoon scooping up some of them on the right side. The meatballs have a textured surface and are sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The sauce is glossy and coats the meatballs well, pooling slightly at the bottom of the plate. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients for this recipe are simple, easy-to-find, and come together to build layers of taste, texture, and inviting color. The ground beef gives the meatballs a juicy, rich foundation, while the breadcrumbs and egg bind everything so the meatballs hold their shape nicely. Fresh garlic and onions boost the savory elements, and the Worcestershire sauce adds that unmistakable umami kick.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Ground beef: The star of your meatballs, providing rich flavor and a tender texture.
Breadcrumbs: These ensure the meatballs hold together without becoming dense or dry.
Egg: Acts as a binder helping everything stay nicely combined.
Onion (for meatballs and gravy): Adds sweet, aromatic depth when cooked.
Garlic: Essential to infuse that irresistible savory punch throughout the dish.
Worcestershire sauce: A classic ingredient that brings umami and subtle complexity.
Dried thyme: Lends an earthy herbaceous note that brightens the meatballs.
Olive oil: For sautéing onions and garlic to perfection with a mild fruitiness.
Beef broth: The base of the gravy providing deep meaty flavor and moisture.
Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the gravy into a luscious coating for the meatballs.
Potatoes: The foundation of the mashed potatoes, hearty and creamy with butter and milk.
Butter and milk: Key for rich, smooth mashed potatoes with a silky finish.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness right before serving.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors perfectly.

Directions

Step 1: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. I like to gently mix everything with my hands until just combined — be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Shape the meat mixture into meatballs about 1-inch in diameter. Place them spaced evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop the meatballs in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes until they are nicely browned and cooked through.

Step 3: While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté with the minced garlic until the onions turn translucent and fragrant — this usually takes around 5 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch mixed with water (the slurry) and keep stirring as the sauce thickens to a gravy-like consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting until it hits that perfect savory note.

Step 5: For the mashed potatoes, place peeled and chopped potatoes along with the 4 cloves of minced garlic into a large pot. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Boil until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Drain the potatoes and garlic, then return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter, mashing everything until smooth and creamy. Stir in salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley to finish your garlic herb mashed potatoes with a beautiful fresh touch.

Step 7: Once the meatballs are done, transfer them gently into the skillet with the gravy. Toss them carefully to coat each meatball in that luscious sauce, allowing the flavors to meld for a minute or two over low heat.

Step 8: Serve the Salisbury steak meatballs over a generous bed of the garlic herb mashed potatoes. Don’t be shy with a little extra gravy on top — that’s the best part!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings, perfect for a family meal or a hearty dinner with friends. The prep time takes roughly 20 minutes, and the baking along with gravy simmering requires about 30 minutes. Cooking the potatoes adds another 20 minutes, so you’ll want to set aside around 1 hour and 10 minutes total from start to finish. No extra resting time is needed, so you can dig in as soon as everything is ready.

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

The image shows a white plate with creamy mashed potatoes spread evenly as the base layer. On top, there are several brown meatballs covered in brown gravy sauce with bits of mushrooms visible throughout. A silver fork is piercing one meatball from the top, held by a woman’s hand coming from the top left corner. Some finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled lightly over the meatballs and mashed potatoes. The background is a white marbled surface with a small blurred green leafy plant on the left side and a clear pepper shaker behind the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe, I love to keep things classic but with a little flourish. Plating a big scoop of the creamy mashed potatoes on the plate first, I arrange the beautifully glazed meatballs on top or beside them. Then I drizzle extra savory gravy all over the dish—it makes it feel so rich and inviting. I often finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a fresh herbal note that brightens each bite.

To round out this dish, I recommend pairing it with roasted or steamed green veggies like green beans or broccoli to add a crunchy contrast and freshness. A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the richness perfectly. For drinks, a robust red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs wonderfully, as the wine's boldness matches the savory meatballs and gravy. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a sparkling iced tea with lemon balances the meal beautifully.

This meal is a gem for cozy family dinners on chilly evenings, holiday gatherings where you want to impress without fuss, or even casual weekend lunches. I always serve it warm and fresh to enjoy the full comfort of the textures and flavors. Portion-wise, I find two to three meatballs per person alongside a generous heap of mashed potatoes makes a filling and satisfying plate.

Variations

I love customizing this Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. If you want a lighter version, try swapping ground beef for ground turkey or chicken—the meatballs stay juicy and flavorful but feel a bit leaner. For a twist on the flavor, adding a bit of smoked paprika or fresh rosemary to the meatball mixture gives an aromatic depth that’s delightful.

If you’re aiming for a gluten-free meal, using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers works perfectly with no loss in texture. For dairy-free mashed potatoes, substitute the butter and milk with olive oil and a plant-based milk alternative like almond or oat milk—then add garlic and parsley as usual for that familiar taste. Vegans could also try a lentil or mushroom-based “meatball” with a rich vegetable broth gravy and creamy potato mash made from coconut milk for a flavorful plant-forward option.

Cooking methods can vary too—I sometimes pan-fry the meatballs for extra browning and flavor before finishing them in the oven or simmering in gravy right away. Slow cooking the meatballs in gravy is another wonderful approach if you want them incredibly tender and infused with deep flavor, though it takes a bit longer. Whichever method you choose, the magic of this combination shines through.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store wonderfully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I prefer to keep the meatballs and gravy together in one container to retain moisture and flavor, while the mashed potatoes go in a separate container to prevent them from getting too soggy or absorbing too much gravy.

Freezing

You can freeze both the meatballs with gravy and the mashed potatoes separately. Place them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen, they keep well for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, cool everything completely before sealing and freezing to preserve texture and taste.

Reheating

For reheating, gently warm the meatballs with gravy on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking and to restore that silky gravy texture. Mashed potatoes reheat best on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk or butter added to refresh their creaminess. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out. Reheated together, they taste almost as good as fresh!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative to beef. Just be mindful it can dry out more easily, so keep an eye on cooking time and consider adding a bit more moisture such as an extra egg or some grated onion to keep the meatballs juicy.

What is the best way to get smooth mashed potatoes without lumps?

To get perfectly smooth mashed potatoes, I recommend boiling the potatoes until very tender, then mashing them right away while warm using a potato masher or ricer. Adding warm milk and melted butter gradually helps create a creamy texture. Avoid overworking the potatoes to prevent them from becoming gluey.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes! The gravy can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just gently reheat it on the stove and whisk occasionally to bring back its smooth consistency. Then add warm meatballs to coat before serving.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth do not contain gluten-containing ingredients. This way, you keep the flavors intact without worry.

What sides go best with Salisbury steak meatballs and garlic herb mashed potatoes?

I love pairing this dish with simple roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or a mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These lighter sides cut through the richness and add fresh textures, balancing the plate beautifully.

Conclusion

I genuinely can’t recommend the Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe enough if you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a special treat but is surprisingly simple to make. This dish delivers juicy, flavorful meatballs, luscious gravy, and dreamy mashed potatoes all in one satisfying plate. Give it a try—I promise it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to dinners too!