If there’s one dish that embodies comfort food, it’s Salisbury steak. Add a twist by transforming it into juicy meatballs paired with creamy garlic herb mashed potatoes, and you have a hearty, family-friendly dinner that feels both nostalgic and modern.

This recipe is perfect for weeknights but elegant enough for Sunday dinners. The meatballs are seasoned with onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce, then simmered in a savory beef gravy. Pairing them with buttery mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic and fresh herbs makes the dish unforgettable.

In this article, we’ll cover:

The history of Salisbury steak and why it works as meatballs
Ingredient breakdown
Step-by-step instructions for both meatballs and mashed potatoes
Tips for juicy meatballs and silky potatoes
Variations and serving suggestions
Storage and reheating advice

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg, beaten
¼ cup onion, finely minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

For the Gravy:

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes:

2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 cloves garlic, roasted or boiled with potatoes
½ cup heavy cream (warm)
4 tbsp butter
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Make Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form into meatballs (about golf ball size).
Sear Meatballs: Heat olive oil in skillet. Brown meatballs on all sides (don’t cook through yet). Remove and set aside.
Make Gravy: In same skillet, melt butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly add beef broth while whisking. Stir in Worcestershire, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
Simmer Meatballs: Return meatballs to skillet, cover with gravy, and simmer 10–12 minutes until cooked through.
Cook Potatoes: Boil potatoes (and garlic cloves if not roasted) in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
Mash Potatoes: Mash with butter, warm cream, parsley, salt, and pepper until creamy.
Serve: Plate mashed potatoes, top with meatballs and gravy, garnish with extra parsley.

Why This Dish Works

Meatballs vs. Patties: The bite-sized format makes it fun and perfect for family-style meals.
Gravy Love: The silky beef gravy soaks into both the meatballs and mashed potatoes.
Classic Pairing: Potatoes balance the richness with their fluffy, buttery texture.

Variations

Healthier: Use ground turkey or chicken.
Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms or peas to the gravy.
Cheesy Twist: Mix shredded cheddar into mashed potatoes.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch for thickening.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

Steamed green beans
Buttered carrots
Dinner rolls to mop up the gravy
A glass of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze meatballs and gravy separately for 2 months.
Reheating: Warm on stove with splash of broth. Potatoes can be reheated with a little cream.