Introduction
Transform humble ground beef and potatoes into a comforting, restaurant-quality meal in under an hour! This recipe is your shortcut to a satisfying dinner, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave delicious home cooking without the fuss. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to a heartwarming meal the whole family will devour.
Why This Works
This recipe is all about efficiency and big flavor. We’re using simple pantry staples to create a rich, savory sauce that perfectly complements tender meatballs and creamy mashed potatoes. Minimal prep, maximum deliciousness – that’s the name of the game!
Key Ingredients
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef
- 🧅 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 🍞 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 🥚 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 🥛 1/2 cup milk
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🥫 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- 🥔 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 🧈 1/4 cup butter
- 🥛 1/2 cup milk
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Meatballs: In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, and minced garlic. Season generously with salt and pepper. Don’t overmix!
2️⃣ Form and Brown: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3️⃣ Simmer the Sauce: Pour the condensed tomato soup over the browned meatballs. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4️⃣ Mash the Potatoes: While the meatballs simmer, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and return to the pot.
5️⃣ Creamy Mash: Mash the potatoes with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6️⃣ Serve: Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates and top with the Salisbury meatballs and their delicious tomato sauce.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meatball mixture.
- If you don’t have condensed tomato soup, you can easily make your own simple tomato sauce using crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and herbs.
- For perfectly smooth mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer instead of a masher.
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is crucial for browning the meatballs properly, ensuring a delicious crust. Lowering the heat to a gentle simmer prevents burning and allows the meatballs to cook through evenly in the sauce.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe focuses on creamy and tender textures, you can add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the finished dish for a little extra textural interest.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform-sized meatballs for even cooking.
- Add a splash of heavy cream to the mashed potatoes for extra richness.
- Make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them for a quick weeknight meal later.
Storage Tips
Store leftover meatballs and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This meal is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings! Package the meatballs and sauce in a disposable container and the mashed potatoes separately.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Salisbury: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a kick.
🌟 Herb-infused: Include 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano to the meatball mixture.
🌟 Mushroom Medley: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions before adding them to the meatball mixture.
🌟 Cheesy Potatoes: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes for extra cheesy goodness.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Meatballs: If your meatballs are dry, add a tablespoon or two of milk or water to the sauce while simmering.
- Lumpy Mashed Potatoes: Make sure the potatoes are cooked through completely before mashing. Use a potato ricer for the smoothest results.
- Overcooked Meatballs: Reduce the simmering time if the meatballs are drying out too quickly; they should be cooked through but still juicy.
FAQ
- Can I use other types of ground meat? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or a combination of ground beef and pork.
- Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, brown the meatballs in a skillet, then transfer them and the sauce to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- How can I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy? Use warm milk or cream, and add a little butter for extra richness.
- Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Yes, you can add diced carrots or peas to the meatball sauce during the simmering process.
- Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can form the meatballs ahead and store them in the refrigerator or even freeze them for later use.
Conclusion
This Speedy Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes recipe is a true weeknight lifesaver! It’s quick, easy, and delivers on flavor every time. Share your delicious creations with us on social media and let us know how you enjoyed this comforting classic, streamlined for today’s busy schedules!
30-Minute Weeknight Salisbury Steak & Mashup
A quick and easy Salisbury steak recipe served with creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 oval patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes each side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add beef broth and bring to a simmer. Return the patties to the skillet and cover, simmering for 20 minutes.
- While the patties are cooking, boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
- Add milk and butter to the potatoes, mashing until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a bit of water to make a slurry. Stir into the skillet with the patties to thicken the gravy and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve the Salisbury steak over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, spooning the gravy on top.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add sautu00e9ed mushrooms to the gravy.
- Make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them just before serving.