Introduction
Transform humble ground beef and potatoes into a comforting, restaurant-quality meal in under 45 minutes! This recipe is your weeknight savior, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean difficult. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to a homemade dinner that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple.
Why This Works
This recipe’s magic lies in its efficiency. We’re streamlining classic Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes, utilizing simple techniques and readily available ingredients for a meal that’s both impressive and effortlessly achievable. The result? A flavourful, hearty dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef
- 🧅 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 🍞 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 🥚 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 🥔 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 🥛 1/2 cup milk
- 🧈 4 tablespoons butter
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
- 🌿 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Potatoes: Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain well.
2️⃣ Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix.
3️⃣ Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
4️⃣ Brown the Meatballs: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
5️⃣ Mash the Potatoes: While the meatballs brown, mash the cooked potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Stir in parsley (if using).
6️⃣ Simmer the Meatballs: Add 1/2 cup of water to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Return the meatballs to the skillet, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until cooked through.
7️⃣ Serve: Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates and top with Salisbury meatballs.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meatball mixture.
- Don’t overwork the meatball mixture—this can make them tough.
- If you’re short on time, use instant mashed potatoes.
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is crucial for browning the meatballs properly, creating a delicious crust. Lowering the heat to low during simmering ensures the meatballs cook through gently without burning.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe prioritizes creamy mashed potatoes and tender meatballs, you can add a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for an extra textural element.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- For even easier cleanup, line your skillet with parchment paper before browning the meatballs.
- Add a splash of beef broth to the simmering sauce for a richer flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftover meatballs and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t typically gifted, but the individual components could be prepared ahead and packaged separately for a make-ahead meal gift. Think cute containers for the mashed potatoes and the meatballs.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Salisbury: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture.
🌟 Cheesy Mash: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese to the mashed potatoes.
🌟 Mushroom Medley: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions before adding them to the meatballs.
🌟 Garlic Goodness: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the meatball mixture for an extra aromatic punch.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Meatballs: If the meatballs are dry, add a tablespoon or two of milk or water to the meatball mixture.
- Lumpy Mashed Potatoes: Use a potato ricer or a food mill for extra-smooth mashed potatoes.
- Burnt Meatballs: Reduce your heat!
FAQ
- Can I use ground turkey? Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef.
- Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying them? Yes, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- How can I make this recipe ahead of time? Prepare the meatballs and mashed potatoes separately ahead of time, then combine and reheat just before serving.
- What side dishes pair well with this? A simple green salad or steamed green beans would complement this meal perfectly.
Conclusion
This Speedy Salisbury Steak & Mash is a weeknight winner that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s quick, easy, and delivers on flavor—perfectly balancing comfort and convenience. Share this recipe with your friends and enjoy!
Speedy Salisbury Steaks & Mash
A quick and delicious take on the classic Salisbury steak served with creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 oval patties.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add beef broth and bring to a simmer. Return patties to the skillet and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to pot.
- Add milk, butter, and salt to the potatoes and mash until smooth.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir into the skillet with the patties to thicken the gravy.
- Serve patties over mashed potatoes, drizzled with gravy.
Tips
- For extra flavor, sautu00e9 the onions before adding them to the meat mixture.
- Make sure to let the mashed potatoes sit covered for a few minutes after mashing for the best texture.