Introduction
Transform humble ground beef and potatoes into a comforting, restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes! This recipe is your secret weapon for a delicious weeknight dinner that’s surprisingly simple and satisfying. No more takeout – let’s get cooking!
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it balances classic comfort food flavors with unbelievable speed and ease. The Salisbury meatballs are juicy and flavorful, while the mashed potatoes are creamy and perfectly smooth. It’s a complete meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal cleanup!
Key Ingredients
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef
- 🧅 ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 🍞 ½ cup bread crumbs
- 🥛 ¼ cup milk
- 🥚 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🥣 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 🧂 1 tsp salt
- 🫙 ½ tsp black pepper
- 🥔 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 🧈 ½ cup unsalted butter
- 🥛 ½ cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Potatoes: Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain well.
2️⃣ Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, onion, bread crumbs, milk, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs tough.
3️⃣ Form Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
4️⃣ Cook the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.
5️⃣ Mash the Potatoes: While the meatballs simmer, mash the cooked potatoes with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6️⃣ Serve: Serve the Salisbury meatballs over a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the meatball mixture.
- If you don’t have bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers instead.
- Don’t overwork the meatball mixture; gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
Heat Control
Medium heat is key for browning the meatballs without burning them. Lowering the heat to low after browning ensures they cook through gently and remain juicy. For the potatoes, a rolling boil is needed to cook them quickly and evenly.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe focuses on creamy textures, you can add a bit of crunch by topping the finished dish with crispy fried onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For even faster cooking, use pre-made mashed potatoes.
- To save cleanup, cook the meatballs in the same pan you used for browning the onions.
- For super-creamy mashed potatoes, use heavy cream instead of milk.
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 meal makes a wonderful gift for new parents or anyone recovering from illness. Package individual portions of meatballs and mashed potatoes in attractive disposable containers, adding a handwritten note.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Salisbury: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture.
🌟 Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mashed potatoes.
🌟 Mushroom Medley: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions before adding to the meatball mixture.
🌟 Herb-Infused Meatballs: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or oregano) to the meatball mixture.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Meatballs: If your meatballs are dry, you may have overcooked them. Next time, reduce the cooking time slightly and check for doneness earlier.
- Lumpy Mashed Potatoes: Use a potato ricer or a food mill for extra-smooth mashed potatoes.
- Bland Meatballs: Ensure you’ve seasoned the meatballs well with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
FAQ
- Can I freeze this meal? Yes, both the meatballs and mashed potatoes freeze well. Freeze them separately before combining.
- Can I use different ground meat? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
- What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce? You can omit it, or use soy sauce as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different.
- How many servings does this recipe make? This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Conclusion
This Easy Salisbury Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes recipe is a true weeknight lifesaver! It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. Enjoy this comforting classic, and don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us on Ratemyrecipes.com!
30-Minute Salisbury Steak: Weeknight Dinner Winner
A quick and delicious Salisbury steak recipe perfect for busy weeknights, served with a savory mushroom gravy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 4 oval patties.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and sautu00e9 until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Return the patties to the skillet and cook for an additional 20 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water together. Stir the mixture into the skillet and cook until the gravy thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve the Salisbury steaks with the mushroom gravy over the top, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or onion powder to the beef mixture.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious gravy.