These Easy Salisbury Steak Meatballs are juicy and packed with flavor, all topped with a creamy mushroom gravy. They’re perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Served alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, this meal will have you feeling like a chef in no time—no fancy skills needed! I love making extra gravy to pour on my potatoes, yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for tender meatballs. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try ground turkey or chicken. They work great, but the flavor will be a bit lighter.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs. If you want a gluten-free version, try gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed oats for a good alternative.
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add earthiness to the gravy. If you can’t find them, canned mushrooms are fine, but fresh will give a better texture and flavor. Feel free to mix varieties like button and cremini.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes create creamy mashed potatoes, but Russets also work well. If you need a lower-carb option, try cauliflower as a mashed alternative!
How Do You Get Perfectly Browned Meatballs?
Browning meatballs adds flavor through the Maillard reaction, which gives them a nice crust and depth of taste. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the oil—medium heat is perfect.
- Space the meatballs well in the skillet to avoid steaming; do them in batches if necessary.
- Leave the meatballs undisturbed for a few minutes on each side until they get a good brown color.
If you notice they’re browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. After browning, don’t worry about fully cooking them now—they’ll finish cooking in the gravy!
Easy Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salisbury Steak Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
For the Mushroom Gravy:
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs (900g) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warmed)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal will take about 30 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 45 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
To start, peel and cube the potatoes, then place them in a large pot. Cover the potatoes with cold salted water, then bring it to a boil over medium heat. Cook until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to drain the potatoes well once they’re done.
2. Make the Meatballs:
While your potatoes are cooking, let’s make those tasty meatballs! In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together gently until just combined—don’t overwork it!
3. Shape and Cook the Meatballs:
Now, shape the mixture into about 12-14 meatballs, each roughly 2 inches in size. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs, browning them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare the Mushroom Gravy:
In the same skillet, add butter and sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms are softened. Then, sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to coat, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour flavor.
5. Make the Gravy:
Slowly whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly. Continue to cook until the gravy thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Finish the Meatballs:
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, making sure they’re well-coated with the gravy. Let them simmer on low for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and ensuring the meatballs are cooked through.
7. Mash the Potatoes:
While the meatballs are simmering, go back to those drained potatoes! Use a potato masher or ricer to mash them until smooth. Then add the warm milk, butter, salt, pepper, and if you like, some sour cream or cream cheese. Keep mashing until they’re creamy and delicious!
8. Serve:
Your Easy Salisbury Steak Meatballs are finally ready! Serve them hot with generous spoonfuls of mushroom gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy your hearty and comforting meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that it may result in a slightly different flavor and texture, so you might want to increase the seasonings a bit to enhance the taste.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and even cook them in the gravy ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve. For best results, reheat gently to keep them tender.
