Savor the Flavor of Salisbury Steak Meatballs in 30 Minutes!

Introduction to Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes

Salisbury steak meatballs are the ultimate comfort food – savory, tender beef meatballs smothered in a rich, mushroom-infused gravy, served alongside fluffy, garlic-herb mashed potatoes. This classic American dish is a beloved staple, evoking feelings of nostalgia and warmth with every bite. The combination of the juicy meatballs, creamy potatoes, and flavorful gravy creates a satisfying and comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners, cozy weeknights, or any occasion when you’re craving something truly homemade and delicious.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1½ pounds ground beef
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ large brown onion, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Gravy

• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ large brown onion, thinly sliced
• 9 ounces mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Beef Base
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons dried mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon A.1. steak sauce
• 2 tablespoons beef stock
• 2 tablespoons flour

For the Potatoes

• 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• Large handful of kosher salt for boiling water
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh garlic
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup half & half, warmed

Step-by-Step Instructions for Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Preparing the Meatballs

To begin, place the panko breadcrumbs in a large bowl. Using a standard box grater, grate the onion over the panko so the moisture from the onion soaks into the breadcrumbs. Mix the grated onion and panko together until well combined. Next, add the remaining meatball ingredients – ground beef, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and the egg. Use your hands to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until they’re fully incorporated, but be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatballs tough. Once everything is combined, roll the mixture into 16-18 evenly sized meatballs.

Cooking the Meatballs

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the prepared meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they’re browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Once the meatballs are nicely seared, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

Making the Gravy

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and continue cooking until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown, about another 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Next, sprinkle in the dried oregano or thyme, black pepper, and dry mustard, and stir to combine. Scoop in the Better Than Bouillon Roasted Beef Base and pour in the 2 cups of beef broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Add the Worcestershire sauce and A.1. steak sauce, and whisk to incorporate. In a small bowl, make a slurry by combining the flour and the remaining 2 tablespoons of beef stock. Whisk the slurry into the skillet to thicken the gravy. Finally, return the seared meatballs to the gravy and let the dish simmer for 5 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy has reached your desired consistency.

Perfecting Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes

Cooking the Potatoes

While the meatballs and gravy are simmering, prepare the garlic herb mashed potatoes. Start by placing the diced Yukon gold potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold water by about 1 inch. Add a large handful of kosher salt to the water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer until they’re very tender but not falling apart, about 30-35 minutes. Drain the potatoes, give them a brief rinse under cool water to remove any excess starch, and then return them to the warm pot (off the heat) to dry out while you make the garlic herb butter.

Making the Garlic Herb Butter

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and grated parmesan cheese. Season this mixture with garlic powder, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and smooth.

Combining Ingredients

Pass the hot potatoes through a ricer or food mill into a large bowl. Add the garlic herb butter and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and stir until the butter is fully incorporated. Then, slowly pour in the warmed half & half, ½ cup at a time, stirring after each addition until the liquid is fully incorporated and the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Finish by seasoning the mashed potatoes with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Salisbury steak meatballs with garlic herb mashed potatoes make for a truly comforting and satisfying meal. Serve the meatballs and gravy over a generous helping of the fluffy, garlic-infused mashed potatoes for a classic, homestyle presentation. For a complete meal, consider pairing this dish with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious gravy. This dish is perfect for family dinners, cozy weeknights, or even special occasions when you’re craving something truly heartwarming and delicious.

Variations and Customizations

The great thing about Salisbury steak meatballs is that they’re highly customizable. If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, you can substitute the ground beef with a leaner protein, such as ground turkey or chicken. For a richer flavor, pork can be used in place of the beef. Vegetarians or those following a plant-based diet can experiment with meat substitutes made from soy or pea protein. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary, so you may need to adjust the seasonings accordingly.

If you’re in the mood for a little extra zing, try adding a touch of spicy mustard or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture. You could also switch up the herbs in the mashed potatoes, using fresh rosemary or thyme instead of (or in addition to) the parsley. For a lower-carb option, you can serve the Salisbury steak meatballs over a bed of roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead of the traditional mashed potatoes.

FAQs about Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Can I use a different type of meat for Salisbury steak meatballs?

Yes, you can use various types of meat for Salisbury steak meatballs. Ground turkey or chicken are popular alternatives that provide a leaner option. Pork can also be used for a richer flavor. If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative, ground beef substitutes made from soy or pea protein can work well. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary, so you might need to adjust your seasonings and cooking times accordingly.

How can I adjust the recipe for a gluten-free version?

To make Salisbury steak meatballs gluten-free, you can substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that any sauces or condiments, like Worcestershire sauce and ketchup, are labeled gluten-free as well. Additionally, check that the beef broth you use is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. These adjustments will help maintain the dish’s integrity while accommodating dietary restrictions.

What are some tips for keeping the meatballs moist and tender?

To ensure your Salisbury steak meatballs remain moist and tender, consider the following tips:

• Do not overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated to prevent the meat from becoming tough.
• Use a binder: The panko breadcrumbs and egg in the recipe act as binders that help retain moisture. You can also add a touch of milk or beef broth to the mixture for extra moisture.
• Cook at the right temperature: Brown the meatballs on medium heat to allow them to cook through without drying out.
• Don’t skip the gravy: Serving the meatballs with a flavorful gravy not only enhances taste but also adds moisture to each bite.

How can I enhance the flavor of the gravy?

To enhance the flavor of your gravy for Salisbury steak meatballs, you can try the following methods:

• Sauté aromatics: Begin by sautéing onions and mushrooms until they’re well caramelized, as this adds depth and sweetness to the gravy.
• Add herbs and spices: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or spices such as smoked paprika for additional layers of flavor.
• Use high-quality broth: Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought beef broth, as it will provide a more robust flavor.
• Finish with acidity: A splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end of cooking can brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the gravy.

Conclusion

Salisbury steak meatballs with garlic herb mashed potatoes are the epitome of comfort food perfection. The tender, flavorful meatballs smothered in a rich, mushroom-infused gravy, paired with the creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes, create a truly irresistible and satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a cozy weeknight, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to warm your soul and leave your taste buds craving more. So go ahead, give this classic recipe a try, and experience the comforting deliciousness of Salisbury steak meatballs for yourself!

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