Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes Recipe: Classic Comfort Food Done Right

Nothing says comfort like a plate of tender meatballs paired with buttery mashed potatoes. This hearty, homestyle dish is a family favorite for good reason—savory meatballs drenched in rich gravy, served over creamy mashed potatoes, make for the ultimate satisfying meal. Whether it’s a chilly night or a special Sunday dinner, this recipe brings warmth and flavor to the table.

This easy guide will walk you through making delicious homemade meatballs, smooth mashed potatoes, and a savory brown gravy that ties everything together. It’s a wholesome, balanced meal perfect for all ages.

How to Make Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes

This recipe combines juicy, seasoned meatballs and silky mashed potatoes in a way that’s hearty, flavorful, and ideal for any night of the week. You’ll learn how to prepare each component from scratch for a meal that feels straight out of a cozy diner or grandma’s kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half pork for richer flavor)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• 2 tbsp milk

• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

• ½ cup whole milk (warm)

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• ¼ cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Gravy:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 tsp soy sauce (adds depth)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Preparing Instructions

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes
Boil cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add warm milk, butter, and sour cream. Mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, milk, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into golf-ball-sized meatballs.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 8–10 minutes). Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, melt butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly add beef broth, whisking constantly. Stir in soy sauce, then simmer until thickened. Season to taste. Add meatballs back into the gravy to coat.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates. Top with meatballs and a generous drizzle of gravy. Garnish as desired.

Servings

Serves: 4 as a full, hearty main course

Presentation & Decoration

Garnish Ideas:

• Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color

• Add a few cracks of black pepper or a drizzle of extra gravy

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with steamed green beans or roasted carrots

• Serve with warm dinner rolls or a fresh garden salad

Best Time to Eat

Weeknight Dinner: Easy and filling after a long day
Sunday Supper: Traditional comfort food made special
Family Gatherings: Scales up well for a crowd

Portion Guide

Individual: 3–4 meatballs per person with ¾ cup mashed potatoes
Group: Double the recipe for larger families or events

Storage & Shelf Life

Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers up to 4 days
Freezing: Meatballs and gravy freeze well up to 3 months (store mashed potatoes separately for best texture)
Reheating: Reheat meatballs and gravy in a skillet or microwave; warm mashed potatoes with a splash of milk

Allergy Guide

Gluten-Free: Use GF breadcrumbs and GF flour or cornstarch for gravy
Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy butter and milk substitutes for the potatoes and gravy
Egg-Free: Omit egg and add a tablespoon of olive oil to meatball mix for binding

Made this meatball and mashed potatoes recipe? Tag your creations and share your tips—we’d love to see your version of this timeless classic!