Hamburger Steak With Onions And Gravy Recipe

Juicy Hamburger Steak With Onions And Gravy Recipe for Family

When hunger strikes with a vengeance, a classic hamburger steak with onions and gravy emerges as the ultimate comfort meal.

This hearty dish combines juicy ground beef seasoned with savory spices and topped with rich, caramelized onions.

The homemade gravy adds a depth of flavor that store-bought versions can never match.

Each bite promises a tender, mouthwatering experience that transports you to grandma’s kitchen.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe a weeknight dinner champion.

Succulent and satisfying, this hamburger steak will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Why Hamburger Steak with Gravy Feels Like Comfort Food

Why Hamburger Steak with Gravy Feels Like Comfort Food
  • Learn easy skills like forming patties, browning meat, and creating a velvety gravy that will boost your culinary confidence.
  • Delight everyone with a classic, crowd-pleasing recipe that's packed with savory flavors and requires minimal ingredients.
  • Prepare a satisfying meal in under an hour with straightforward steps and common pantry staples that make dinner stress-free.

Ingredients for Hamburger Steak and Onion Gravy

Main Ingredients:

Ground Beef: A hearty protein base that forms the core of the hamburger steak patties.

Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat and adds a light texture to the patties.

Egg: Acts as a binding agent to keep the patties together.

Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a tender hamburger steak.

Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the meat.
  • Thyme: Adds a subtle herbaceous note to the gravy.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces a deep, complex umami flavor to the dish.
Gravy and Cooking Components:
  • Onions: Provides a sweet and caramelized base for the gravy.
  • Beef Broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid for the gravy.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the gravy and create a smooth texture.
  • Butter, Oil: Provides fat for cooking and adds richness to the dish.

How to Cook Hamburger Steak Just Right

How to Cook Hamburger Steak Just Right

Step 1: Craft Juicy Hamburger Patties

Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

Gently combine ingredients with your hands without overmixing.

Shape the mixture into 4-6 patties.

Create a small indent in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking and prevent puffing.

Step 2: Brown Patties to Golden Perfection

Heat a skillet over medium heat.

Add a touch of oil if using lean beef.

Cook patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

The patties should be partially cooked and will finish in the gravy later.

Transfer browned patties to a plate.

Step 3: Caramelize Sweet Onions

Use the same skillet to sauté sliced onions.

Add butter or oil if needed.

Cook onions for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden and develop a rich, sweet flavor.

Step 4: Whip Up Silky Beef Gravy

Sprinkle flour over the caramelized onions and cook for one minute.

Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring.

Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and watch it transform into a luxurious, thick gravy.

Step 5: Simmer and Infuse Flavors

Return the browned patties to the skillet.

Spoon gravy over the meat.

Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

The patties will become fully cooked, tender, and absorb the delicious gravy’s flavors.

Tips for Juicy Steak and Thick Gravy

  • Mix ground beef gently and avoid overworking the meat to keep hamburger steaks tender and juicy.
  • Make a small indent in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking and prevent bulging during preparation.
  • Caramelize onions slowly to develop a rich, sweet undertone that complements the savory beef and gravy.
  • Add flour gradually and stir continuously to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats the meat beautifully.
  • Replace beef with ground turkey or lean ground beef, and use low-sodium broth for a healthier version of this classic comfort dish.

How to Store and Warm Up Steak and Gravy

  • Store hamburger steak in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual hamburger steaks in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen hamburger steaks maintain quality for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
  • Warm leftover hamburger steaks in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out. Cover the pan and heat for 3-4 minutes, flipping once to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Place hamburger steak on a microwave-safe plate. Add a tablespoon of broth to keep meat moist. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature and moisture level midway through reheating.

Great Side Picks for Hamburger Steak

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the hearty beef flavors and rich gravy.
  • Elevate with Creamy Potato Sides: Serve alongside garlic mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potato wedges to soak up the delicious onion gravy and provide a smooth texture contrast.
  • Brighten with Fresh Green Salad: Add a light, crisp mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the hamburger steak and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
  • Balance with Crisp Beer: Choose a cold, hoppy craft beer like an amber ale or brown ale that stands up to the meaty flavors and helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Simple Ways to Vary Hamburger Steak Dishes

  • Low-Carb Swap: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the patty's texture and flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats instead of traditional breadcrumbs, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the hamburger steak.
  • Turkey Alternative: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option that reduces overall fat content while keeping the recipe's core cooking method intact.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk or water, and use olive oil instead of butter when sautéing onions to accommodate dairy-free dietary needs.

FAQs

  • Is this dish similar to a salisbury steak?

While both dishes use ground beef patties, hamburger steak is typically simpler with fewer ingredients and often served with a classic onion gravy. Salisbury steak usually includes more mix-ins like mushrooms and herbs in the meat mixture.

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, but the flavor will be lighter. Ground turkey is leaner, so add a bit more fat like olive oil or butter to keep the patties moist and prevent them from becoming dry.

  • How do I know the hamburger steak is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Ground beef should reach 160°F for food safety. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center of a patty – it should be brown with no pink remaining and juices should run clear.

  • What are the best side dishes to serve with hamburger steak?

Classic sides include mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots, rice, or buttered egg noodles. These options complement the rich gravy and help soak up the delicious sauce.

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Hamburger Steak With Onions And Gravy Recipe

Hamburger Steak With Onions And Gravy Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger steak celebrates classic comfort with juicy beef patties smothered in rich, caramelized onion gravy. Home cooks find pure satisfaction in this soul-warming Southern classic that delivers robust flavor and homestyle charm you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef
  • 2 onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups beef broth

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 0.25 cup milk
  • 0.5 teaspoons salt
  • 0.5 teaspoons black pepper

Seasoning and Gravy Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

  1. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Gently fold ingredients until uniformly distributed. Craft 4-6 uniform patties with consistent thickness.
  2. Preheat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place patties into the hot surface, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown crust, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer browned patties to a holding plate.
  3. Using the same skillet, introduce thinly sliced onions. Sauté until translucent and caramelized, stirring periodically to prevent burning, roughly 5-7 minutes.
  4. Dust flour across the softened onions, stirring continuously to eliminate raw flour taste. After one minute, slowly stream beef broth while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Incorporate Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Nestle seared patties into the bubbling onion gravy. Reduce heat, cover skillet, and allow contents to simmer for 15 minutes. The patties will absorb rich flavors while cooking completely through.
  6. Once patties reach desired doneness and gravy reaches ideal consistency, plate immediately. Generously ladle warm gravy over hamburger steaks, serving piping hot.

Notes

  • Choose ground beef with 85% to 90% lean meat for juicier, more flavorful patties that won’t dry out during cooking.
  • Gently mix ingredients without overworking the meat to keep the hamburger steaks tender and prevent them from becoming tough.
  • Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Use low-sodium beef broth and reduce added salt to create a heart-healthy version of this classic comfort dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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