Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe stands out for its simplicity and depth of flavor. The combination of well-seasoned hamburger steaks and caramelized onion gravy creates a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s an ideal choice for a cozy family dinner or when you’re craving a nostalgic, home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced onions
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Beef Patties:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
- Shape into four equal-sized patties.
- Cook the Patties and Onions:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the beef patties and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- Remove patties from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions and sauté until caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the Gravy:
- Sprinkle flour over the caramelized onions and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth, ensuring no lumps form.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken to a gravy consistency.
- Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Return the beef patties to the skillet, nestling them into the onion gravy.
- Spoon some gravy over each patty.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve:
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or alongside your favorite vegetables.
- Generously spoon onion gravy over the patties and sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Mushroom Addition:
- Incorporate sliced mushrooms into the gravy for an earthy flavor.
- Sauté mushrooms along with the onions until tender.
- Cheese-Stuffed Patties:
- Place a small cube of your favorite cheese in the center of each patty before cooking for a molten, cheesy surprise.
- Alternative Meats:
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
- Adjust seasoning as needed to complement the different meat flavors.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing:
- Freeze cooked patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating:
- Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much.
- Alternatively, microwave on medium power, covered, until hot.
FAQs
1. How can I prevent the patties from falling apart during cooking?
Ensure the mixture includes binders like egg and bread crumbs, and avoid overmixing the meat. Chilling the patties for 30 minutes before cooking can also help them hold together better.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute bread crumbs and all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives. Also, verify that the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are gluten-free.
3. What sides pair well with hamburger steaks and onion gravy?
Traditional sides include mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
4. Can I use ground meats other than beef?
Absolutely, ground turkey or chicken can be used. Adjust seasoning to enhance the flavor, as these meats are milder than beef.
5. How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
If the gravy is too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, create a slurry by mixing a teaspoon of flour with cold water and gradually whisk it into the gravy.
6. Is it possible to add mushrooms to the gravy?
Yes, adding mushrooms can enhance the flavor. Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions until tender before proceeding with the gravy preparation.
7. Can I prepare the patties in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the patties ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator, separated by parchment paper, for up to 24 hours before cooking.
8. What type of onions work best for the gravy?
Yellow onions are ideal due to their balance of sweetness and sharpness, which complements the savory gravy.
9. How can I add a spicy kick to this dish?
Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the meat mixture or gravy to introduce some heat.
Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Classic Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy are the epitome of comfort food, combining tender, juicy beef patties with a rich and flavorful onion gravy. Perfect for family dinners or when you’re craving hearty, nostalgic Southern-style cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced onions
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Patties:
- Mix ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl.
- Form into four equal-sized patties.
- Cook the Patties and Onions:
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 5-7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions until caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the Gravy:
- Sprinkle flour over onions and stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth and simmer until thickened.
- Season with remaining salt and pepper.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Return patties to the skillet, nestle them into the gravy, and spoon some over each.
- Cover and simmer on low for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve:
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables, topped with gravy.
Notes
-
- Add mushrooms for extra flavor—sauté them with the onions.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Chill patties before cooking for better consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern Comfort Food
