Hamburger Steak With Onions And Gravy Recipe
Looking for a hearty and flavorful dinner that’s easy to whip up on a weeknight? This Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy recipe brings classic comfort food to your table. Juicy, tender beef patties are simmered in a rich, savory gravy loaded with caramelized onions, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Perfect for busy families, it’s a dish that comes together quickly with simple ingredients, delivering mouthwatering results every time.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is an excellent choice for those who love comfort food with minimal effort. Now, let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the perfect hamburger steak!
What is Hamburger Steak?
Hamburger steak is often confused with a regular hamburger patty, but it’s much more than that. While both are made from ground beef, hamburger steak is served without a bun and often accompanied by gravy, making it more of a standalone dish. This American classic draws inspiration from Salisbury steak, with its tender patties drenched in rich gravy, making it an irresistible meal.
Ingredients for Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy
To create this delicious dish, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef: The star of the dish. Go for a blend with a bit of fat for the best flavor (80/20 ratio is ideal).
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties and add texture.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.
- ¼ cup milk: Adds moisture and softness to the patties.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a mild kick of spice.
- 2 onions, thinly sliced: Essential for that sweet, caramelized flavor in the gravy.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy.
- 2 cups beef broth: Forms the base of the rich gravy.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Provides depth and umami to the gravy.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Adds a subtle herbaceous flavor to complement the gravy.
Step-by-Step Preparation for Hamburger Steak
1. Mix the Patty Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Shape the mixture into 4-6 patties, depending on how large you want them.
2. Cook the Patties
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, brown the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side until they are nicely seared. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Onions
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions. Sauté them until they become soft and golden brown, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Make the Gravy
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to coat them evenly. Let the flour cook for about a minute to get rid of the raw taste. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring, making sure there are no lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Simmer the Patties
Return the browned patties to the skillet, nestling them in the onion gravy. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the patties to fully cook through while absorbing the flavors of the gravy. The gravy will thicken beautifully as it simmers.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the patties are cooked through and the gravy has thickened, serve the hamburger steaks hot with plenty of onion gravy ladled on top.
How to Make the Perfect Gravy for Hamburger Steak
The gravy is what elevates this dish, and getting it just right is essential. Here are a few tips:
- Brown the flour properly: When you sprinkle flour over the onions, make sure you cook it for at least a minute to remove any raw flour taste. This will result in a smoother, richer gravy.
- Use beef broth for depth: Don’t substitute water for beef broth! The broth adds an essential layer of flavor that makes the gravy rich and savory.
- Control the thickness: If the gravy is too thick, add a little more beef broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Hamburger Steak
- Overcooking the patties: Hamburger steak is meant to be juicy and tender. Overcooking the patties will result in a tough, dry texture. Keep an eye on them and remove them from heat as soon as they’re done.
- Skipping the sear: Searing the patties before simmering in the gravy is crucial. It locks in the juices and adds a caramelized crust that enhances the overall flavor.
- Lumpy gravy: When adding the broth, make sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps. If you do get lumps, whisk vigorously until smooth.
Variations of Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy
While this recipe is already amazing, you can tweak it to suit your preferences:
- Mushroom addition: Add sliced mushrooms to the gravy for a deeper, earthier flavor.
- Garlic lovers: Add minced garlic when sautéing the onions for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cheesy twist: Top each patty with a slice of cheese just before serving for a creamy, melty touch.
Serving Suggestions for Hamburger Steak
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:
- Mashed potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the rich gravy perfectly.
- Steamed vegetables: Carrots, green beans, or broccoli add a fresh and healthy touch.
- Rice or noodles: Both options are great for soaking up that delicious gravy.
Kitchen Equipment Needed for Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy
- Skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or tongs
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
How to Store and Reheat Hamburger Steak Leftovers
To store leftovers, let the hamburger steaks cool to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to do so in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the gravy from drying out. You can also freeze the patties with the gravy for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Steak
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version of this dish. Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so you may want to add a bit of olive oil or butter to keep the patties moist.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour.
3. What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, you can use soy sauce or tamari for a similar umami flavor.
conclusion
This Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests with a classic meal, this dish has you covered. Be sure to share this recipe with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes!
PrintHamburger Steak With Onions And Gravy Recipe
Discover the ultimate Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy recipe. Juicy beef patties simmered in rich, flavorful gravy. Perfect weeknight meal!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef: The star of the dish. Go for a blend with a bit of fat for the best flavor (80/20 ratio is ideal).
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties and add texture.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.
- ¼ cup milk: Adds moisture and softness to the patties.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a mild kick of spice.
- 2 onions, thinly sliced: Essential for that sweet, caramelized flavor in the gravy.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy.
- 2 cups beef broth: Forms the base of the rich gravy.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Provides depth and umami to the gravy.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Adds a subtle herbaceous flavor to complement the gravy.
Instructions
1. Mix the Patty Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Shape the mixture into 4-6 patties, depending on how large you want them.
2. Cook the Patties
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, brown the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side until they are nicely seared. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Onions
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions. Sauté them until they become soft and golden brown, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Make the Gravy
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to coat them evenly. Let the flour cook for about a minute to get rid of the raw taste. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring, making sure there are no lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Simmer the Patties
Return the browned patties to the skillet, nestling them in the onion gravy. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the patties to fully cook through while absorbing the flavors of the gravy. The gravy will thicken beautifully as it simmers.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the patties are cooked through and the gravy has thickened, serve the hamburger steaks hot with plenty of onion gravy ladled on top.
Notes
Serving Suggestions for Hamburger Steak
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:
- Mashed potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the rich gravy perfectly.
- Steamed vegetables: Carrots, green beans, or broccoli add a fresh and healthy touch.
- Rice or noodles: Both options are great for soaking up that delicious gravy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner