If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, perfectly seasoned hamburger steaks bathed in a rich, savory onion gravy create a timeless classic that brings together simple ingredients to make a delicious, homey feast. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a nostalgic family meal, these tender patties combined with luscious gravy will quickly become your go-to comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this hamburger steak recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, adding layers of flavor and texture that make the dish unforgettable. Let’s break down what you’ll need to make this classic at home:
- 1 lb ground beef: Use fresh, high-quality beef for juicy and flavorful steaks.
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs: Helps bind the patties and keeps them tender.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and texture right into the patty mix.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a subtle, aromatic depth to the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami for that extra savory punch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the patties to perfection.
- 1 cup beef broth: The base for a rich, comforting gravy.
- 1 tablespoon flour: Thickens the onion gravy to silky perfection.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Adds complexity and balances the gravy’s flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an herbal, aromatic note into the gravy.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor in the gravy without overpowering.
How to Make Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Patty Mixture
Start by combining the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix everything gently but thoroughly, being careful not to overwork the meat. This ensures your patties stay tender and juicy once cooked.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into 4 to 6 equal portions and carefully form them into round patties. The size is up to you, but keeping them about ¾ inch thick helps cook them evenly throughout.
Step 3: Brown the Patties
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties. Let each side cook for 4 to 5 minutes without disturbing, allowing a nice crust to develop. When they’re browned and cooked through, remove them from the pan and set aside to rest.
Step 4: Cook the Onions for Gravy
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions. Let them soften and become fragrant for about 3 to 4 minutes. The lingering beef flavor in the pan will beautifully season the onions as they cook.
Step 5: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the softened onions and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and begins to thicken the gravy.
Step 6: Add Broth and Seasonings
Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add soy sauce, dried thyme, and onion powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the gravy thickens to a silky, luscious sauce.
Step 7: Combine and Simmer
Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Spoon some gravy over the tops and let everything simmer together for 5 to 7 minutes. This melding step infuses the patties with extra flavor and keeps them wonderfully moist.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy Recipe is now ready to delight your taste buds. Serve the steaks straight from the skillet with generous spoonfuls of that rich onion gravy.
How to Serve Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely touch of color and freshness to the plate, perfectly balancing the rich gravy with a hint of brightness.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the luscious gravy, or buttered steamed green beans and carrots for a vibrant, home-style meal that feels nourishing and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, plate the hamburger steaks atop buttery egg noodles or creamy polenta. You can also serve the gravy on the side, allowing each guest to ladle as much as they like for a fun, interactive dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover hamburger steaks with onion gravy keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making for easy reheated lunches or dinners. Store them in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container. They will stay good for up to 3 months. When freezing, separate the patties with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and prevent the meat from drying out. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help loosen the gravy if it thickens too much upon reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! While beef gives this dish its classic flavor, ground turkey or chicken can be healthier alternatives. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they’re leaner and cook faster.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar can add a similar depth of flavor to the patties.
Is it necessary to use flour to thicken the gravy?
Flour is traditional and effective, but you can substitute cornstarch mixed with a little cold water if you prefer a gluten-free option. Just add it gradually while simmering until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the patties up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. This can be a real time saver when preparing the meal.
How do I know when the hamburger steaks are fully cooked?
Cook the patties until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). They should be browned on the outside and no longer pink inside, ensuring a safe and delicious meal.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about a homemade Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy Recipe. It blends simple ingredients into a dish that’s bursting with comforting flavors and cherished memories. I can’t recommend enough giving this classic a try in your kitchen—you’ll be rewarded with a meal that’s not just tasty but truly soul-nourishing.
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Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Hamburger Steaks with rich and savory Onion Gravy, made from ground beef patties cooked to perfection in a skillet and smothered in a flavorful homemade gravy. This comforting dish is easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
For the Hamburger Steaks
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Onion Gravy
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (same as above step 4)
Instructions
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well blended.
- Form the patties: Shape the meat mixture into 4 to 6 patties, depending on the desired size of your hamburger steaks.
- Cook the patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are browned on the outside and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté onions for gravy: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add flour to thicken: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent clumps.
- Make the gravy: Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add soy sauce, dried thyme, and onion powder. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Combine patties with gravy: Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet and spoon the thickened gravy over them. Let everything simmer together for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the patties to absorb the gravy.
- Serve: Plate the hamburger steaks topped with the onion gravy, and serve alongside mashed potatoes or your choice of vegetables.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs and use gluten-free flour for the gravy.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking patties to ensure even browning.
- Adjust seasoning as needed; additional Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can deepen the flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- To add extra flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or chives as garnish.
