Hamburger Steak With Onions And Gravy Recipe

The Perfect Hamburger Steak With Onions And Gravy Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering hamburger steak can spark joy in any kitchen adventure.

Savory beef patties promise comfort and nostalgia on a plate.

Cast iron skillets become magical landscapes for this classic Southern dish.

Caramelized onions whisper stories of hearty family meals passed down through generations.

Rich gravy blankets each tender meat slice with incredible depth and warmth.

Sweet onions and robust seasoning dance together, creating a symphony of flavor.

This recipe invites you to embrace home cooking with passion and simplicity.

One bite promises to transport you straight to grandma’s welcoming dinner table.

What Sets Hamburger Steak With Onions And Gravy Apart

  • Easy Weeknight Comfort: Whip up this hearty hamburger steak with minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps, perfect for busy families craving a delicious homemade meal.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its classic flavor profile and familiar ingredients that make mealtime a breeze.
  • One-Skillet Dish: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing the entire dish in a single skillet, transforming ground beef into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Budget-Friendly Protein: Create a filling, nutritious dinner using affordable ground beef and pantry staples, making it an economical choice for households watching their grocery spending.

What You Need for Hamburger Steak With Onions And Gravy

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: Rich, flavorful meat perfect for hearty patties.
  • Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat and adds a nice texture.
  • Egg: Provides moisture and helps hold the patties together.
  • Milk: Adds softness to the meat mixture.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the meat's natural flavor.
  • Thyme: Aromatic herb that adds a subtle earthy note.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Tangy condiment that deepens the meat's flavor.
Gravy and Vegetable Ingredients:
  • Onions: Sweet and soft base for the rich gravy.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the gravy and create a smooth texture.
  • Beef Broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid for the gravy.

How to Make Hamburger Steak With Onions And Gravy

Step 1: Blend Hamburger Patty Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper.

Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients until well incorporated.

Shape the mixture into oval-shaped patties, ensuring they’re not too thick or too thin for even cooking.

Step 2: Sear Hamburger Patties

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the patties into the hot skillet, allowing them to brown and develop a delicious crust.

Cook each side until a golden-brown color appears, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes per side.

Once browned, transfer the patties to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Caramelize Onions

In the same skillet with remaining meat drippings, add sliced onions.

Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and develop a rich, golden color.

This process helps build deep flavor for the gravy.

Step 4: Create Savory Gravy Base

Sprinkle flour over the caramelized onions, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Cook for about one minute to remove the raw flour taste and create a roux that will thicken the gravy.

Step 5: Develop Rich Gravy

Slowly pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle dried thyme.

Whisk the mixture continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth consistency.

Allow the gravy to simmer and begin thickening.

Step 6: Finish Cooking Hamburger Steak

Return the browned patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.

Cover the skillet and let everything simmer together.

Cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until the hamburger steak is fully cooked through and the gravy reaches a rich, thick consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skillet from heat and let the hamburger steak rest for a few minutes.

Plate the patties and generously spoon the onion gravy over the top.

Serve hot with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Handy Tips for Hamburger Steak With Onions And Gravy

  • Mix ground beef and other ingredients gently but completely to ensure even seasoning without overworking the meat.
  • Handle burger mixture lightly when forming patties to keep them tender and prevent a dense, compact texture.
  • Maintain medium heat while browning patties to develop a nice golden crust without burning the meat.
  • Adjust gravy thickness by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin.
  • Experiment with herbs like rosemary or add a splash of red wine to enhance the gravy's depth and complexity.

Storing and Warming Up Hamburger Steak With Onions And Gravy

  • Store hamburger steak in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the gravy covers the patties to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual patties tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality and flavor.
  • Place patties in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of broth to keep moisture.
  • Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring gravy between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent tough meat.

Tasty Matches for Hamburger Steak With Onions And Gravy

Elevate Flavor Companions: Complementary Pairings for Hamburger Steak

  • Robust Red Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to match the rich, savory meat and onion gravy.
  • Creamy Potato Side Dish: Whip up garlic mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potato wedges to soak up the delicious gravy and provide a comforting texture contrast.
  • Fresh Green Vegetable Balance: Serve steamed green beans or roasted asparagus to add a light, crisp element that cuts through the hearty meat's richness.
  • Tangy Salad Accompaniment: Prepare a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to refresh the palate and add brightness to the heavy main course.

Extra Ways to Serve Hamburger Steak With Onions And Gravy

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening gravy.
  • Low-Carb Version: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Reduce onion quantity and use beef bone broth for extra flavor.
  • Turkey Transformation: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option. Add extra herbs to enhance moisture and taste.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Use plant-based ground meat substitute like Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods. Create mushroom gravy with vegetable broth for similar rich flavor profile.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked to 165°F for food safety.

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

Use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F. This ensures the meat is safe to eat and prevents overcooking.

  • Do I need to use breadcrumbs in the recipe?

Breadcrumbs help bind the meat and keep the patties moist. If you’re gluten-free, try using crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour as a substitute.

  • What if I don't have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme is an excellent replacement. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried thyme compared to fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

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Hamburger Steak With Onions And Gravy Recipe

Hamburger Steak With Onions And Gravy Recipe


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4.9 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory hamburger steak with onions and gravy brings comfort straight from Southern kitchens to your dinner table. Juicy beef patties smothered in rich, caramelized onion gravy promise a hearty meal that connects you with classic home cooking.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Gravy and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth

Instructions

  1. Craft hamburger patties by gently blending ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper, ensuring uniform mixture without overworking the meat.
  2. Shape the meat mixture into oval-shaped patties approximately 1/2 inch thick, creating slight indentations in the center to prevent bulging during cooking.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and carefully place patties, allowing them to develop a rich golden-brown crust without overcrowding the pan.
  4. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until exterior is caramelized, then transfer to a clean plate and tent with aluminum foil to retain warmth.
  5. Reduce skillet heat and introduce sliced onions, stirring frequently until they become translucent and develop a soft, golden appearance.
  6. Sprinkle flour over the onions, continuously stirring to coat evenly and eliminate raw flour taste, creating a roux that will thicken the gravy.
  7. Gradually pour beef broth into the skillet, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and incorporate Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme for depth of flavor.
  8. Return hamburger patties to the simmering gravy, allowing them to cook through and absorb the rich, savory sauce for approximately 10-12 minutes.
  9. Verify meat doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring gravy has thickened to a luxurious, coating consistency.

Notes

  • Meat Selection: Choose lean ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juicy, flavorful hamburger steaks that won’t become dry during cooking.
  • Patty Shaping: Create uniform patties by using a burger press or gently pressing with your palm, avoiding overworking the meat to keep them tender.
  • Gravy Enhancement: Add a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the gravy for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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