Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy Recipe

Introduction

There’s something so comforting about hamburger steak—it’s hearty, flavorful, and always brings a bit of nostalgia to the table. For me, it feels like home on a plate. The juicy, tender hamburger patties combined with savory onions and rich, velvety gravy make this dish a timeless classic. It’s perfect for those days when you’re craving something warm and satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

I remember the first time I made hamburger steak for my family. We had just come back from a long road trip, and everyone was tired, hungry, and looking for some comfort food. I quickly whipped up these hamburger steaks with onions and gravy, and the way everyone’s faces lit up after the first bite—it was priceless. Since then, it’s become one of our go-to meals, especially on busy weeknights when we need something quick but oh-so-satisfying.

What’s even better? This dish is made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. The combination of caramelized onions and a homemade gravy takes this humble hamburger steak to the next level, making it a dish that feels special without any of the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy is:

• Incredibly Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have this dish on the table in no time. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
• A Family Favorite: The savory flavors of the hamburger steak and the rich gravy make this dish a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Comforting and Hearty: It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need something that feels like a warm hug.
• Versatile: You can serve this with mashed potatoes, rice, or even alongside some vegetables to make it a complete meal.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with ground beef and pantry staples, this recipe is affordable yet satisfying.

The juicy hamburger patties, perfectly seared and smothered in caramelized onions and savory gravy, provide the kind of comforting, home-cooked flavors that everyone craves.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: Serves 4 people
• Calories: 450 per serving
• Protein: 25g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 30g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy Recipe:

hamburger steaks:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for best results)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

onions and gravy:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp flour (for thickening the gravy)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Why These Ingredients Work:

• Ground Beef: Juicy and full of flavor, ground beef is the star of the dish. Use a slightly higher fat content (80/20 or 85/15) for a more tender result.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This brings a savory, umami depth to both the patties and the gravy.
• Breadcrumbs: These help bind the patties together and keep them tender.
• Onions: Caramelized onions add sweetness and depth to the gravy, making it rich and flavorful.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your very own Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy Recipe from scratch:

1st Step: Prepare the Hamburger Steaks

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix—this will keep the hamburger steaks tender!
2. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into oval patties (about ½-inch thick). You can make them round like burgers, but shaping them into ovals gives that classic “steak” look.

2nd Step: Cook the Patties

1. Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the hamburger patties. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked patties to a plate and set them aside.

3rd Step: Caramelize the Onions

1. In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want those flavorful brown bits!), add 2 tbsp of butter. Once melted, toss in the thinly sliced onions.
2. Cook the onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re soft and caramelized. If they start sticking, you can add a splash of water or beef broth to help them along.

4th Step: Make the Gravy

1. Sprinkle 2 tbsp of flour over the onions and stir to coat the onions. This will help thicken the gravy.
2. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce for extra flavor.
3. Bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens—about 5 minutes.
4. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.

5th Step: Combine and Serve

1. Return the cooked hamburger steaks to the skillet with the gravy and onions. Spoon the gravy over the top of the patties.
2. Let the patties simmer in the gravy for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Serve the hamburger steaks hot, smothered in the onion gravy.

How to Serve

Here are a few serving suggestions for your Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy:

• Classic: Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes. The gravy drizzles into the potatoes, and it’s the perfect pairing!
• Rice: Pair the hamburger steaks with steamed rice for an easy, satisfying meal.
• Vegetables: Add some roasted or sautéed vegetables like green beans or carrots for a balanced meal.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious gravy.

Additional Tips

Here are some handy tips to ensure your Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy Recipe turn out perfectly:

1. Don’t Overwork the Meat: When mixing the ground beef with the other ingredients, try not to overmix. This will keep your hamburger steaks tender and juicy.
2. Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: A cast-iron skillet helps to achieve that perfect sear on the patties, locking in the juices and flavor.
3. Caramelize the Onions Slowly: Be patient with the onions. Caramelizing them slowly on medium heat brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to the gravy.
4. Deglaze the Pan: After cooking the patties, don’t forget to deglaze the pan with the beef broth. Those browned bits stuck to the skillet are full of flavor!
5. Rest the Steaks: Let the hamburger steaks rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, making them more flavorful and tender.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is delicious as-is, here are some fun variations to keep things fresh:

• Mushroom Gravy: Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for an extra layer of flavor.
• Cheesy Hamburger Steaks: Add a slice of cheese on top of the hamburger steaks before serving for a cheesy twist.
• Herb-Infused Gravy: Throw in some fresh thyme or rosemary when making the gravy for an aromatic flavor boost.
• Turkey or Chicken Patties: If you prefer leaner meat, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.

Freezing and Storage

These Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy Recipe can be stored for later enjoyment:

• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover hamburger steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little extra broth to the gravy to loosen it up.
• Freezing: These hamburger steaks freeze beautifully! After cooking, let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Reheating: When reheating, heat slowly on the stove or in the oven, adding extra gravy or beef broth to keep the steaks moist.

Special Equipment

To make these Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy Recipe, you’ll need a few handy tools:

• Cast-Iron Skillet: If you have a cast-iron skillet, use it for the best sear on your hamburger steaks.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: If your gravy has lumps, you can pass it through a fine mesh strainer to make it extra smooth.

FAQ Section

Can I use store-bought gravy? Yes! If you’re short on time, feel free to use a store-bought gravy. Just heat it up and serve it over the cooked hamburger steaks.

What can I use instead of ground beef? You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you want a healthier or vegetarian option.

How can I make it spicier? Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for an extra kick.

Can I prepare the patties in advance? Absolutely! You can shape the patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of flour for the gravy.

What can I serve with hamburger steak? Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. Green beans or steamed broccoli make great sides, too!

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Conclusion

This Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a warm reminder of home and comfort. With its rich flavors and heartwarming presentation, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household, just like it is in mine. So, the next time you’re looking for something cozy to whip up for dinner, remember this recipe.

Gather your loved ones around the table, serve it up, and enjoy the smiles that come with every bite. Happy cooking!