There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about classic comfort food done right, and this Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy Recipe truly hits all the right notes. Juicy, well-seasoned hamburger steaks gently simmered in a rich, savory onion gravy deliver warmth and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner or a dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, this recipe brings that nostalgic goodness with a flavorful twist that will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating a harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish so irresistible to both kids and adults alike.
- 1 lb ground beef: The foundation of the steaks, ground beef lends juiciness and rich flavor.
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs: These help bind the patties and keep them tender.
- 1 egg: Acts as a glue to hold the mixture together for perfect steaks.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the patties.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and a slight bite.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Offers umami complexity that brightens the beef flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance every flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking the steaks to a beautiful golden brown.
- 1 cup beef broth: The base for the rich onion gravy, adding moisture and depth.
- 1 tablespoon flour: Thickens the gravy to a luscious consistency.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Adds savory saltiness and enhances the gravy’s richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers subtle herbal notes that complement the onions.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor in the gravy for that full-bodied taste.
How to Make Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Start by combining the ground beef with bread crumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mixing everything evenly is key to ensuring each hamburger steak is flavorful and holds together perfectly during cooking.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Form the mixture into 4 to 6 evenly sized patties. Whether you prefer them thick and hearty or a bit thinner, keep the size consistent so they cook uniformly.
Step 3: Cook the Hamburger Steaks
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place the patties in the pan and cook for around 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous brown crust and are fully cooked inside. Once done, transfer the patties to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Onion Gravy
Using the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir constantly for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste and start the thickening process.
Step 5: Finish the Gravy
Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in soy sauce, dried thyme, and onion powder. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, watching as the gravy thickens and develops a luscious texture.
Step 6: Combine and Simmer
Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the onion gravy. Spoon gravy over the tops and let everything simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully and the steaks soak up some of that savory goodness.
How to Serve Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
For a final touch, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the hamburger steaks to add a burst of color and a subtle herbal freshness. A dollop of creamy mashed potatoes on the side also adds visual appeal and layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttered green beans, or roasted carrots. The simplicity of these side dishes allows the rich onion gravy to shine, making it a comforting and balanced meal that feels like a warm embrace.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the hamburger steaks open-faced on toasted rustic bread topped generously with the onion gravy, similar to a savory French onion sandwich. Alternatively, layer the patties in a hearty sandwich bun with extra gravy on the side for dipping to make a delightfully indulgent meal that’s perfect for lunch or casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the hamburger steaks and extra onion gravy separately in airtight containers inside the refrigerator. This helps maintain the freshness and texture of each element for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Both the patties and gravy freeze beautifully. Freeze the cooked patties and gravy in separate freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Label and date them to keep track. When properly stored, they can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat the hamburger steaks gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying them out. Warm the gravy separately, then pour over the steaks just before serving to restore that fresh, rich flavor and comforting warmth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be used. Just keep in mind the fat content will affect the juiciness and flavor, so you might want to add a bit of olive oil or adjust seasonings accordingly.
Is it necessary to use Worcestershire and soy sauce in the meat mixture and gravy?
Both sauces add layers of umami and depth that are crucial for a rich flavor profile, but if you prefer, you can substitute with beef bouillon or a dash of balsamic vinegar for a different twist.
Can I make the onion gravy vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth and omit Worcestershire and soy sauce or use vegetarian versions. The gravy will still be delicious, though the depth of flavor will be slightly different.
What can I serve instead of mashed potatoes?
Mashed potatoes are classic, but creamy polenta, buttered egg noodles, or even roasted sweet potatoes make fantastic alternatives that complement the gravy beautifully.
How do I know when the hamburger steaks are cooked through?
Cooking times vary based on patty thickness, but generally, 4-5 minutes per side on medium heat works well. For certainty, use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.
Final Thoughts
This Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy Recipe is one of those authentic comfort dishes that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your heart with warmth. Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions when you want to impress your family or guests with a classic homemade meal. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did.
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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 Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy hamburger steaks cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, homemade onion gravy. This comforting classic is easy to prepare in under 30 minutes and perfect for a hearty family dinner. Served best with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables, these hamburger steaks deliver savory flavors with a hint of thyme and Worcestershire sauce.
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, chopped (use the same or additional from the hamburger steak mixture)
Instructions
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form patties: Shape the meat mixture into 4 to 6 evenly sized patties, depending on your preferred portion size.
- Cook the patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Cook onions for gravy: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and stir continuously for about one minute to eliminate the raw flour taste and start thickening.
- Add liquid and seasonings: Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in the soy sauce, dried thyme, and onion powder. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the gravy thickens and becomes smooth.
- Combine patties with gravy: Return the cooked hamburger steaks to the skillet and spoon the onion gravy over them. Let everything simmer together for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Plate the hamburger steaks topped with onion gravy. This dish is delicious when served alongside creamy mashed potatoes or your choice of steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease but maintain flavor.
- You can substitute bread crumbs with crushed crackers or oats for texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, particularly salt and pepper.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs and flour alternatives.
- Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
