Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy: A Comfort Food Classic

Name: Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 egg; 1/3 cup bread crumbs; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp oil; 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced onion; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup beef broth; 1/2 tsp salt

Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy is a satisfying, hearty meal that combines the rich flavors of seasoned beef patties with a savory onion gravy. This dish has long been a staple of Southern cooking, reminiscent of home-cooked dinners shared with family. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe will not disappoint. With a simple ingredient list and straightforward steps, it’s easy to make yet delivers bold flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Before diving into the step-by-step process, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this dish truly mouth-watering.

Ground Beef: The star of the dish, providing that juicy, flavorful base. Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.

Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.
Bread Crumbs: Adds structure and absorbs moisture, ensuring the patties stay tender.
Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic add depth to the flavor. The Worcestershire sauce brings a touch of umami richness.

Onions: Thinly sliced onions caramelize as they cook, infusing the gravy with a sweet, savory flavor.
Beef Broth: The backbone of the onion gravy, bringing savory richness to the dish.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the gravy, giving it a perfect consistency.

How to Make Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy

This easy-to-follow recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and about 40 minutes of your time. Let’s break down the process.

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties

In a large bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1 egg, 1/3 cup of bread crumbs, 1/2 tsp of black pepper, 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of onion powder, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tsp of Worcestershire sauce. Using your hands, mix the ingredients until well-combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough patties. Form the mixture into thick patties, about 4 in total.

Step 2: Cook the Patties and Onions

Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef patties and 1 1/2 cups of thinly sliced onions to the skillet. Cook the patties for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are well browned and cooked through. The onions will caramelize alongside the beef, absorbing the flavors as they cook. Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside, keeping them warm.

Step 3: Make the Onion Gravy

With the patties removed, sprinkle 2 tbsp of all-purpose flour over the onions and any drippings left in the skillet. Use a fork or whisk to stir the flour into the onions, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step is essential, as it helps develop the rich, savory flavor of the gravy.

Gradually pour in 1 cup of beef broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring for about 5 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken. Add 1/2 tsp of salt to the mixture, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Simmer the Patties in Gravy

Once the gravy has thickened, reduce the heat to low and return the beef patties to the skillet. Spoon some of the gravy over the top of each patty to ensure they soak up the flavors. Cover the skillet and let the patties simmer in the gravy for an additional 15 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in tender, juicy patties infused with the rich taste of the onion gravy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

After simmering, your Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy are ready to serve! Plate the patties, generously spooning the onion gravy over the top. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal.

Why This Recipe Works

This Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy recipe is a crowd-pleaser because it’s simple to make and packed with comforting, homestyle flavors. The beef patties are juicy and flavorful, while the onion gravy adds a savory richness that ties the dish together. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to your taste preferences, whether you like a touch more garlic or an extra dash of Worcestershire sauce for added depth.

Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Hamburger Steaks

Use Quality Ground Beef: Aim for ground beef with a higher fat content (such as 80/20) to keep the patties juicy.

Don’t Overmix the Meat: Overworking the ground beef can make the patties tough. Mix the ingredients just until combined.
Caramelize the Onions: Take your time when cooking the onions to get that deep, rich flavor that makes the gravy so delicious.
Adjust Gravy Thickness: If the gravy is too thick, add a bit more beef broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to reduce.

Serving Suggestions

Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate comfort food pairing. Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the rich gravy.
Rice: A simple side that absorbs the savory onion gravy well.

Roasted Vegetables: Add a healthy touch with roasted carrots, green beans, or broccoli.
Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls complement the dish and help mop up every bit of gravy.

Variations to Try

Mushroom Gravy: Add sliced mushrooms to the gravy for extra flavor and texture.

Cheese-Stuffed Patties: For an indulgent twist, stuff the patties with a small cube of cheese before cooking.
Turkey Patties: Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version of this classic dish.

Storage and Reheating

This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator: Store the cooked patties and gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Freezer: You can freeze the cooked patties and gravy for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 patty with gravy):

Calories: 320 kcal
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g

Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 950mg
Carbohydrates: 10g

Protein: 24g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use a different type of meat for the patties?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the beef patties. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will change slightly depending on the meat used.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs and gluten-free flour for the gravy. Also, make sure the Worcestershire sauce you use is gluten-free.

3. What can I use as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce or tamari for a similar umami flavor. A splash of balsamic vinegar can also work in a pinch.

4. How do I keep the patties from falling apart?

Make sure to use an egg and bread crumbs in the mixture, as they act as binders. Avoid overmixing the meat, and press the patties firmly when forming them.

5. Can I make the gravy without beef broth?

Yes, if you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken or vegetable broth. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!

This recipe for Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy is the perfect combination of comforting flavors and easy preparation, making it a great addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit!