Indulge in a timeless comfort dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal—Hamburger Steaks smothered in a savory Onion Gravy. This hearty recipe combines seasoned ground beef patties with a luscious onion-infused sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that delight the palate. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients:
For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80% lean, 20% fat)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
For the Onion Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Hamburger Steaks:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat to maintain tenderness.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into an oval patty, approximately 1/2-inch thick.
- Cook the Patties:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the patties to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they develop a nice brown crust and are cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.
- Prepare the Onion Gravy:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter.
- Once the butter has melted, add the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and caramelized, approximately 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked hamburger steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the onion gravy.
- Spoon some gravy over each patty and allow them to simmer in the gravy for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve the hamburger steaks hot, topped with the onion gravy. They pair excellently with mashed potatoes, rice, or your choice of vegetables.
Tips for Success:
- Meat Selection: Using ground beef with an 80/20 ratio (meat to fat) ensures flavorful and juicy patties.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the meat mixture just until combined to prevent the patties from becoming dense.
- Caramelizing Onions: Patience is key. Allow the onions to cook slowly to develop a deep, sweet flavor that enhances the gravy.
- Gravy Consistency: If the gravy becomes too thick, adjust by adding a bit more beef broth until the desired consistency is reached.
This classic Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy recipe is a delightful addition to any home cook’s repertoire, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please the entire family.