There’s a timeless comfort in a hearty plate of hamburger steaks smothered in savory onion gravy. This classic dish combines seasoned ground beef patties with a luscious, caramelized onion-infused sauce, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy meal for one, this recipe brings warmth and flavor to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly and Simple: Utilizing common pantry staples, this dish is both economical and easy to prepare.
- Rich, Savory Flavor: The combination of seasoned beef and deep, flavorful gravy ensures a delightful taste experience.
- Quick Preparation: From start to finish, you can have this delicious meal ready in under 40 minutes.
- Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Its classic flavors appeal to a wide range of palates, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Onion Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Hamburger Steaks:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated, being careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty, approximately 1/2-inch thick.
- Cook the Patties:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. The patties do not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Onion Gravy:
- In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions, stirring continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Patties with Gravy:
- Return the browned patties to the skillet, nestling them into the onion gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over each patty.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the patties simmer in the gravy for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have absorbed some of the gravy’s flavors.
- Serve:
- Once done, taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the hamburger steaks hot, generously topped with the onion gravy.
Serving Suggestions
Hamburger steaks with onion gravy pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture complements the rich gravy.
- Steamed Vegetables: Green beans, broccoli, or carrots add color and nutrition to the plate.
- Rice or Egg Noodles: These can soak up the delicious gravy, making for a hearty meal.
Tips for Success
- Meat Selection: Using ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (such as 80/20) can result in juicier patties.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the meat and seasonings until just combined to prevent the patties from becoming dense.
- Gravy Consistency: If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
This homemade hamburger steak with onion gravy is a comforting classic that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the rich flavors and the simplicity of this delightful dish!
For a visual guide on preparing this dish, you might find the following video helpful: