Introduction:
Comfort food at its finest, hamburger steaks with onion gravy offers an irresistible blend of savory beef patties and a rich, flavorful gravy. This dish is a classic favorite in many households, providing all the satisfaction of a burger without the bun. The juicy hamburger steaks paired with the savory onion gravy make for a delicious, hearty meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or even a special weekend treat.
This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, bringing together the best of ground beef, caramelized onions, and savory beef broth. The onion gravy, in particular, is what makes this dish stand out – it’s thick, full of flavor, and the perfect complement to the hamburger steaks. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite vegetables, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will love.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through each step of the recipe, offer helpful tips, and share some variations to suit different preferences. Plus, we’ll answer your most frequently asked questions to ensure your hamburger steaks are always a hit!
Ingredients:
For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (adds flavor to the patty mix)
- 1 egg (to help bind the ingredients)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (helps the patties hold together)
- ¼ cup milk (adds moisture to the patties)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (for that savory umami flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (a little garlic goes a long way in flavoring the patties)
- 1 tsp onion powder (to enhance the beef and onion flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (season generously to bring out the best flavor)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying the patties)
For the Onion Gravy:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced (the main ingredient for the gravy)
- 2 tbsp butter (adds richness to the gravy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (to prevent butter from burning and for added flavor)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken the gravy)
- 2 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium for better control of salt)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (to deepen the savory taste of the gravy)
- 1 tsp soy sauce (adds another layer of savory depth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for seasoning)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Make the Hamburger Steaks
- Prepare the Patty Mixture:
Start by combining the ground beef, finely chopped onion, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. You can use your hands or a spoon to mix it until the ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this could result in tough patties. - Shape the Patties:
Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions, depending on the size of the patties you prefer. Shape each portion into an oval or round patty, ensuring they are all uniform in size so they cook evenly. Press down slightly in the center of each patty to create a small indentation – this helps prevent the patties from puffing up too much during cooking. - Cook the Patties:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties into the skillet. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the patties should reach 160°F (71°C) for medium-well. Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 2: Prepare the Onion Gravy
- Caramelize the Onions:
In the same skillet where the patties were cooked, melt the butter and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the thinly sliced onions. Stir occasionally and cook the onions for about 8-10 minutes, until they become soft and golden brown. The caramelization process will take time, but this is key to developing the rich flavor of the gravy. - Make the Gravy Base:
Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir to combine. Cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. The flour will help thicken the gravy as it simmers. - Add the Broth and Seasonings:
Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can add more broth, one tablespoon at a time. - Return the Patties to the Gravy:
Once the gravy is ready, return the cooked hamburger steaks to the skillet. Spoon some of the gravy over the patties, making sure they are well coated. Let the patties simmer in the gravy for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors and become even more flavorful.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the hamburger steaks are cooked and have absorbed the delicious onion gravy, it’s time to serve! Transfer the patties to serving plates and spoon the rich onion gravy over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables. Enjoy your meal!
Servings and Timing:
- Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on the size of the patties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
This is a relatively quick and easy recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner. You’ll have a flavorful and filling meal on the table in less than an hour!
Variations:
1. Cheese-Stuffed Hamburger Steaks:
For an extra indulgent twist, stuff the center of each patty with a slice of cheese. Cheddar, Swiss, or even mozzarella work beautifully in this recipe. After cooking the patties, you’ll have a cheesy surprise inside every bite. The melted cheese adds a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the savory onion gravy.
2. Mushroom Gravy:
Instead of onion gravy, try making a mushroom gravy. Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until they are golden and tender, then follow the rest of the gravy recipe. The mushrooms will add an earthy, umami flavor to the gravy that enhances the beef’s richness. This variation is ideal for mushroom lovers.
3. Spicy Hamburger Steaks:
Add a bit of heat by incorporating cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the patty mixture or the gravy. This variation is great for those who enjoy bold, spicy flavors. A dash of paprika or chili powder can also help elevate the heat level while adding a smoky undertone.
4. Vegetarian Option:
For a vegetarian version of this dish, try using plant-based ground beef or lentils. You can follow the same steps for making the patties, but substitute the meat with your preferred plant-based protein. The onion gravy will still provide that rich, comforting flavor, making it a satisfying meat-free meal.
Storage and Reheating:
Storage:
If you have any leftovers, store the hamburger steaks and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to separate the gravy from the patties to keep them fresh longer.
Freezing:
You can also freeze the hamburger steaks and gravy for up to 3 months. Wrap the steaks tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. The gravy should be stored separately in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy the meal again, defrost the patties and gravy overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
Reheating:
To reheat, place the hamburger steaks and gravy in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If the gravy thickens too much, you can add a little extra beef broth or water to thin it out. Alternatively, you can reheat the leftovers in the microwave, covered with a paper towel to prevent splattering, for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
10 FAQs:
1. Can I use lean ground beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use lean ground beef, but keep in mind that it may result in a drier patty. For the best flavor and texture, ground beef with a fat content of 80/20 is recommended.
2. Can I prepare the onion gravy ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the onion gravy ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
3. What can I serve with hamburger steaks and onion gravy?
Common sides include mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or even a simple green salad. The rich gravy also pairs well with buttery biscuits or bread.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! You can freeze both the hamburger steaks and the gravy for up to 3 months. Simply store the patties and gravy separately in airtight containers.
5. How do I prevent the gravy from becoming too thick?
If your gravy becomes too thick, just add a bit more beef broth or water to thin it out. Stir constantly to ensure the gravy stays smooth.
6. Can I substitute beef broth with something else?
If you don’t have beef broth, you can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as a substitute. Beef broth, however, gives the gravy a deeper, richer flavor.
7. How do I make the gravy thicker?
If you want a thicker gravy, simply let it simmer for a little longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can add a slurry of flour and water to thicken it quickly.
8. Can I add mushrooms to the gravy?
Yes! Adding mushrooms to the onion gravy is a fantastic option for those who enjoy earthy flavors. Sauté the mushrooms with the onions before adding the flour to make a mushroom-onion gravy.
9. What’s the best way to reheat this meal?
The best way to reheat this meal is on the stovetop, allowing the gravy to simmer and coat the patties once again. Add extra beef broth if needed.
10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour (such as rice flour) to make this recipe gluten-free. The gravy will still turn out just as flavorful!
Conclusion:
Hamburger steaks with onion gravy is the epitome of comfort food. With its tender beef patties drenched in a rich and savory onion gravy, this dish is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. It’s easy to prepare, customizable to fit your tastes, and perfect for a cozy family meal.
Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with variations like cheese-stuffed patties or mushroom gravy, this recipe offers endless possibilities. It’s a simple, filling dish that brings out the best in every ingredient, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and memorable.
So the next time you’re craving comfort food, give hamburger steaks with onion gravy a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!