Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy – Classic Comfort Food

Juicy, flavorful hamburger steaks smothered in a rich, savory onion gravy—this is comfort food at its finest! Made with simple ingredients, this dish delivers home-cooked goodness with every bite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a nostalgic Southern-style meal, these hamburger steaks are tender, well-seasoned, and pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice.

Ingredients

For the Hamburger Steaks:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor)
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

For the Onion Gravy:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Instructions

 1: Prepare the Hamburger Steaks

1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
2. Divide into four equal portions and shape into oval patties.

 2: Cook the Steaks

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until browned (they don’t have to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.

 3: Make the Onion Gravy

4. In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced onions. Cook until softened and golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Sprinkle in the flour and stir, cooking for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
6. Gradually whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

 4: Simmer the Steaks in Gravy

7. Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through (internal temp of 160°F).
8. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.

Notes

• Make it a meal: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a side of cornbread.
• Extra richness: Add a splash of heavy cream to the gravy for a creamier texture.
• Want more flavor? A dash of smoked paprika or a splash of soy sauce can enhance the taste.

Helpful Tips Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy

• Don’t overmix the beef mixture—handling it too much can make the patties dense.
• For a deeper flavor, caramelize the onions longer until they’re deeply golden.
• Want a thicker gravy? Simmer a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

Conservation and Storage

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze cooked hamburger steaks and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Substitutions and Variations

Meat Variations

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Since these meats are leaner, add a teaspoon of olive oil to keep the patties moist.
• Ground Pork or a Beef-Pork Mix: For extra juiciness and flavor, mix half ground pork and half ground beef.
• Plant-Based Alternative: Use a meatless ground substitute and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a vegetarian version.

Gravy Twists

• Mushroom Gravy: Add sliced mushrooms to the onions for a richer, earthier flavor.
• Creamy Gravy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for an extra luscious texture.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for some heat.

Seasoning Swaps

• Southern-Style: Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika and a dash of hot sauce for a bold, smoky flavor.
• Garlic Lover’s Version: Double the garlic powder or add freshly minced garlic to the patties.
• Cajun-Style: Swap the seasonings for 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning for a spicy Louisiana twist.

Texture and Binder Options

• No Breadcrumbs? Use crushed crackers, oat flour, or even cooked rice instead.
• No Egg? Replace with 2 tablespoons of milk or 1 tablespoon mayonnaise to help bind the patties.

Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Version

• Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
• Replace the flour in the gravy with ½ teaspoon xanthan gum or a cornstarch slurry.
• Serve with cauliflower mash or sautéed greens instead of potatoes or rice.

Storage Instructions Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy

Refrigeration:

• Store leftover hamburger steaks and onion gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the gravy. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Freezing:

• Freeze cooked hamburger steaks and gravy together in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop.

Make-Ahead Option:

• You can prep the patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge uncooked for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• You can also freeze raw patties (separated with parchment paper) for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight, then proceed with the recipe as usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make hamburger steaks ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can shape the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. If freezing, separate them with parchment paper and store them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I use frozen hamburger patties?

A: Absolutely! If using pre-made frozen patties, just sear them as directed, then simmer a little longer in the gravy to ensure they cook through.

Q: How do I thicken the gravy?

A: If the gravy is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer, or mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it in.

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?

A: Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the patties and swap the flour in the gravy for cornstarch (use 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water instead of flour).

Q: What can I serve with hamburger steaks?

A: Classic sides include mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, roasted vegetables, or even buttered biscuits.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well, but since they have less fat, consider adding a teaspoon of olive oil to keep the patties moist.

Conclusion Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy

There’s nothing quite like Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy to bring comfort to the table. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor! Whether served over mashed potatoes or with a side of buttered noodles, this dish is a guaranteed family favorite.

Love this recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Serving Size: 1 hamburger steak with gravy
• Calories: ~320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

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