This classic hamburger steak is like a warm hug on a plate! Juicy ground beef patties are paired with a rich and flavorful onion gravy that makes everything better.
There’s something special about the aroma of onions cooking away. I love to serve this over mashed potatoes for a cozy dinner. It’s comfort food at its finest! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Opt for 80% lean ground beef for juicy patties. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken, although the flavor will be milder.
Onions: Yellow onions are ideal for their sweetness when caramelized. If you want a sharper taste, try using red onions instead.
Breadcrumbs: Use regular breadcrumbs for binding, but if you’re gluten-free, almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs work great too.
Beef Broth: Homemade beef broth is always better, but store-bought works just fine. For a lighter option, use chicken broth or even vegetable broth.
How Do I Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions takes patience but rewards you with amazing flavor. Start by slicing your onions thinly. In a skillet over medium heat, melt your butter and add the onions.
- Stir occasionally, letting them cook for 15-20 minutes. Low and slow is key!
- If they start to stick, add a little water or broth to help them along.
- Finally, don’t rush the process! When they turn golden brown and fragrant, you know you’re ready for the next step.
Take your time; the deep flavor from well-cooked onions adds a lot to the gravy!
Classic Hamburger Steak with Rich Onion Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For The Rich Onion Gravy:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, making a total time of approximately 45 minutes. With juicy hamburger steaks and rich onion gravy, this dish is worth every minute!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Hamburger Steaks:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, bread crumbs, egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix gently but do not overwork the meat. This helps keep the patties tender.
2. Shape the Patties:
Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into an oval-shaped patty, about 1/2 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.
3. Cook the Patties:
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the hamburger steaks, cooking them for about 4–5 minutes on each side until they are browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Caramelize the Onions:
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter along with the sliced onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown. This should take around 15-20 minutes, so be patient! The more caramelized they are, the more flavor they’ll add to the gravy.
5. Make the Gravy:
Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to coat them. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Then, slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, letting the mixture come to a simmer. Cook until the gravy thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
6. Final Touches:
Taste the gravy and add salt and pepper as needed. Return the cooked hamburger steaks to the skillet, spooning some gravy over them. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes so everything heats through and the flavors meld perfectly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the hamburger steaks hot, topped with the rich onion gravy. They pair deliciously with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. Enjoy your hearty, comforting meal!
Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Classic Hamburger Steak with Rich Onion Gravy
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef! Just note that turkey tends to be drier, so you may want to add a little olive oil or extra moisture to the mix to keep the patties juicy.
How Do I Make Dairy-Free Gravy?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, simply use vegetable oil instead of butter for caramelizing the onions. You can also use cornstarch or a dairy-free margarine when thickening the gravy instead of flour.
Can I Freeze Leftover Hamburger Steaks and Gravy?
Absolutely! After the dish has cooled, store the leftovers in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stovetop.
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or even rice. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal!
