Hamburger steaks with onion gravy is a comforting, hearty dish that combines flavorful seasoned beef patties with a rich, savory gravy. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or when you want something that feels both homey and satisfying. The tender hamburger steaks paired with the delicious, caramelized onion gravy make for a winning combination that will surely please your family and guests alike. Let’s dive into how to prepare this mouthwatering meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy enough for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Savory Onion Gravy: The rich onion gravy takes the dish to the next level, creating a flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the hamburger steaks.
- Comfort Food: This dish is perfect for when you want to enjoy some classic comfort food, without a lot of fuss.
- Versatile: Hamburger steaks can be served with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a side of veggies, making it a flexible meal option.
Ingredients
To make Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy, you’ll need:
- For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for juicy steaks)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs (optional for binding)
- 1 egg (optional for binding)
- For the Onion Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for extra umami flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Hamburger Steaks
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and breadcrumbs (if using). You can also add an egg for extra binding. Mix the ingredients together until everything is well incorporated.
Form the mixture into 4-6 oval or round patties, depending on your desired size. Make sure the patties are evenly shaped to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Hamburger Steaks
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Once the pan is hot, add the hamburger patties. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until the patties are browned and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting into one of the patties to make sure there’s no pink in the middle. Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Onion Gravy
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet. Cook the onions for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and soft. The onions should turn golden brown and fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to combine. This will help thicken the gravy. Cook the flour for about 1 minute to remove any raw taste.
Gradually add the beef broth to the skillet while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet (this adds flavor to the gravy). Add the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), salt, and pepper, and stir everything together.
Step 4: Simmer and Serve
Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, placing them on top of the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the hamburger steaks are coated in the rich gravy.
Once the gravy has thickened and the patties are fully cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the hamburger steaks with the onion gravy poured over the top. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli or peas.
Cook Notes
- Adjust the Gravy Thickness: If you prefer a thinner gravy, simply add more beef broth. If you like your gravy thicker, you can add a bit more flour or let it simmer longer to reduce.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a little kick.
- Add Veggies: You can sauté other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots along with the onions for added flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Option: For an extra touch of indulgence, top the hamburger steaks with a slice of cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. Swiss or cheddar work especially well.
Variations
- Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a lighter option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You may need to adjust the seasoning to suit the milder flavor of poultry.
- Gravy with Cream: For a creamier version of the gravy, add a splash of heavy cream after the beef broth to create a velvety sauce.
- Cheesy Hamburger Steaks: Add some shredded cheese on top of the hamburger steaks in the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth topping.
Keto Version
To make this dish keto-friendly, make the following substitutions:
- Breadcrumbs: Skip the breadcrumbs or use a low-carb alternative like almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Flour: Replace the all-purpose flour in the gravy with a low-carb thickening agent, such as xanthan gum or almond flour.
- Beef Broth: Use a low-sodium beef broth that is free from added sugars.
Low-Carb Version
For a low-carb version, use the same substitutions as the keto version above. Additionally, consider serving the hamburger steaks with mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes for a similar texture with fewer carbs.
Hamburger steaks with onion gravy is a classic dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. The savory beef patties paired with the rich and flavorful onion gravy make for a filling and delicious meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or preparing it for a family gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With easy ingredients, minimal prep time, and lots of room for customization, this dish is a perfect go-to for any occasion
