Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy is a nostalgic and comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef patties with a rich, flavorful onion gravy. The savory and slightly sweet caramelized onions provide the perfect complement to the juicy, pan-fried hamburger steaks. This dish is often served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even egg noodles, making it a versatile and satisfying meal. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make yet tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings the flavors of home-cooked comfort food to the table.
🍔 Ingredients:
For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80% lean for juiciness)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably plain or Italian-style)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Onion Gravy:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Hamburger Steaks:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until the ingredients are just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat, as it can lead to tough patties.
Divide the mixture into 4 to 6 portions, shaping each into a round, flat patty (about 1 inch thick). You can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference.
2. Cook the Hamburger Steaks:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the hamburger patties to the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the patties are browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C). Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Do not clean the skillet—it will be used for the gravy, and the fond (the brown bits left behind) will add flavor.
3. Make the Onion Gravy:
In the same skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes, or until the onions are softened and golden brown. If the onions begin to burn, reduce the heat slightly.
Once the onions are caramelized, sprinkle the flour over them and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. The flour will help thicken the gravy.
Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps from forming. Add the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce (if using). Bring the gravy to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the gravy cook for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens to a nice consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked hamburger steaks to the skillet with the onion gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over the top of the patties and let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the hamburger steaks to absorb some of the gravy.
5. Serve:
Serve the hamburger steaks hot, topped with the rich onion gravy. This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
🍴 Serving Suggestions:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the classic side to soak up all that savory onion gravy.
- Rice: White rice or even brown rice works beautifully as a base for the hamburger steaks and gravy.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
🔁 Tips & Variations:
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the onion gravy for a bit of heat.
- Cheesy Twist: Melt some shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese on top of the hamburger steaks during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra layer of richness.
- Make Ahead: You can make the hamburger steaks and onion gravy ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. The flavors often get better the next day.
- Gravy Consistency: If you prefer a thicker gravy, add a little more flour. For a thinner gravy, simply add more broth.
🍔 Final Thoughts:
Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich, savory gravy paired with the tender, juicy hamburger steaks is a meal that will satisfy your cravings for home-cooked comfort food. Whether you serve it for a family dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Let me know if you’d like a printable version or a variation for different dietary needs!