Description
Juicy and tender hamburger steaks pan-seared to a perfect brown and simmered in a rich, homemade onion gravy. This comforting and budget-friendly American classic is ideal for quick weeknight dinners and pairs excellently with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Hamburger Steaks
- 1½ pounds (680 g) ground beef (80/20)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix gently and just until combined to keep the patties tender.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 to 6 equal portions and shape each into an oval patty approximately ½ inch thick for even cooking.
- Brown the Patties: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a nice brown crust. Remove patties from the skillet and set aside.
- Caramelize Onions: Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and lightly caramelized, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Make the Gravy Base: Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook the flour and avoid lumps.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the beef broth to create a smooth gravy. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Simmer the Gravy: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until slightly thickened, ensuring it coats the back of a spoon.
- Finish Cooking Patties: Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, spoon gravy over them, cover, and simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes until the patties are cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a fulfilling meal.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest, most flavorful hamburger steaks.
- Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to maintain tenderness.
- For extra flavor, add sliced mushrooms to the gravy during caramelizing the onions.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
