Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy Recipe
Hamburger steaks with onion gravy are a classic comfort food that brings together the savory goodness of ground beef with a rich, flavorful gravy. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a special weekend meal, or whenever you crave a hearty and satisfying dish. Below, we provide an in-depth guide to creating the perfect hamburger steaks with onion gravy, ensuring that your meal will be a hit every time.
Ingredients Needed for Hamburger Steaks
To prepare this delightful meal, you will need the following ingredients:
- For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 pound of ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Onion Gravy:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Preparation
Preparing the Hamburger Steaks
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal parts and shape them into oval or round patties. Ensure that the patties are of even thickness to cook uniformly.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the skillet and cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
Creating the Onion Gravy
- Caramelize the Onions: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are soft and caramelized. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add the Broth: Gradually add the beef broth to the skillet, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook until the gravy thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the Gravy: Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper to the gravy. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Combining the Steaks and Gravy
- Return Patties to the Skillet: Once the gravy is ready, return the cooked hamburger steaks to the skillet. Spoon the onion gravy over the patties to ensure they are well-coated.
- Simmer Together: Let the patties simmer in the gravy for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve the hamburger steaks hot, topped with plenty of onion gravy. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Tips for Perfect Hamburger Steaks
Choosing the Right Ground Beef
For the best texture and flavor, we recommend using ground beef with 80% lean meat. This ratio provides enough fat to keep the patties moist and flavorful without being too greasy.
Mixing the Ingredients
When mixing the ingredients for the patties, handle the mixture gently to avoid overworking the meat. Overmixing can result in dense and tough hamburger steaks.
Cooking Evenly
To ensure even cooking, make sure the patties are of uniform thickness. You can use a kitchen scale to divide the meat mixture evenly and then shape the patties.
Caramelizing the Onions
Caramelizing onions takes patience but is worth the effort. Cook the onions slowly over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The natural sugars in the onions will develop a deep, rich flavor that enhances the gravy.
Thickening the Gravy
If your gravy is too thin, you can let it simmer a bit longer until it reaches the desired consistency. Conversely, if it is too thick, you can add a little more beef broth to thin it out.
Variations to Try
Mushroom Gravy
For a different twist, you can add sliced mushrooms to the gravy. Sauté the mushrooms along with the onions until they are tender before adding the flour and broth.
Cheesy Hamburger Steaks
Add a slice of your favorite cheese on top of each patty during the last few minutes of cooking. Allow the cheese to melt and create a delicious, gooey topping.
Spicy Version
For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture and a dash of hot sauce to the gravy.
Nutritional Information
Hamburger steaks with onion gravy are a hearty meal, and it’s important to be mindful of their nutritional content. Here’s a rough estimate for one serving:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
Healthier Options
To make this dish a bit healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Use leaner ground beef (90% lean) to reduce fat content.
- Substitute whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to decrease the sodium level.
Conclusion
Hamburger steaks with onion gravy is a timeless dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. With the right ingredients and careful preparation, you can create a dish that is both delicious and comforting. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this meal is sure to become a favorite in your household.