Hamburger steaks with onion gravy

Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy Recipe

Hamburger steaks with onion gravy are a comforting and classic dish that combines the savory flavors of seasoned beef patties with a rich, flavorful onion gravy. This dish is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. Here’s how you can make this delicious meal at home.

Ingredients

For the Hamburger Steaks:

• 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 for best flavor)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Onion Gravy:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Hamburger Steaks:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, but be careful not to overmix as it can make the patties tough.
2. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Tent them with foil to keep warm.

2. Make the Onion Gravy:

1. In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and golden brown. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
2. Once the onions are caramelized, sprinkle the flour over them and stir well to coat the onions evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the gravy cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

3. Combine and Serve:

1. Return the cooked hamburger steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the onion gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over the top of the patties to coat them.
2. Cover the skillet and let the hamburger steaks simmer in the gravy for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the patties to warm through.
3. Serve the hamburger steaks hot, smothered with onion gravy, alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite vegetables.

Tips and Variations

1. Meat Options: While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or a blend of beef and pork for a different flavor profile.
2. Add Mushrooms: For an extra layer of flavor, add sliced mushrooms to the gravy. Sauté them with the onions for a delicious mushroom-onion gravy.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the patties and a gluten-free flour blend in the gravy to make this dish gluten-free.
4. Serve with Sides: Classic sides for this dish include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered egg noodles. The gravy is so flavorful that it enhances whatever it touches.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the hamburger steaks and gravy in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth to thin the gravy if needed. You can also microwave them, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.

Conclusion

Hamburger steaks with onion gravy are a timeless comfort food that brings together simple ingredients to create a meal full of warmth and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a nostalgic meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. The combination of juicy beef patties and rich, savory onion gravy is hard to beat, making this dish a must-try for any home cook.