Introduction
Hamburger steaks with onion gravy are a classic comfort food, offering a hearty meal full of flavor and warmth. This dish combines juicy ground beef patties with a rich.
savory onion gravy that elevates the simple hamburger to something special. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering and is simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients.
The savory gravy, made from caramelized onions and beef broth, complements the tender hamburger steaks beautifully.
Ingredients
1lb. ground beef
1 egg
1/3 cup bread crumbs
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp. oil
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced onion
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
1/2 tsp. salt
Instructions
To begin, place the ground beef in a large mixing bowl. Add the egg, bread crumbs, black pepper, salt, onion powder, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
Mix everything together until well combined, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
Next, divide the beef mixture into several equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, pressing them gently to ensure even cooking.
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and begin to caramelize.
Once the onions are golden brown, sprinkle the flour over them and stir well to combine. Allow the flour to cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the gravy thickens slightly.
Taste the gravy and adjust the salt if needed.
Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, spooning some gravy over the top.
Allow the patties to simmer in the gravy for a few more minutes, ensuring they are heated through and coated with the flavorful sauce.
How to Make
Making hamburger steaks with onion gravy is straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps. First, mix the ground beef with seasonings to form flavorful patties.
The addition of Worcestershire sauce gives the patties a savory depth, while the garlic adds a hint of aromatic richness.
The key to juicy hamburger steaks is to not overwork the meat—gently mix the ingredients to keep the patties tender.
The onions are an essential part of the dish, providing both texture and sweetness. As they cook down in the pan, their natural sugars are released.
creating a rich, caramelized flavor that forms the base for the gravy. Don’t rush this process—let the onions cook slowly to achieve the best flavor.
Once the onions are perfectly caramelized, the addition of flour helps thicken the gravy and gives it a silky smooth texture.
The beef broth rounds out the flavor, creating a rich sauce that pairs perfectly with the savory hamburger steaks.
It’s important to simmer the patties in the gravy for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
This step ensures that the beef absorbs some of the delicious gravy, making each bite incredibly flavorful.
This dish can be made ahead of time, as the hamburger steaks and gravy reheat well. If preparing in advance, store the gravy and patties separately, then combine them and reheat when ready to serve.
Hamburger steaks with onion gravy can be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing them with mashed potatoes for a classic combination or rice to soak up all the delicious gravy.
Roasted vegetables or a simple salad also make great additions to this comforting meal.
Finally, if you want to add a bit of extra flavor to your gravy
try a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar. These additions can add depth and complexity to the sauce, taking your dish to the next level.
Variations
While the traditional version of hamburger steaks with onion gravy is a classic favorite, there are many variations to suit different tastes.
For a twist on the flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms to the gravy along with the onions. Mushrooms enhance the umami profile of the dish, adding an earthy richness.
Another variation is to incorporate different spices into the hamburger patties. Try adding smoked paprika for a slightly smoky flavor or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
These adjustments can give the dish a unique kick and make it even more satisfying.
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
The taste and texture will be different, but the overall dish will still be delicious when paired with the savory onion gravy.
For a more indulgent take, top the hamburger steaks with melted cheese. A slice of cheddar or Swiss cheese melted on top of the patties adds a creamy texture and additional flavor.
Vegetarian or vegan alternatives can also be made by using plant-based meat substitutes. There are many good plant-based ground meat options available today.
that mimic the taste and texture of beef, allowing you to enjoy this dish without the animal products.
Another fun variation is to add different types of gravy. For example, a creamy mushroom gravy can be used in place of the classic onion gravy for a different flavor profile.
The rich creaminess of the mushroom gravy complements the savory patties beautifully.
Finally, you can experiment with the choice of bread crumbs.
Panko breadcrumbs give the patties a light and crispy texture, while regular breadcrumbs create a more traditional, tender patty.
Tips
To ensure your hamburger steaks are juicy and tender, don’t overmix the ground beef. Overworking the meat can make the patties tough. Gently mix in the seasonings and form the patties without pressing them too much.
If you’re not a fan of onions, try using shallots instead. Shallots have a milder flavor and a subtle sweetness that can add a delicate touch to the gravy.
For an extra boost of flavor in your gravy, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.
These umami-packed ingredients can deepen the savory notes of the gravy and complement the beefy taste of the hamburger steaks.
To make the dish more filling, consider adding a side of garlic bread or cornbread to soak up the flavorful gravy. Both options are perfect for pairing with this rich and hearty meal.
If you’re cooking for a larger group, you can easily double the recipe. Just be sure to cook the patties in batches to ensure they brown properly.
For an added touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, over the dish before serving. The herbs will bring a fresh, aromatic note to the savory meal.
To keep the onion gravy from getting too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding more beef broth or a splash of water as it simmers. Just make sure to taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Conclusion
Hamburger steaks with onion gravy are the perfect comfort food that combines simplicity with rich flavors. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a special occasion.
this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. With its tender beef patties and savory gravy, it’s a meal that’s both filling and satisfying.
This dish is also highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences. From different types of meat to variations in the gravy, there’s no wrong way to enjoy hamburger steaks with onion gravy.