Rich Hamburger Steak With Onion Gravy Recipe: A Family Favorite

Savory and comforting, this hamburger steak with onion gravy offers a hearty meal that transports you straight to grandma’s kitchen.

Tender beef patties sizzle with rich, caramelized flavor and depth.

The golden-brown meat nestles beneath a blanket of silky, umami-packed onion gravy that adds incredible richness to every bite.

Home cooks adore this classic Southern-style dish for its simplicity and robust taste.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of juicy meat and deeply flavored sauce.

Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than this crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Hamburger Steak with Gravy Is Comfort Food

• Streamline your cooking process by using a single skillet for searing steaks, caramelizing onions, and creating a rich, luxurious gravy, which means less cleanup and more enjoyment.
• Transform basic ground beef into a mouthwatering dish bursting with deep, complex flavors through smart techniques like caramelizing onions and building a savory gravy base.
• Ideal for family dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily to different occasions and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table with its comforting, classic appeal.

Hamburger Steak Ingredients

• Ground Beef: The star of the dish, providing a rich and hearty base for the hamburger steak.

• Onions (Minced), Garlic: Add depth and aromatic flavor to the meat mixture.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Mustard: Contribute tangy and complex flavor profiles to the meat.
• Butter (Shredded): Adds moisture and richness to the hamburger steak.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the meat's natural flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the steaks and creating a delicious golden-brown crust.

• Chicken Broth, Beef Broth: Create a flavorful liquid foundation for the gravy.
• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Provide additional seasoning depth to the gravy.
• Cornstarch, Cold Water: Work together to thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency.

• Cold Butter: Adds a luxurious, velvety finish to the gravy.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish for visual appeal and a subtle herbaceous note.

Hamburger Steak Cooking Steps

Step 1: Prepare Meat Mixture

Grab ground beef in a large mixing bowl.

Add finely chopped onions, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.

Gently blend ingredients using your hands, being careful not to overmix and keep the meat tender.

Step 2: Shape Burger Steaks

Form the meat into oval-shaped patties with consistent thickness.

Place the shaped steaks on a plate and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them maintain their shape during cooking.

Step 3: Season Meat Patties

Remove steaks from refrigerator and sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper.

This simple seasoning will enhance the meat’s natural flavors.

Step 4: Sear Meat Patties

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place meat patties into the hot pan.

Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops.

Transfer seared steaks to a separate plate.

Step 5: Caramelize Onions

Reduce skillet heat to medium-low.

Melt butter and add sliced onions.

Cook slowly for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until onions turn soft and golden brown.

Step 6: Create Gravy Base

Pour chicken broth and beef broth into the skillet.

Add onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.

Use a spatula to scrape up browned bits from the pan’s bottom for extra flavor.

Step 7: Thicken Gravy

Mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until smooth.

Bring gravy mixture to a boil, then whisk in the cornstarch slurry.

Stir continuously until gravy thickens.

Step 8: Simmer Steaks

Return meat patties to the skillet, spooning gravy over them.

Cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 9: Finish Gravy

Add a final tablespoon of cold butter to the gravy, stirring until melted.

This creates a silky, rich texture.

Step 10: Plate and Garnish

Transfer hamburger steaks to serving plates.

Top with extra gravy and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley.

Serve alongside mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Hamburger Steak with Gravy

• Handle ground beef gently to keep steaks tender, avoiding overworking the mixture which can make them tough.
• Refrigerate shaped steaks for 15 minutes to help them maintain their form during cooking and prevent falling apart.
• Slowly cook onions on medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes to develop a rich, sweet flavor that elevates the entire gravy.
• Whisk cornstarch with cold water until completely smooth to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, perfect gravy texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 160°F, guaranteeing perfectly cooked hamburger steaks without drying out.

Storing Hamburger Steak with Gravy

• Store hamburger steaks in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual hamburger steaks in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. These frozen steaks will maintain quality for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place hamburger steak on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent toughness.
• Warm a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying. Gently place hamburger steaks in the pan, cover, and warm for 3-4 minutes, turning once. This method helps preserve the original texture and flavor.

What Goes with Hamburger Steak

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the hamburger steak. These wines have enough tannic structure to stand up to the hearty dish and enhance its savory profile.
• Complement with Creamy Potato Side: Choose garlic mashed potatoes or roasted rosemary potatoes as the perfect accompaniment. Their smooth texture and buttery taste will balance the robust meat and gravy, creating a harmonious plate.
• Add Bright Vegetable Contrast: Roasted carrots or green beans with a light lemon zest will provide a fresh, acidic counterpoint to the heavy hamburger steak. These vegetables cut through the richness and add a vibrant element to the meal.
• Match with Craft Beer Pairing: Opt for a medium-bodied amber ale or brown ale that mirrors the caramelized onion gravy's depth. The beer's maltiness will enhance the meat's umami flavors and create a satisfying dining experience.

Hamburger Steak Recipe Variations

• Lean Protein Power: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter, lower-fat version that still packs incredible flavor and protein.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch to create a celiac-friendly gravy that maintains the same silky texture and rich taste.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Swap regular onions for green onions, use bone broth instead of chicken broth, and add extra butter to increase fat content while keeping carbohydrates low. Serve with cauliflower mash as a perfect low-carb side.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Create plant-based hamburger steaks using Beyond Meat or Impossible ground meat, maintaining the same seasonings and gravy technique for a meat-alternative version that captures the original recipe's robust flavors.

FAQs

• Why should I chill the meat mixture before cooking?

Chilling helps the steaks hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart during cooking. It also allows the flavors to meld together and makes the meat easier to handle.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Ground turkey tends to be leaner, so you might need to add a bit more fat to keep the steaks moist.

• What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?

You can substitute with soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and vinegar. These alternatives will provide a similar umami flavor and depth to the meat mixture. If you don’t have any of these, you can still make the recipe, but the flavor profile will be slightly less complex.

• How do I know when the steaks are cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F. This ensures the steaks are fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.

Hamburger Steak With Onion Gravy Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty hamburger steak with onion gravy delivers classic comfort straight from Southern kitchens, blending juicy beef with rich, savory sauce. Home cooks savor this nostalgic dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to family dinner tables.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef 85% lean

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
• 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt
• Pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons frozen butter, shredded
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, very finely minced
• 2 yellow onions, sliced into 3/4 inch strings
• 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, divided
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 3 tablespoons corn starch

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Instructions

1. Gently blend minced onions, shredded butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard with ground beef in a large mixing bowl, being careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness.
2. Craft the mixture into uniform oval-shaped patties and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them maintain their structure during cooking.
3. Remove patties from refrigerator and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (around 375°F). Sear the patties for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a rich brown crust, then set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and melt butter in the same skillet. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 15-20 minutes until they become soft and caramelized, creating a robust flavor foundation.
6. Pour chicken and beef broths into the skillet, incorporating onion powder, garlic powder, and additional Worcestershire sauce. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the pan’s bottom.
7. Whisk cornstarch and cold water in a separate bowl until completely smooth. Bring the gravy mixture to a boil, then stir in the cornstarch slurry, watching it thicken rapidly.
8. Return the seared patties to the skillet, spooning gravy over them. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption.
9. Just before serving, swirl in a final tablespoon of cold butter to create a luxurious, silky gravy texture.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and roasted carrots for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

• Chilling the meat mixture helps maintain the steak’s structure and prevents crumbling during cooking.
• Use lean ground beef with a fat content around 80/20 for juicy, flavorful hamburger steaks without excessive greasiness.
• Avoid overworking the meat when mixing ingredients to keep the texture tender and prevent tough, dense steaks.
• For a gluten-free version, replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch as a gravy thickener.
• Customize the dish by adding mushrooms to the gravy or incorporating different herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth.
• Consider using a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness and food safety, aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F.
• Low and slow caramelization of onions develops rich, sweet flavors that elevate the entire gravy’s taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg