Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy: Comfort Food at Its Best
Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy is a hearty, satisfying dish that brings together juicy hamburger patties, tender onions, and a rich, flavorful gravy. This classic comfort food is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special meal to impress your guests. The savory combination of beef, onions, and gravy is sure to hit the spot, and the best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple ingredients. Whether served with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables, this dish is sure to become a regular part of your meal rotation.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the basic recipe, provide advanced techniques, discuss tips for storage and maintenance, explore dietary adaptations, and answer common FAQs.
For more comforting meals, check out Hamburger Steak Recipes on Allrecipes and Easy Comfort Food Recipes on Taste of Home.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Ingredients for Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (or crushed crackers)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for the gravy)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for the gravy)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Instructions:
- Make the Hamburger Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then shape the mixture into 4-6 patties, depending on your desired size.
- Cook the Hamburger Patties: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the hamburger patties to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until the patties are browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, add the butter and sliced onions. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and beginning to caramelize.
- Make the Gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to coat them evenly. Cook for about 1 minute to allow the flour to cook through. Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the soy sauce (if using) and dried thyme (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine the Patties and Gravy: Return the cooked hamburger patties to the skillet with the gravy. Spoon some of the gravy and onions over the patties and let them simmer in the gravy for another 3-4 minutes to heat through and soak up the flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is heated through, serve the hamburger steak with the onions and gravy on top. This dish is great served over mashed potatoes, rice, or with a side of steamed vegetables.
Advanced Techniques for Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy
1. Add Mushrooms for Extra Flavor:
For an extra layer of flavor, sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions. The mushrooms will add a savory, earthy taste that complements the beef and gravy perfectly.
2. Customize the Gravy:
You can adjust the thickness and flavor of the gravy by using heavy cream for a creamier texture or adding red wine for depth. For a more robust flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the gravy as it simmers.
3. Try Different Seasonings:
While the classic garlic and onion powder work great, you can experiment with other seasonings like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or even cajun seasoning to give your hamburger steak a unique twist.
4. Make it Spicy:
For a bit of heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the gravy. You can also mix a little hot sauce into the sauce for extra kick.
5. Serve with Variations:
Try serving your hamburger steak over different bases, such as mashed sweet potatoes, baked potatoes, or creamy polenta for a unique variation. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
How to Store:
Leftovers of Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before storing.
Freezing Tips:
This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let the steak and gravy cool completely. Place the hamburger steaks in a freezer-safe container and pour the gravy over them. When ready to eat, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop over low heat.
Reheating Tips:
To reheat, place the hamburger steak and gravy in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the gravy if needed. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free:
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. For the gravy, use gluten-free flour or a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly:
For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, replace the bread crumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to make the patties. Serve the hamburger steak with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles instead of mashed potatoes for a low-carb meal.
Dairy-Free:
For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Use dairy-free broth or plant-based cream for a creamy gravy substitute.
Vegetarian Option:
To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat or lentils. You can still follow the same method for making the patties and gravy, ensuring you use vegetarian broth and seasoning.
FAQs About The Recipe
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef. The flavor will be lighter, but the technique for making the patties and gravy remains the same.
2. Can I make the gravy without flour?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free or low-carb version, you can thicken the gravy using cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Simply dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in cold water and add it to the gravy as it simmers.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the hamburger steaks and gravy ahead of time. Cook everything through, then let it cool before storing in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.
4. Can I make the hamburger patties bigger?
Absolutely! If you prefer larger patties, you can increase the size. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as larger patties will need more time to cook through. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
5. What can I serve with Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy?
This dish is great served with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a side salad or roasted sweet potatoes for a balanced meal.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy is a timeless comfort food that is easy to prepare, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners. The savory beef patties, rich gravy, and caramelized onions make this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this meal will always satisfy your craving for something hearty and delicious. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting, classic meal that everyone will love!