Description

Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy is a hearty, comforting dish that combines juicy ground beef patties with a rich, savory onion gravy. Perfect for family dinners, this classic American comfort food is easy to make and pairs well with traditional sides like mashed potatoes or rice. The combination of caramelized onions, flavorful beef, and velvety gravy makes it a meal that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Patties:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (preferably 15-20% fat)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Patties

In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, and pepper until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
Form the mixture into 4-6 equal-sized patties, about ¾ to 1 inch thick. Chill the patties for 15-20 minutes for better shape retention while cooking.

Step 2: Browning the Patties

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Brown the patties on each side for 3-4 minutes, creating a crust but not fully cooking them through. Remove the patties and set them aside.

Step 3: Sautéing the Onions

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the thinly sliced onions. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized. If they start to stick, add a small splash of water or beef broth.

Step 4: Making the Gravy

Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of flour over the caramelized onions and stir, cooking for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the gravy starts to thicken.
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and thyme, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Simmering the Patties in Gravy

Return the browned patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover the skillet and let the patties simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
Serve the patties hot, spooning the onion gravy over the top.

Notes

Fat Content in Beef: For the juiciest hamburger steaks, use ground beef with a fat content of around 15-20%. Leaner cuts may result in drier patties, while fattier cuts can make the dish greasy.
Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, thin it out with a bit of extra beef broth. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes, or whisk in a small cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water).
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a green salad for a complete meal.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the patties and gravy ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop. If the gravy thickens too much in the fridge, just add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding cheese to the patties or spices like chili flakes to give it a bit of heat. You can also add mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy, umami twist.