Introduction
Hamburger Steak with Gravy is a timeless comfort dish that delivers rich flavor, hearty texture, and satisfying warmth in every bite. Juicy seasoned beef patties are pan-seared until beautifully browned, then simmered in a savory onion gravy that brings everything together. This is the kind of meal that feels nostalgic and deeply comforting, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. I first made this recipe when I needed something simple yet filling, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. The secret lies in building flavor directly in the skillet, allowing the browned bits from the beef to enrich the gravy naturally. Served over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles, Hamburger Steak with Gravy is straightforward, affordable, and reliably delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and packed with savory flavor. The homemade gravy elevates simple ground beef into a satisfying main course. It uses pantry staples, requires minimal prep, and pairs well with many side dishes. The result is tender beef patties coated in rich, comforting gravy.
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Hamburger Steak with Gravy – Classic Comfort Food Done Right
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Classic hamburger steak with savory onion gravy made from seasoned ground beef patties simmered in a rich, flavorful brown gravy for a comforting homestyle meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for gravy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form into 4 oval patties.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook until softened and caramelized, about 8–10 minutes. Remove and set aside with patties.
- Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly until gravy thickens, about 3–5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return patties and onions to the skillet, spoon gravy over them, and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
- For extra flavor, add sliced mushrooms to the gravy.
- Do not overmix the beef mixture to keep patties tender.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Ground beef forms the base of the hamburger steaks, providing rich flavor and hearty texture. An 80/20 blend works well for juiciness.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs help bind the patties together and keep them tender during cooking.
Egg
The egg acts as a binder, ensuring the patties hold their shape.
Onion (finely chopped)
Onion adds moisture and subtle sweetness to both the patties and the gravy.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder provides savory depth without overpowering the beef.
Salt and black pepper
These simple seasonings enhance the natural flavor of the beef.
Worcestershire sauce
Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, slightly tangy note that deepens the overall flavor.
Beef broth
Beef broth forms the base of the gravy and intensifies the meaty richness.
All-purpose flour
Flour thickens the gravy, giving it a smooth and velvety consistency.
Butter or oil
Used for sautéing and building the gravy, adding richness to the final dish.
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, half of the finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape into oval patties.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until well browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining chopped onion and cook until softened and lightly caramelized. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir continuously for about one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer until the gravy thickens.
Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet and spoon gravy over the top. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the patties to absorb some of the gravy before serving.
Equipment needed : Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filli
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking time is 20 to 25 minutes, for a total time of around 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover hamburger steak and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. This dish can be frozen for up to two months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Hamburger Steak with Gravy can be customized easily to suit your preferences. For a richer flavor, add a splash of heavy cream to the gravy at the end of cooking. I once stirred in a small amount of Dijon mustard, which added a subtle tang that complemented the beef beautifully.
If you prefer a lighter version, use lean ground beef and reduce the added fat when cooking. You can also substitute ground turkey, though the flavor will be milder. For extra depth, sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions before adding the flour; mushroom gravy pairs exceptionally well with beef.
To enhance the seasoning, try adding smoked paprika or a pinch of dried thyme to the patties. For a Southern-style variation, serve the hamburger steak over creamy mashed potatoes with extra gravy spooned generously on top.
You can also transform this recipe into a Salisbury steak variation by incorporating additional seasonings and a touch more Worcestershire sauce. The versatility of this dish makes it adaptable for both simple weeknight meals and more elevated presentations.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
The following values are approximate per serving (based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Avoid Overmixing
Overworking the beef can result in dense, tough patties.
Build Flavor in the Pan
Do not wipe out the skillet before making the gravy; the browned bits add depth.
Simmer Gently
Allow the patties to simmer in the gravy for improved flavor and tenderness.
Adjust Thickness
If the gravy becomes too thick, add a small amount of warm broth to loosen it.
FAQs
What is the difference between hamburger steak and Salisbury steak?
Hamburger steak is typically simpler, while Salisbury steak often includes more seasonings and sometimes fillers.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and can be prepared a day in advance.
What can I serve with hamburger steak?
Mashed potatoes, rice, green beans, or roasted vegetables pair well.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Use the egg and breadcrumbs as binders and avoid flipping too frequently.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour alternatives for thickening the gravy.
Conclusion
Hamburger Steak with Gravy is a simple yet deeply satisfying dish that transforms everyday ingredients into classic comfort food. With tender beef patties and rich homemade gravy, this recipe is dependable, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week.
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