Hamburger Steak and Gravy

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Why Make This Recipe

Hamburger Steak and Gravy is more than just another meal; it’s a comforting dish that brings back memories of home-cooked dinners and family gatherings. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The juicy hamburger steaks, combined with rich, flavorful gravy, create a pairing that works perfectly over mashed potatoes or rice. It’s a dish that’s not only satisfying but also allows for improvisation based on your personal taste or what you have on hand.

When you create Hamburger Steak and Gravy, you’re not just cooking; you’re engaging in a delicious culinary tradition that delights the senses. Every bite carries the savory flavors of the meat along with the rich gravy that enhances the overall experience. Plus, with simple ingredients easily found at any grocery store, you can whip up this dish whenever you’re in the mood for comfort food.

How to Make Hamburger Steak and Gravy

Making Hamburger Steak and Gravy is straightforward and rewarding. It involves a few steps, but each one leads to an irresistible outcome. Here’s how to make it from scratch.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ lbs ground beef (85% lean)
4 tablespoons frozen butter, shredded
½ cup yellow onion, very finely minced
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 yellow onions, sliced into ¾-inch strings
3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, divided
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (for gravy)
¼ cup cold water + 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the finely minced yellow onion, shredded frozen butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and ground beef. Be careful to mix these ingredients lightly. The goal is to combine them without overworking the meat, which can make the patties tough.
Shape the Patties: Once everything is mixed, form the meat into evenly sized oval patties. This step is crucial for even cooking. After shaping the patties, place them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This will help them firm up, making them less likely to fall apart while cooking.
Sear the Patties: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, season the patties with salt and pepper. Carefully place them in the skillet and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes or until they are nicely browned. After searing, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
Cook the Onions: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the sliced onions. Cook the onions for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to soften and caramelize, creating a nice base of flavor for the gravy.
Add the Broth and Seasonings: When the onions are caramelized, pour in the chicken broth and beef broth. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as this will deepen the flavor of the gravy.
Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, whisk the cold water and cornstarch together until smooth. Bring the gravy mixture in the skillet to a boil, then slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Keep cooking until the gravy thickens, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cook the Patties in the Gravy: Return the seared patties to the skillet, spooning the gravy over the top. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the patties reaches 160°F (71°C).
Finish the Gravy: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of cold butter into the gravy. This gives it a glossy and velvety finish.
Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve your Hamburger Steak and Gravy hot over mashed potatoes or rice. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of this homemade delight!

How to Serve Hamburger Steak and Gravy

This dish pairs exceptionally well with sides that can soak up the delicious gravy. Here are some serving suggestions to consider:

Mashed Potatoes: The classic choice! Creamy mashed potatoes provide the perfect vehicle for the savory gravy and keep your meal comforting and hearty.
Rice: White or brown rice works wonderfully as well. The grains soak up the gravy, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
Sautéed Vegetables: For a healthier option, serve the patties with a side of steamed or sautéed vegetables. Broccoli, green beans, or carrots complement the meal.
Salad: A fresh green salad can balance the richness of the gravy, providing a crunchy and refreshing accompaniment.

How to Store Hamburger Steak and Gravy

If you have leftovers or want to make this meal ahead of time, storing Hamburger Steak and Gravy is easy. Follow these guidelines to ensure your dish stays fresh:

Cooling: Allow the Hamburger Steak and Gravy to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps avoid creating steam in the storage container, which can make the food soggy.
Container: Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Make sure it’s sealed tightly to keep out air and moisture.
Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dish is perfect for meal prep!
Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, Hamburger Steak and Gravy can be frozen. Place the dish in a freezer-safe container and it will stay fresh for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing and Reheating: To enjoy stored portions, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or additional broth to loosen the gravy if necessary. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, ensuring to cover the dish to maintain moisture.

Tips to Make Hamburger Steak and Gravy

Creating the perfect Hamburger Steak and Gravy can be achieved with a few handy tips. Here’s how to enhance your cooking experience and flavor:

Choose the Right Meat: Use ground beef with a good fat content, like 85% lean. It has enough fat to keep the patties juicy while not too fatty that it makes the dish greasy.
Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the ingredients for the patties, mix them only until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough burgers.
Chill the Patties: Refrigerating the patties for a short time before cooking helps them hold their shape better while cooking, preventing them from getting crumbly.
Brown the Patties Well: Don’t rush the searing step. A good brown crust adds flavor through the Maillard reaction, enhancing the overall taste.
Caramelize the Onions Properly: Take your time with the onions; the deeper the caramelization, the more flavor they will add to the dish.
Thickness of Gravy: Adjust the thickness of the gravy to your liking by altering the cornstarch mixture. If you prefer a thicker gravy, add more cornstarch; for a thinner sauce, reduce the cornstarch.
Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with fresh parsley or other herbs like thyme or chives can brighten the flavors and enhance presentation.

Variations

Hamburger Steak and Gravy is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes. Here are a few variations you might consider:

Cheesy Hamburger Steak: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the patties after adding them to the skillet with the gravy. Cover the skillet and let it melt for a cheesy twist.
Mushroom Gravy: Add sliced mushrooms to the onion mixture during the caramelization step for an extra layer of flavor. Mushrooms pair nicely with the beef and add a rich texture to the gravy.
Spicy Version: If you enjoy a kick, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture before forming patties.
Herbed Variation: Mix in fresh herbs like chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary into the meat mixture for an aromatic touch.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or lentils mixed with grains and spices for a vegetarian version of this dish.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat for Hamburger Steak?
A1: Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based substitutes. Just be aware that the cooking times may vary depending on the type of meat you choose.

Q2: Can I make Hamburger Steak ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them. You can also cook the entire dish and reheat it later, as mentioned in the storage section.

Q3: Is it necessary to use both chicken and beef broth?
A3: While both broths enrich the flavor of the gravy, you can use just one type if that’s what you have on hand. Chicken broth makes the gravy lighter, while beef broth adds a deeper flavor, so choose based on your preference.

Q4: How can I make my gravy gluten-free?
A4: Instead of cornstarch, you can use a gluten-free thickening agent like arrowroot powder or simply make the gravy without flour or cornstarch, allowing it to reduce and thicken naturally while simmering.

Q5: Can I freeze leftover Hamburger Steak and Gravy?
A5: Yes, you can freeze it! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing for the best results.

Print Recipe

A comforting dish of juicy hamburger steaks paired with rich gravy, perfect for busy weeknights.

Author: natasha
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ lbs ground beef (85% lean)
4 tablespoons frozen butter, shredded
½ cup yellow onion, very finely minced
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 yellow onions, sliced into ¾-inch strings
3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, divided
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (for gravy)
¼ cup cold water + 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine finely minced yellow onion, shredded frozen butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and ground beef. Mix lightly to avoid tough patties.
Form the meat into evenly sized oval patties and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season patties with salt and pepper and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until browned. Remove patties from the skillet.
Reduce heat to medium-low, add 2 tablespoons butter, and caramelize sliced onions for 15-20 minutes.
Add chicken broth, beef broth, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce to the onions, stirring well.
Whisk cold water and cornstarch until smooth, bring gravy mixture to a boil, and whisk in cornstarch mixture to thicken.
Return the patties to the skillet, spoon gravy over, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Stir in remaining tablespoon of cold butter for a glossy finish, garnish with parsley, and serve over mashed potatoes or rice.

Notes

For added flavor, consider variations like adding mushrooms or cheese. Can be served with mashed potatoes, rice, or sautéed vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg

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