There’s nothing quite like the soul-warming comfort of hamburger steak with gravy! This beloved dish transforms simple ground beef into a hearty, restaurant-quality meal that brings families together around the dinner table. Let me share everything you need to know about this timeless comfort food classic.
What is Hamburger Steak?
Hamburger steak is essentially a seasoned ground beef patty that’s pan-fried and served with a rich, savory gravy. Unlike regular hamburgers, these patties are typically larger, thicker, and designed to be eaten with a fork and knife rather than as a handheld sandwich. It’s comfort food at its finest – simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious!
Essential Ingredients 🥩
For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 blend works best)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
For the Rich Gravy:
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions 👨🍳
Preparing the Hamburger Steaks:
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Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands – don’t overwork the meat!
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Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions and shape into oval or round patties, about 3/4 inch thick.
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Cook the Steaks: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Making the Perfect Gravy:
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook until softened and lightly caramelized (about 5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
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Create the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
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Build the Gravy: Gradually whisk in beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Add Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper.
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Simmer and Thicken: Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
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Reunite: Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, spooning gravy over them. Simmer for 5 more minutes to heat through.
Nutritional Information 📊
Per serving (1 patty with 1/2 cup gravy):
- Calories: ~325
- Fat: 15g (6g saturated)
- Cholesterol: 123mg
- Sodium: 920mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: ~25g
- Fiber: 2g
Perfect Side Dishes 🥔
Hamburger steak with gravy pairs beautifully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Fresh dinner rolls
- Rice pilaf
Pro Tips for Success ⭐
- Don’t Overmix: Gentle handling keeps the meat tender
- Rest the Patties: Let them sit for 10 minutes before cooking for better shape retention
- Use the Same Pan: Cooking the gravy in the same skillet captures all those delicious browned bits
- Adjust Consistency: Add more broth for thinner gravy, or simmer longer for thicker consistency
- Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process
The Comfort Food Legacy 🏠
Hamburger steak with gravy represents the heart of American comfort cooking. This dish emerged from the practical need to stretch ground beef into a satisfying meal for families. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations, with each family adding their own special touches.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s affordable, filling, and can easily feed a crowd. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday meal, hamburger steak with gravy delivers that warm, home-cooked satisfaction we all crave.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers for up to 3 days
- Freeze: Can be frozen for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Gently warm in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed
Hamburger steak with gravy isn’t just a meal – it’s a warm hug on a plate! This timeless comfort food classic proves that the best dishes often come from the simplest ingredients, prepared with love and care. Try this recipe tonight and create your own delicious memories around the dinner table! 🍽️✨