Directions
Making the Hamburger Steaks:
- Prepare the Patty Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Form the Patties: Shape the mixture into four equal-sized patties. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil to the pan, then cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
Making the Onion Gravy:
- Cook the Onions: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
- Make the Gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return the hamburger patties to the skillet, nestling them into the onion gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over the top of the patties and simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve hot, with additional gravy on the side.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Tips and Shortcuts
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the hamburger patties in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. This saves time on busy weeknights.
- Gravy Shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made gravy mix and simply add caramelized onions for a similar effect.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of red wine to the gravy for a richer, deeper flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Hamburger Steaks: Add a slice of your favorite cheese on top of each patty during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Mushroom Gravy: Swap out the onions for mushrooms to create a delicious mushroom gravy instead.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the patty mixture for a bit of heat.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover hamburger steaks with onion gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much.
Food and Drink Pairings
These hamburger steaks with onion gravy pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad. For drinks, a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a cold beer complements the rich flavors of the dish.