Homemade Hamburger Steak Recipe with Onion Gravy

Growing up, nothing made me feel more at home than a big plate of hamburger steak with onion gravy. The smell of sizzling beef and spices took me straight to my grandmother’s kitchen. There, she would lovingly cook this family favorite.

Now, I’m excited to share my version of this classic comfort food. With just a few ingredients and some quick prep, you can make this dish at home. Enjoy the juicy hamburger steak and creamy onion gravy that will make your taste buds happy.

Key Takeaways

• Homemade hamburger steak with onion gravy is a comforting and easy-to-prepare dish.
• The recipe features a blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings for flavorful, tender patties.
• The savory onion gravy is made with a simple combination of onions, beef broth, and butter.
• This dish can be ready in under 40 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
• Serving the hamburger steak with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes or green beans creates a satisfying, well-rounded meal.

Introduction to Hamburger Steak

Hamburger steak, also known as Salisbury steak, is a beloved dish in American homes for many years. It’s made from ground beef patties seasoned, pan-seared, and covered in a tasty onion gravy.

What is Hamburger Steak?

Hamburger steak is a dish made from ground beef shaped into oval patties. It’s seasoned and often served with gravy or sauce. It’s also known as “Salisbury steaks” because of its origins in the late 19th century.

A Brief History of Hamburger Steak

The history of hamburger steak goes back to the late 1800s. Dr. James Salisbury, an American doctor, suggested a diet with finely chopped beef patties. This idea grew into the popular Salisbury steak we enjoy today.

Popular Variations

• Chicken or turkey ground beef steak – Made with ground poultry instead of beef
• Pork beef patties – Featuring ground pork for a different flavor profile
• Mushroom Salisbury steak – Topped with sautéed mushrooms and gravy
• Cheese-stuffed hamburger steak – With melted cheese inside the patty

Hamburger steak remains a favorite dish, loved for its simplicity and taste. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed in many ways.

Ingredients Needed for Hamburger Steak

To make a tasty hamburger steak, you need the right ingredients. This includes the perfect ground beef mix and the onion gravy’s flavorful parts. Each part is crucial for a dish that tastes great.

Essential Ingredients for the Patties

The base of the hamburger steak is the ground beef. Choose a mix that’s about 80/20. This gives you ground chuck for taste and juiciness. You’ll also need breadcrumbs, a beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Key Ingredients for Onion Gravy

The onion gravy is a must-have with the hamburger steak. You’ll need sliced onions, beef broth, flour, and a bit of Kitchen Bouquet for flavor.

Optional Enhancements

• Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy taste to the onion gravy.
• For the patties, a bit of mustard powder or more Worcestershire sauce can boost the flavor.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious hamburger steak. It will come with a rich onion gravy that’s full of flavor.

Preparing the Hamburger Steak Mixture

The secret to a tasty hamburger steak is in the meat mix. Start by mixing 1.5 pounds of lean ground beef with diced onion, a beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix the meat mixture gently with your hands. Be careful not to overwork it, as this can make the patties tough and dense.

Combining Ground Beef and Spices

For a great seasoning blend, add Lipton onion soup and dip mix, a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and a teaspoon of black pepper. This mix will give your ground beef patties a rich, savory flavor.

Tips for Perfect Texture

1. Don’t squeeze or compact the meat mixture too hard. This can make it dense and rubbery.
2. Add 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs to help the mixture stick together. This keeps it tender and juicy.
3. Shape the ground beef patties into 4-5 portions, about 1-inch thick. Handle them gently.

Kneading the Mixture

After adding the seasonings and breadcrumbs, knead the meat mixture lightly. This ensures the flavors are spread evenly. It also keeps the patties tender and delicate.

Shaping the Patties

Creating the perfect oval patties starts with how you shape the ground beef. Divide the seasoned beef into equal parts and shape them into uniform beef patty shapes. This ensures even cooking and gives them that classic oval-shaped look.

How to Form Hamburger Steaks

Start by molding a portion of the ground beef into a patty with your hands. Use gentle pressure to shape the oval patties. Make sure they are the same thickness all over. Aim for a thickness of 1/2 to 3/4 inch for the best texture and cooking time.

Sizing and Thickness Tips

1. Divide the ground beef into equal portions, typically yielding 4-5 oval patties.
2. Use your palms to gently shape each portion into an oval-shaped patty, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
3. Strive for a uniform thickness of 1/2 to 3/4 inch, ensuring even cooking throughout.
4. Thinner patties will cook faster, while thicker ones may require a bit more time on the heat.

The secret to perfect oval patties is a light touch and consistency. With practice, you’ll make succulent, uniformly thick hamburger steaks in no time.

Cooking Techniques for Hamburger Steak

Preparing skillet steak recipes or pan-fried hamburger steak requires the right cooking method. This can greatly affect the taste and texture of your dish. Let’s look at the three main cooking methods for making perfect hamburger steak.

Pan-Seared Method

The pan-searing method is a favorite for cooking hamburger steak. Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Then, coat the patties with all-purpose flour for a light crust.

Place the patties in the hot skillet. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.

Grilling Options

Grilling adds a smoky flavor to hamburger steaks. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates before placing the patties.

Cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.

Baking in the Oven

Baking is a hands-off method for cooking hamburger steaks. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Place the patties on the sheet. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway. This ensures they reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Choosing the right cooking method is key. It ensures your hamburger steaks are safe and delicious. Experiment to find the method that works best for you.

How to Make Onion Gravy

Make your homemade hamburger steak even better with a rich onion gravy. This topping adds a delicious flavor to the savory patty. Here’s how to make the perfect onion gravy for your meal.

Sautéing the Onions

Start by sautéing sliced yellow onions in the same skillet as the hamburger steaks. Cook the onions over medium heat until they’re soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the patties for extra flavor.

Adding Flavor with Broth and Seasonings

After the onions are soft, add some all-purpose flour and stir to coat. Then, slowly whisk in beef stock or broth. Let it simmer and thicken. Season with Worcestershire sauce, Soul Food seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

Let the gravy simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring now and then, until it’s the right gravy thickness. You’ll get a rich, brown gravy that’s perfect with the hamburger steak. Pour the onion gravy over the patties and enjoy a comforting meal.

“The key to a great onion gravy is sautéing the onions until they’re deeply caramelized, which adds so much flavor.”

Combining Hamburger Steak and Gravy

Now that you’ve cooked your smothered hamburger steaks to perfection, it’s time to add the onion gravy. This step is key to making a dish that will satisfy your taste buds.

Carefully Plating the Dish

Put the cooked gravy-covered patties back in the skillet with the onion gravy. Simmer the mix on low heat for 15 minutes. This lets the flavors blend well.

When ready, move the smothered hamburger steaks to a serving dish. Make sure each patty is well-coated with the onion gravy.

Tips for Serving with Gravy

• Spoon the gravy over the smothered hamburger steaks for a flavor-packed bite.
• Try serving the gravy-covered patties over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. This helps soak up the gravy.
• For a special touch, add some fresh parsley or chives on top.

By plating the smothered hamburger steaks carefully and adding plenty of onion gravy, you’ll make a dish that looks and tastes amazing. It’s sure to impress your loved ones.

Suggested Side Dishes

There are many great side dishes to go with your homemade hamburger steak. Classic mashed potatoes are a top pick, with their creamy texture and rich flavor. They pair well with the savory onion gravy. Fresh green beans are also a good choice, offering a bright contrast to the hearty steak.

For a cool and crunchy side, creamy coleslaw is a great option. Its tangy dressing and shredded cabbage add a refreshing touch to the warm hamburger steak.

Mashed Potatoes

No hamburger steak meal is complete without mashed potatoes. Their smooth texture and comforting taste are perfect for the onion gravy. Together, they make a satisfying meal.

Fresh Green Beans

Fresh green beans are a light and nutritious side dish. They can be steamed or sautéed, adding a crisp contrast to the savory steak. Adding garlic, lemon, or toasted almonds can enhance their flavor.

Creamy Coleslaw

Creamy coleslaw is a refreshing side that balances the warmth of the steak and gravy. The crunchy cabbage and tangy dressing add a nice contrast, making the meal well-rounded.

Other great sides for your hamburger steak include steamed veggies, a simple green salad, or warm, buttery biscuits. The choices are endless for finding the perfect accompaniments for your homemade dish.

Storing Leftover Hamburger Steaks

When you have leftover hamburger steaks with onion gravy, it’s important to store them right. This keeps their taste and texture fresh. Follow these easy steps to keep your leftovers ready for when you want them again.

Proper Cooling Techniques

Let your leftover hamburger steaks cool down to room temperature before storing. This step stops harmful bacteria from growing. Once they’re cool, you can move on to the next step.

Best Practices for Refrigeration

Put the leftover hamburger steaks and onion gravy in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps both the meat and gravy in top shape. The steaks can stay good for up to 4 days, and the gravy for a week.

Freezing is another way to keep your leftovers fresh. Cooked steaks can be frozen for 2 months, and the gravy for 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge before reheating.

Proper food storage is key to avoiding food-borne illnesses. It keeps your hamburger steaks and leftover meat dishes safe and tasty. By following these tips, you can enjoy your homemade meal for days.

Reheating Hamburger Steak

Reheating leftover hamburger steak is easy with the right methods. You can use the stovetop, oven, or microwave. The goal is to keep the patty moist and flavorful. Here’s how to reheat your hamburger steak like a pro.

Stovetop Reheating

For the best results, reheat your leftover hamburger steak in a covered skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to the pan. This helps prevent the patty from drying out. Heat the steak, flipping occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Oven Reheating

Preheat your oven to 250°F (121°C). Place the leftover hamburger steak on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to retain moisture. Reheat for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Microwave Reheating

• Place the leftover hamburger steak on a microwave-safe plate.
• Heat the steak in 30-second intervals, flipping the patty between each interval, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Avoid overheating, which can cause the steak to become dry and tough.

No matter which method you choose, add a touch of Worcestershire sauce or fresh herbs before serving. This will revive the flavor and make your leftover hamburger steak taste as good as new.

Dietary Adjustments and Alternatives

Looking to cut carbs or try plant-based options? There are many ways to make a tasty, diet-friendly hamburger steak. For a low-carb version, swap bread crumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Use xanthan gum for a creamy gravy without extra carbs.

Want a vegan hamburger steak? Use plant-based ground meat, vegetable broth, and mushroom gravy. Feel free to play with seasonings to get the flavor just right.

Low-Carb Substitutes

• Almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of bread crumbs
• Xanthan gum for a low-carb thickener in the gravy
• Reduced-carb condiments like low-sugar ketchup or Worcestershire sauce

Vegan Options for Hamburger Steak

1. Plant-based ground meat alternatives
2. Vegetable broth for the gravy base
3. Mushroom-based gravy for a savory, meat-free option
4. Adjustable seasonings to enhance the flavor

With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy a tasty, diet-friendly hamburger steak. Whether you’re watching carbs or going vegan, the trick is to try different ingredients. Find the perfect mix that you love.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The homemade hamburger steak with onion gravy is a classic comfort food. It’s easy to make and very satisfying. You can make a delicious meal with simple ingredients like ground beef, onions, and seasonings.

Recap of the Recipe

This recipe shows you how to make tender beef patties. Then, you sear them and simmer them in a rich onion gravy. Use high-quality ground beef and try different seasonings. Properly searing the patties is key for great flavor.

Encouragement to Experiment

This recipe is a great start, but you can make it your own. Try using ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option. Add mushrooms or Worcestershire sauce to the gravy for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, making this dish your own.

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