Hamburger Steak and Gravy

There’s something undeniably comforting about a perfectly cooked hamburger steak smothered in rich brown onion gravy. This Southern-inspired classic takes the humble ground beef patty to new heights, pairing it with velvety, flavorful gravy and sweet caramelized onions. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a meal that feels indulgent yet homey, perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or any time you need a hearty, satisfying dish.

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Introduction

Hamburger steak may seem simple, but when executed well, it’s pure comfort food. The key to success lies in juicy, tender patties, rich brown gravy, and slowly caramelized onions that add sweetness and depth. This dish is versatile, allowing you to serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttered noodles.

This particular recipe combines ground beef, aromatics, and seasonings into flavorful patties, seared to perfection, and finished with a luscious pan gravy. The caramelized onions are a game-changer, turning an everyday dinner into a restaurant-quality experience without complicated techniques.

Whether you’re a beginner home cook or a seasoned foodie, this hamburger steak and gravy recipe delivers a restaurant-style dish from your own kitchen in just 45 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy, tender patties with perfectly balanced seasoning
• Rich, savory onion gravy with a velvety texture
• Sweet caramelized onions for natural flavor depth
• Quick 45-minute preparation for weeknight cooking
• Perfect over mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes 4 servings. Ingredients are organized by function for clarity.

Patties

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (85% lean)
• ½ cup yellow onion, very finely minced
• 4 tablespoons frozen butter, shredded
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
• 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Cooking & Caramelizing Onions

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 yellow onions, sliced into ¾-inch strings
• 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, divided

Gravy

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup cold water + 3 tablespoons cornstarch (for slurry)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley (optional)

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet or frying pan
• Whisk
• Spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Small bowl for cornstarch slurry
• Food thermometer (optional, for internal temperature)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Patties

In a large bowl, gently combine minced onions, shredded frozen butter, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and ground beef. Mix lightly—overworking the meat can result in dense patties.

2. Form and Chill Patties

Shape the mixture into evenly sized oval patties and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.

3. Sear the Patties

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season patties with salt and pepper, then sear on each side for 2–3 minutes until nicely browned. Remove patties from the skillet and set aside.

4. Caramelize the Onions

Reduce heat to medium-low. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in the skillet and add sliced onions. Cook slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and caramelized.

5. Make the Gravy

Add chicken broth, beef broth, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir to scrape up browned bits from the pan for flavor.

In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Bring the gravy to a boil, then slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until thickened, then reduce heat to medium-low.

6. Finish the Dish

Return the seared patties to the skillet, spooning gravy over the top. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until patties reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon cold butter for a glossy, velvety finish.

7. Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot over mashed potatoes or rice.

Tips & Variations

• Avoid overmixing the ground beef to keep patties juicy.
• Use a mix of chicken and beef broth for a balanced gravy flavor.
• Caramelize onions slowly over low heat to develop natural sweetness.
• Adjust gravy thickness with extra cornstarch slurry if needed.
• This recipe reheats and freezes well—ideal for meal prep.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish combines savory, umami-rich beef with sweet caramelized onions and deeply flavorful gravy. Mashed potatoes provide a creamy base that balances the richness, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

Suggested Sides

• Creamy mashed potatoes (classic)
• Garlic butter green beans
• Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts
• Buttered rice

Nutritional Overview

Per serving, this dish is hearty and protein-packed:

• Calories: 510 kcal
• Protein: 33 g
• Fat: 34 g (Saturated 15 g, Unsaturated 17 g)
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Cholesterol: 115 mg

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Mix patties in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
• Caramelize onions ahead of time; reheat gently when serving.
• Gravy can be prepared separately and reheated, then combined with patties at serving.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leaner beef?
Yes, but avoid overcooking as lean beef can dry out.

Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Absolutely. Form patties and refrigerate for up to a day.

Why use frozen butter in the patties?
It melts during cooking, keeping patties juicy.

How do I thicken the gravy more?
Add a little extra cornstarch slurry gradually until the desired consistency is reached.

Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, store patties and gravy separately for best results.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Serve hamburger steaks hot over mashed potatoes with plenty of gravy and caramelized onions. Garnish with parsley for color. For an elevated presentation, arrange patties slightly overlapping in the pan and drizzle gravy over the top just before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add mushrooms to the caramelized onions for extra depth.
• Mix in fresh thyme or rosemary to the gravy for herbal notes.
• Serve over buttered rice or roasted root vegetables instead of mashed potatoes.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ground Beef

Choose 85% lean for ideal flavor and juiciness. The fat content ensures the patties remain tender during cooking.

Yellow Onions

Caramelized slowly, yellow onions provide natural sweetness and depth to the gravy. Slice evenly for consistent cooking.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Chill patties before searing to help them hold their shape.
• Use a heavy skillet for better browning and heat retention.
• Add butter to the gravy at the end for a glossy, restaurant-quality finish.
• Avoid stirring too aggressively to keep patties intact.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally.
• Freeze patties and gravy separately for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	510 kcal
Protein	33 g
Carbohydrates	14 g
Fat	34 g
Fiber	1 g
Sodium	640 mg
Cholesterol	115 mg

Dietary Notes: Halal, high-protein, classic Southern comfort food.

Expanded Conclusion

This Hamburger Steak and Gravy recipe shows that classic comfort food can be both simple and deeply satisfying. Juicy patties, rich brown gravy, and sweet caramelized onions create a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Pair it with mashed potatoes for a timeless Southern dinner that will delight your family and friends.

With minimal fuss, straightforward ingredients, and a recipe designed for success, this dish will quickly become a go-to for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals. It’s comforting, hearty, and always hits the mark.

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