Introduction
Hamburger Steak with Gravy is a hearty, comforting dish that transforms simple ground beef into a flavorful, home-style meal. Often served with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles, this dish features juicy seasoned beef patties smothered in a rich onion and mushroom gravy. It’s a Southern classic that combines the familiarity of burgers with the warmth of a slow-cooked stew, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or Sunday family meal.
Ingredients
For the Hamburger Steaks:
1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 small onion, finely grated or minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional)
For the Gravy:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional but recommended)
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika until just combined. Do not overmix.
Shape mixture into 4–6 oval patties.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side, until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onions (and mushrooms if using) and sauté until soft and golden.
Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.
Slowly whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until gravy thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
Return patties to skillet, spoon gravy over the top, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until patties are fully cooked (internal temperature 160°F / 71°C).
Serve hot, smothered with gravy.
Description
Hamburger Steak with Gravy is a soul-satisfying dish where seasoned beef patties meet a savory onion-mushroom gravy. The beef is juicy and tender, while the rich gravy adds depth and comfort. It’s the kind of meal that feels both familiar and indulgent, perfect for serving over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice.
Tips
Use ground beef with a little fat (around 80/20) for juicier patties.
Chill patties for 15 minutes before cooking to help them hold shape.
Deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine or sherry for extra flavor in the gravy.
Make sure to cook flour long enough to remove raw taste before adding broth.
If gravy is too thick, add a splash more broth; if too thin, simmer longer.
Variations
Country-style: Add caramelized onions only, no mushrooms.
Cheesy version: Add shredded cheddar into the beef mixture before forming patties.
Spicy twist: Mix cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the patties.
Healthier version: Use ground turkey or chicken and chicken broth instead of beef.
Slow cooker: Prepare patties and gravy base, then cook on low 4–6 hours for extra tenderness.
Correction
A common mistake is overcooking the patties before simmering them in gravy, which makes them dry. Instead, just sear them until browned, then let them finish cooking in the gravy. Another mistake is rushing the gravy—give the onions time to caramelize for the best depth of flavor.
Enjoy
Serve your Hamburger Steak with Gravy hot and generously covered with the rich sauce. Pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles and a side of green beans or roasted vegetables. It’s a classic comfort food meal that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.