Hamburger steaks with onion gravy

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Introduction

There are few dishes as universally comforting as Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy. This dish, deeply rooted in Southern cuisine, transforms simple ground beef into something soul-satisfying. Juicy, seasoned hamburger patties are pan-seared until golden brown, then simmered in a savory homemade onion gravy until perfectly tender. It’s a budget-friendly, weeknight-friendly, flavor-packed meal that the whole family will love.

This recipe brings together affordable ingredients and easy cooking techniques to create a dish that’s rich, nostalgic, and filling. Whether served over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, hamburger steaks with onion gravy are a go-to when you’re craving old-fashioned comfort.

Ingredients

For the Hamburger Steaks

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 large egg

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon oil or butter, for frying

For the Onion Gravy

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon thyme (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or cast iron pan

• Mixing bowl

• Spatula or wooden spoon

• Whisk

• Cutting board and knife

• Measuring cups and spoons

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Hamburger Steaks

In a mixing bowl, combine:

• Ground beef

• Breadcrumbs

• Egg

• Worcestershire sauce

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• A generous pinch of salt and pepper

Mix gently with your hands or a fork just until combined. Overmixing can make the patties tough.

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into oval-shaped patties, about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Brown the Hamburger Steaks

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Place the patties in the hot pan and sear on both sides until browned — about 3–4 minutes per side. The patties don’t need to be cooked through at this point; they’ll finish cooking in the gravy later.

Transfer the partially cooked patties to a clean plate and reduce the heat to medium.

Step 3: Make the Onion Gravy

In the same skillet (don’t clean it — those browned bits are flavor gold!), add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt.

Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes or until soft and golden brown. Lower the heat slightly if the onions are browning too quickly.

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the onions and stir continuously to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme, and stir to combine.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Simmer the Steaks in Gravy

Return the seared hamburger patties to the skillet with the onion gravy.

Cover and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, or until the steaks are cooked through and tender, and the gravy has thickened nicely.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — more black pepper or Worcestershire can enhance the depth of the gravy.

Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Serve the hamburger steaks with a generous ladle of onion gravy over your choice of:

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Buttered egg noodles

• Steamed white rice

• Cauliflower mash for a low-carb option

Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Round out the meal with:

• Steamed green beans or sautéed spinach

• Roasted carrots or sweet corn

• A simple garden salad or tangy coleslaw

• Buttermilk biscuits or crusty bread to soak up that luscious gravy

This meal is incredibly satisfying, perfect for cozy weeknights or casual Sunday dinners.

Storage and Reheating

Make Ahead Tips

• You can shape the hamburger patties up to a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator.

• Onion gravy can also be made in advance and reheated when needed.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooked hamburger steaks and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy.

• Microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, stirring between each.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Use Ground Turkey or Chicken

For a leaner version, substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken. Add a bit more moisture (like a tablespoon of milk or mayo) to prevent dryness.

2. Add Mushrooms

Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for a richer, earthier gravy.

3. Southern Twist

Add a pinch of Cajun seasoning or hot sauce to the gravy for a little kick.

4. Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and swap flour with cornstarch (dissolved in a bit of cold broth) to thicken the gravy.

5. Cheeseburger-Style

Add a slice of cheddar on top of each patty in the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1 Steak + Gravy)

Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredients and serving sizes.