Description
Hearty hamburger steaks swimming in rich, savory onion gravy promise a comforting Southern classic that warms hungry souls. Home cooks can savor this rustic dish that delivers robust flavor and nostalgic charm with minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
- 1 egg
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Binding and Aromatic Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Gravy Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Craft a harmonious blend of ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently fold ingredients until uniformly distributed.
- Mold the meat mixture into 4 symmetrical oval patties, approximately 3/4-inch thick. Create a subtle central depression to prevent uneven swelling during cooking.
- Warm olive oil or butter in a capacious skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Carefully introduce hamburger steaks to the heated surface, searing for 4-5 minutes per side. Ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F/71°C for optimal doneness.
- Transfer cooked steaks to a temporary holding plate, preserving their juicy exterior.
- In the same skillet, melt additional butter and introduce thinly sliced onions. Caramelize slowly, stirring intermittently for 10-15 minutes until golden and tender.
- Dust caramelized onions with flour, stirring constantly for one minute to develop a rich roux.
- Gradually incorporate beef broth, whisking methodically to prevent lump formation.
- Introduce Worcestershire sauce and thyme, allowing the gravy to simmer and thicken for 5-7 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- Reunite hamburger steaks with the luscious onion gravy, gently spooning sauce over meat.
- Allow brief simmer to marry flavors completely.
- Present atop creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or tender egg noodles for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Gentle mixing prevents tough hamburger steaks by avoiding overworking the meat.
- Create a small indent in patties to ensure even cooking and prevent bulging during preparation.
- Use high-quality ground beef with moderate fat content for juicier and more flavorful steaks.
- Caramelize onions slowly to develop deep, sweet flavor that enhances the overall gravy richness.
- Rest hamburger steaks briefly after cooking to help retain moisture and improve tenderness.
- Adjust gravy consistency by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin.
- Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
- Consider using ground turkey or lean beef for a healthier protein option without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg