Juicy homestyle hamburger steaks are comfort food at its best! They are made from tasty ground beef and topped with a savory onion gravy that makes each bite flavorful and satisfying.
Whenever I make these, my family gathers around, eager for a plate. The gravy is just perfect to smother on mashed potatoes too—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80% lean ground beef for juicy hamburger steaks. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work too, but it might not be as juicy.
Onions: You’ll need both finely chopped onions for the beef mix and thinly sliced onions for the gravy. Yellow onions are the best choice for their sweet flavor. If you need a substitute, white onions or shallots can do the trick.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the meat mixture. You can use crushed crackers or even oats if you don’t have breadcrumbs. Just adjust the amount based on how well they absorb moisture.
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds a depth of flavor. If you’re out, soy sauce can substitute, but it may change the taste slightly.
Beef Broth: Homemade beef broth is great, but store-bought works too! If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option or are vegetarian, vegetable broth is a good alternative.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Hamburger Steaks?
The key to delicious, juicy hamburger steaks is mixing the ingredients just enough to combine. Overmixing can lead to tough steaks. Aim for a tender texture by:
- Gently combining the ingredients in a bowl until just mixed.
- Shaping the patties into ovals rather than balls helps keep the texture nice and flat.
- Cooking them at medium-high heat gives a nice crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Remember to let them rest a few minutes after cooking, as this helps maintain juiciness. With these tips, you’ll have flavorful hamburger steaks every time!
Juicy Homestyle Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Onion Gravy:
- 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
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for prep and around 20 minutes for cooking, making it a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll be enjoying delicious homemade hamburger steaks in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are combined, but be careful not to overmix, as it can make the steaks tough. The goal is tender and juicy hamburger steaks!
2. Shape the Hamburger Steaks:
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Use your hands to shape each portion into oval patties, about ¾-inch thick. Try to make them all the same size for even cooking.
3. Cook the Hamburger Steaks:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the hamburger steaks to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the steaks from the skillet and set them aside on a warm plate or cover them with foil to keep warm.
4. Make the Onion Gravy:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, toss in the sliced onions. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. This will bring out their natural sweetness.
5. Prepare the Gravy Base:
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and stir well to combine, cooking for about 1-2 minutes. This helps to eliminate any raw flour taste and starts forming the gravy.
6. Add the Beef Broth:
Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This adds flavor! Add the Worcestershire sauce and stir to combine everything.
7. Simmer the Gravy:
Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer. Cook while stirring frequently until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Return Hamburger Steaks to the Gravy:
Add the hamburger steaks back into the skillet, spooning the gravy all over them. Let them warm together for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your juicy hamburger steaks with onion gravy are ready! Serve them hot with the gravy drizzled generously on top. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite sides.
Enjoy your comforting, homestyle meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
FAQ for Juicy Homestyle Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a lighter option. Just be aware that the steaks may be leaner, so consider adding a bit more moisture, like an extra tablespoon of milk or olive oil, to keep them juicy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.
What Can I Serve with Hamburger Steaks?
These hamburger steaks pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad!
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked hamburger patties layered between parchment paper or the cooked steaks with gravy in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
