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Smothered Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy

Smothered Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy

Smothered Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy is a comforting, hearty dish featuring juicy hamburger patties cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, savory onion gravy. Perfect for quick family dinners, this soul food classic combines simple ingredients like ground beef, caramelized onions, and beef broth to create a warming meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. With customizable options and great make-ahead potential, it’s a versatile favorite suited for weeknights or casual family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil (e.g., vegetable or canola oil)

Optional Herbs and Variations

  • Fresh thyme or fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese (for cheesy twist)
  • Almond flour or cornstarch (for gluten-free gravy thickener)
  • Sliced mushrooms (for mushroom gravy variation)
  • Cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (for spicy kick)
  • Ground turkey (as a lean alternative to beef)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Patties: In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper, then gently form it into evenly sized oval-shaped patties. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the patties tender.
  2. Cook the Patties: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Remove them from the skillet and set aside, keeping them warm.
  3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter and add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized, typically 8-10 minutes.
  4. Make the Onion Gravy: Sprinkle flour over the cooked onions and stir well to coat. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, then simmer until the gravy thickens and becomes glossy.
  5. Combine and Serve: Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, spoon the onion gravy over them, and let everything simmer together for a few minutes to meld the flavors. Serve hot with your choice of sides.

Notes

  • Season generously: Proper seasoning of the patties before cooking ensures full-flavored meat throughout.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give patties enough space in the skillet to brown nicely instead of steaming.
  • Low and slow onion caramelization: Slowly cooking onions brings out their natural sweetness, vital for delicious gravy.
  • Gradually add broth: Pouring broth slowly helps prevent lumps and achieves perfectly smooth gravy.
  • Use fresh onions and garlic: Fresh aromatics improve the depth and brightness of the gravy flavor.
  • To make gluten-free gravy, substitute flour with almond flour or cornstarch.
  • For a cheesy twist, top patties with shredded cheese before smothering with gravy.
  • Reheat leftovers gently to avoid drying out the patties or gravy.
  • Handle the meat gently when forming patties and avoid pressing them while cooking to prevent them from falling apart.

Nutrition

Keywords: smothered hamburger steak, onion gravy, comfort food, family dinner, quick meal, soul food, hamburger patties, easy recipe