This easy hamburger steak is juicy and packed with flavor, topped with a rich brown gravy that brings everything together. It’s comfort food at its best!
Honestly, who can resist a dish that includes both meat and gravy? I love serving it with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all that deliciousness. Yum!
Making this recipe is a breeze! Just mix the beef with some seasonings, cook it up, and whip up the gravy. Simple, tasty, and perfect for any weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef (80/20) for a good balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too! Just be aware they may be less juicy.
Onion: A yellow onion is perfect for this recipe due to its mild sweetness. If you’re not an onion fan, you could leave them out or use green onions for a milder flavor.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the patties. You can substitute with crushed crackers or oats if you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand. Gluten-free breadcrumbs also work if needed!
Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but if you prefer, use almond milk or another plant-based milk. It’s an easy swap without sacrificing much flavor.
Beef Broth: For a deeper flavor, homemade beef broth is great, but store-bought works just fine. You can also use chicken broth, though the flavor will be milder.
How Do I Make Gravy Without Lumps?
Making a smooth and creamy gravy can be tricky, but these steps will help! First, when you add the flour to butter, make sure to stir constantly to create a smooth roux. This is essential for avoiding lumps.
- Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes until golden but not burnt. This enhances the flavor.
- When adding broth, do it slowly. Whisk continuously as you pour to keep the mixture smooth.
- Keep stirring while the gravy thickens. If you notice any lumps, a quick whisk usually fixes them!
These tips will ensure you have a delicious, lump-free gravy to enjoy over your hamburger steaks!
Easy Hamburger Steak with Savory Brown Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Brown Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, for a total of about 30 minutes. That’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but tasty enough for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
2. Shape the Patties:
Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into oval patties about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly.
3. Cook the Hamburger Steaks:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. After cooking, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Make the Gravy:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. If you are using mushrooms, add them to the skillet and sauté until tender, about 3-4 minutes. This adds a lovely flavor to the gravy!
5. Prepare the Roux:
Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Then, add the flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes until it’s golden brown, which develops the flavor.
6. Create the Gravy:
Slowly whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Keep whisking as you cook to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Combine Patties and Gravy:
Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet. Spoon some of the delicious gravy over them and allow them to heat together for 2-3 minutes, so they soak up the flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the hamburger steaks hot over a bed of mashed potatoes or alongside steamed vegetables. Don’t forget to spoon extra gravy over the top for that ultimate comfort food experience!
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful hamburger steak with savory brown gravy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey can be drier than beef, so adding a bit more moisture, like an extra tablespoon of milk, can help keep the patties juicy!
How Do I Store Leftover Hamburger Steaks?
Store any leftover hamburger steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep them from drying out.
Can I Freeze the Hamburger Steaks?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked hamburger steaks! Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What’s the Best Side Dish to Serve with This Recipe?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles to soak up the savory gravy. For a lighter option, steamed vegetables or a fresh salad also make great accompaniments!
Easy Hamburger Steak with Savory Brown Gravy
Juicy seasoned hamburger steaks smothered in a rich, comforting brown gravy — a classic comfort-food dinner ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups beef broth
- Optional: browning sauce or additional Worcestershire for deeper flavor
Cozy Little Things I’m Loving
These are small tools I actually reach for in my own kitchen all the time.
Mueller Power Chopper — the No-Stress Veggie Prep Tool
I love reaching for this chopper when dicing onions and prepping for the gravy — it saves me so much time and clean-up.
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Ninja 1500 W Blender + Food Processor System
This powerhouse does double duty — for mixing preps and blending sauces — I use it when I want extra convenience.
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Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix until just combined, then shape into 4 even patties.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook about 2–3 minutes per side, until well browned on each side but not completely cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and butter. Sauté until onions are soft and lightly caramelized, about 4–5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to coat and cook for about 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce (or browning sauce if using). Simmer until the gravy thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
- Return the patties into the skillet, spoon some of the gravy over them, cover and reduce heat to low. Let the patties cook in the gravy for another 5 minutes, or until cooked through to desired doneness.
- Uncover, stir gently to coat patties in gravy, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, and serve hot — ideally over mashed potatoes, rice or with steamed veggies on the side.