Hamburger steaks are juicy, flavorful patties cooked to perfection, smothered in a creamy dill sauce. It’s a comforting dish that feels like a big hug on a plate!
Who knew a simple hamburger could get all dressed up! I love serving these with mashed potatoes—they soak up that delicious sauce nicely. Yum! 😋
Making these hamburger steaks is easy. You just mix, shape, and cook, then whip up the sauce in no time. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: For the best flavor, I recommend using 80% lean beef. It keeps the patties juicy! You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, but they may need extra seasoning to pack a punch.
Breadcrumbs: White or whole wheat breadcrumbs work great! If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed oats as a substitute.
Dill: Fresh dill gives a vibrant flavor to the sauce, but if you don’t have it, dried dill works too. Just use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Heavy Cream: Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. Alternatively, you can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option, which adds a unique flavor!
How Do I Get the Hamburger Steaks Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the hamburger steaks just right is key! Here’s how:
- Shape your patties evenly for consistent cooking. Make them about 3/4 inch thick, so they cook without drying out.
- Heat your skillet until it’s nice and hot before adding the patties. This helps to sear them, locking in flavors.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Avoid pressing them down with a spatula; this makes them lose juices!
- Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure—aim for an internal temperature of 160°F for well-done.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll have juicy, flavorful hamburger steaks every time!
Hamburger Steaks in Dill Cream Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter (for frying)
For the Dill Cream Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup beef broth or stock
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 2-3 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Mashed potatoes
- Additional fresh dill for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking time. Altogether, you’ll have it ready in about 35 minutes! Perfect for a cozy dinner that feels hearty and satisfying.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Hamburger Steak Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk. This helps keep our patties nice and moist!
2. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
3. Shape the Patties:
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into oval patties, about 3/4 inch thick. This will help them cook evenly!
4. Cook the Hamburger Steaks:
Heat the vegetable oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the hamburger steaks. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
5. Make the Dill Cream Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sauteing until they are softened and translucent (about 3-4 minutes). This will create a flavorful base for our sauce!
6. Add the Broth:
Stir in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors together.
7. Create a Creamy Sauce:
Add the heavy cream and Dijon mustard (if using) to the skillet, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for 3-5 minutes until it’s slightly thickened and deliciously creamy!
8. Add the Dill:
Stir in the chopped fresh dill and season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where the magic happens, giving that wonderful fresh flavor!
9. Warm the Patties:
Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, letting them warm up in the sauce for 1-2 minutes. This helps infuse their flavors into the sauce.
10. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve the hamburger steaks topped with the dill cream sauce, alongside a generous helping of creamy mashed potatoes. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra dill over your dish for a lovely garnish!
Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Hamburger Steaks in Dill Cream Sauce!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the hamburger steaks and even the sauce in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to the sauce to loosen it up as needed.
What Can I Substitute for Worcestershire Sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and vinegar as a substitute. For a homemade alternative, combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce with 1 teaspoon vinegar and a sprinkle of sugar for a similar flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftover Dill Cream Sauce?
Store any leftover dill cream sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so on low heat, stirring occasionally, to prevent the cream from separating. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
What Beef Alternatives Can I Use?
You can certainly use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Just ensure you adjust the seasonings since they can be milder than beef. For a vegetarian option, try using a meat substitute like lentils or a plant-based ground meat product!