Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a juicy, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This oven-baked hamburger steak recipe is a delicious and satisfying option perfect for busy weeknights. Forget greasy frying pans; this method delivers tender, perfectly cooked patties every time, with minimal cleanup. It's one of those easy recipes that feels like a special occasion, even though it comes together in under an hour. This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can create with homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This simple step ensures your hamburger steaks cook evenly.
Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough patties. Gently mix until just combined.
Shape the patties: Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty about 1-inch thick. Making them all roughly the same size helps ensure even cooking.
Sear the patties: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the patties for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This step adds a delicious crust and seals in the juices.
Bake to perfection: Pour the beef broth into the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the patties reaches 160°F (71°C). Using a meat thermometer guarantees perfectly cooked hamburger steaks every time.
Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the hamburger steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful patty. Serve immediately with your favorite sides – mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad are all excellent choices.
Cooking Tips for the Best Hamburger Steaks:
- Don't overwork the meat: Overmixing the ground beef will make the patties tough. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Use an oven-safe skillet: This simplifies the cooking process and ensures even browning and cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your hamburger steaks are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Let the patties rest: Allowing the steaks to rest before serving helps retain their juices and improves their tenderness.
Variations:
- Add cheese: Top each patty with a slice of your favorite cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicier kick.
- Mushroom gravy: After removing the steaks, use the pan juices to make a delicious mushroom gravy.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This oven-baked hamburger steak recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas. It's a healthy meal option that's both delicious and easy to make. Enjoy!