Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's both comforting and satisfying? Look no further! This recipe for juicy hamburger steaks smothered in rich brown gravy is the perfect answer. It's a classic dish elevated with simple techniques, resulting in a delicious homemade meal that's surprisingly quick and easy to make. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying taste of home-cooked goodness!
Ingredients:
For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
For the Brown Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Making the Hamburger Steaks:
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Prepare the patties: Gently combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough patties. Form the mixture into four equal-sized patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from bulging during cooking.
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Cook the steaks: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the hamburger steaks and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.
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Rest the steaks: Once cooked, remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful steaks.
Making the Brown Gravy:
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Make the roux: In the same skillet used to cook the steaks, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste (roux) forms. This is crucial for a thick and flavorful gravy.
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Add the broth: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently.
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Simmer and season: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
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Serve: Pour the brown gravy over the rested hamburger steaks and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Hamburger Steaks:
- Don't overwork the meat: Overmixing the ground beef can make the patties tough. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Make an indentation: Creating a small indentation in the center of each patty helps prevent them from bulging during cooking and ensures even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your hamburger steaks are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Let the steaks rest: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful steaks.
Variations:
- Add cheese: Top the cooked hamburger steaks with your favorite cheese during the last minute of cooking. Cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack all work well.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for a spicier kick.
- Mushroom gravy: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the butter before adding the flour for a richer, more flavorful gravy.
- Onion gravy: Add sauteed onions to the gravy for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food. The combination of juicy hamburger steaks and rich brown gravy is sure to please everyone. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or any occasion where you want a satisfying and flavorful meal. Enjoy!