Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This recipe for hamburger steak with onions and gravy is a classic for a reason. It's a delicious, satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. This recipe delivers juicy hamburger steaks, perfectly caramelized onions, and a rich, savory gravy that will leave you wanting more. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game with this simple yet impressive recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preparing the Hamburger Steaks:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough patties.
- Form the mixture into four equal-sized patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from bulging during cooking.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the hamburger steaks to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Making the Gravy:
- Once the hamburger steaks are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Pour off any excess grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon behind.
- Sprinkle the flour over the remaining grease in the skillet and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. This step is crucial for thickening the gravy.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Add the thyme (if using) at this stage.
- Bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving:
- Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet to coat them in the gravy.
- Serve the hamburger steaks immediately, topped with the rich gravy. You can serve them alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
Tips for the Best Hamburger Steaks:
- Don't overwork the meat: Gently combine the ingredients to avoid tough patties.
- Make an indentation: Creating a slight well in the center of each patty prevents them from bulging during cooking, ensuring even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to guarantee your hamburger steaks are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor.
Variations:
- Add cheese: Top the patties with your favorite cheese during the last minute of cooking. Cheddar, Swiss, or provolone are all excellent choices.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
- Mushroom gravy: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions before making the gravy for an earthy, flavorful twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This recipe offers a simple yet satisfying approach to creating a delicious and comforting meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights and offers a fantastic opportunity to practice your homemade cooking skills. Enjoy!