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Smothered Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy

Smothered Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy

Smothered Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender, juicy hamburger patties smothered in rich, savory caramelized onion gravy. Ready in under 30 minutes, this simple and budget-friendly meal is perfect for family dinners or cozy weeknights, delivering nostalgic home-cooked flavors and versatile options to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Hamburger Steaks

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola)
  • 1 tbsp butter

For the Onion Gravy

  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce/balsamic vinegar as substitute)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Hamburger Steaks: Combine the ground beef with salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix gently and form into evenly sized patties about half an inch thick to ensure even cooking and juicy texture.
  2. Brown the Steaks: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add oil and butter. Place the patties in the skillet and brown them on each side for about 3-4 minutes until a golden crust forms. Remove the patties and set them aside on a plate to rest.
  3. Cook the Onions: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Cook slowly over medium heat, stirring often until the onions soften and caramelize into a rich golden-brown color, which builds depth of flavor for the gravy.
  4. Make the Onion Gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce while scraping the bottom of the pan to lift the browned bits. Simmer the mixture until it thickens into a smooth, luscious gravy.
  5. Smother the Steaks: Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet and nestle them into the onion gravy. Spoon more gravy over the patties, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer gently for 8-10 minutes so the flavors meld and the steaks become tender and juicy.

Notes

  • Don’t skip the butter; it adds richness and helps perfectly caramelize the onions.
  • Use a sturdy skillet, like cast iron, for even browning and better flavor development.
  • Let the gravy simmer slowly to achieve optimal thickness and deepen the flavors.
  • Rest the patties after browning to retain their juiciness.
  • Season generously with salt and pepper to balance the savory beef and sweet onions.

Nutrition

Keywords: smothered hamburger steak, onion gravy, comfort food, quick dinner, family recipe, easy meal, gluten free option