Hamburger Steak Gravy Onions: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Hamburger Steak Gravy Onions: Prepare to be transported back to comforting weeknight dinners with this classic dish! Imagine tender, juicy hamburger steaks smothered in a rich, savory gravy, all topped with sweet, caramelized onions. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have your family begging for seconds.

This humble dish has roots in simple, home-style cooking, often associated with resourceful families looking for affordable and satisfying meals. While its exact origins are difficult to pinpoint, the combination of ground beef, gravy, and onions has been a staple in American cuisine for generations. It represents a time when home-cooked meals were cherished and ingredients were used wisely.

What makes Hamburger Steak Gravy Onions so irresistible? It’s the perfect blend of savory and sweet, the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the steak, and the creamy, comforting gravy. It’s also incredibly versatile and easy to customize to your liking. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use ground beef and create a hearty, fulfilling meal without breaking the bank. So, let’s get cooking and bring this timeless classic to your table!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1 large Onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
• 2 cups Beef Broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup Water
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (low sodium)
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1/2 tsp Dried Rosemary, crushed
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground
• 1/4 tsp Salt, or to taste
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil, divided
• 1 tbsp Butter (unsalted)
• Optional: 1/4 cup Heavy Cream (for extra richness in the gravy)
• Optional: Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Hamburger Steaks:

1. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the steaks tough. I like to use my hands for this, but a spatula works too.
2. Divide the ground beef mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps prevent them from puffing up too much during cooking.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the patties. This will help them develop a nice sear.
4. Carefully place the hamburger steaks in the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer to check!
5. Remove the hamburger steaks from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Cover them loosely with foil to keep them warm while you prepare the gravy. Don’t clean the skillet yet – all those browned bits are flavor gold!

Making the Onion Gravy:

1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter to the same skillet you used to cook the hamburger steaks. The butter adds a lovely richness to the gravy.
2. Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and caramelized. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Be patient and let them develop a deep golden-brown color. The caramelization is key to the flavor of the gravy. If the onions start to burn, reduce the heat slightly.
3. Once the onions are nicely caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the gravy. Make sure the flour is fully incorporated and doesn’t clump.
5. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the gravy is smooth.
6. Add the water, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and rosemary to the gravy. Stir to combine.
7. Bring the gravy to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to suit your preference.
9. If you want a richer gravy, stir in the heavy cream (optional) during the last few minutes of simmering.

Assembling and Serving:

1. Place the hamburger steaks back into the skillet with the gravy. Spoon the gravy over the steaks to coat them evenly.
2. Let the steaks simmer in the gravy for a few minutes to warm them through. This also allows the flavors to meld together.
3. Serve the hamburger steaks with gravy and onions over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. I personally love them with creamy mashed potatoes!
4. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overmix the Ground Beef: Overmixing can result in tough hamburger steaks. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
• Caramelize the Onions Properly: The caramelization of the onions is crucial for the flavor of the gravy. Be patient and let them develop a deep golden-brown color.
• Whisk Constantly When Adding Broth: This will prevent lumps from forming in the gravy.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. Everyone’s taste preferences are different.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the hamburger steaks are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Variations:

• Mushroom Gravy: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions for a delicious mushroom gravy.
• Wine Gravy: Add 1/4 cup of red wine to the gravy after adding the beef broth for a richer, more complex flavor.
• Spicy Gravy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for a little heat.
• Creamy Gravy: Add 1/4 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the gravy at the end for a tangy and creamy twist.

Serving Suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing! Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect base for the hamburger steaks and gravy.
• Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice are also great options.
• Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles are another delicious choice.
• Green Beans: Serve with a side of steamed or roasted green beans for a complete meal.
• Corn on the Cob: Corn on the cob is a simple and satisfying side dish.
• Dinner Rolls: Warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the gravy.

Storage and Reheating:

• Storage: Store leftover hamburger steaks and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the hamburger steaks and gravy in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: 450-550 per serving
• Protein: 30-40g
• Fat: 25-35g
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g

Enjoy your delicious Hamburger Steak with Gravy and Onions! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Hamburger Steak with Gravy and Onions recipe is truly a must-try for anyone craving a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy meal. I know, I know, there are a million hamburger steak recipes out there, but trust me, this one is special. The combination of the perfectly seared, juicy hamburger steaks, the rich and savory gravy, and the sweet, caramelized onions creates a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

What makes this recipe a winner? It’s the simplicity. We’re not talking about hours in the kitchen or a laundry list of exotic ingredients. This is honest-to-goodness, home-style cooking at its finest. It’s the kind of meal that evokes memories of family dinners and cozy nights in. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t need a little bit of that in their life right now?

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my go-to method, feel free to get creative and make it your own.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Comfort: Serve these delectable hamburger steaks over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The gravy will seep into the potatoes, creating a truly unforgettable side dish. A side of steamed green beans or buttered corn adds a touch of freshness and completes the meal.
* Rice is Nice: If you’re not a fan of mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice or brown rice works just as well. The rice soaks up the gravy beautifully, making every bite a delight.
* Open-Faced Sandwich: Toast some sturdy bread and top it with a hamburger steak, gravy, and onions for a hearty and satisfying open-faced sandwich. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
* Mushroom Magic: For an even richer flavor, add sliced mushrooms to the gravy. Sauté them with the onions until they’re tender and golden brown.
* Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
* Creamy Dreamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the gravy at the end for a creamier, tangier flavor.
* Make it a Casserole: Layer the hamburger steaks, gravy, and onions in a baking dish with mashed potatoes and cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden brown for a comforting casserole.

I truly believe that this Hamburger Steak recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser, it’s easy to make, and it’s incredibly delicious.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Share your thoughts, photos, and tips in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!