Introduction
Hamburger steaks with onion gravy is a classic comfort food that delivers juicy, flavorful beef patties smothered in rich, caramelized onion gravy. This dish is often called “poor man’s steak” but tastes just as good as any gourmet meal.
It’s a hearty, filling, and budget-friendly recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a satisfying weekend meal. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for the ultimate homestyle dinner experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Juicy & Flavorful Patties – Seasoned to perfection and cooked just right.
✔ Rich Onion Gravy – A deep, flavorful sauce that ties everything together.
✔ Budget-Friendly – Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 40 minutes!
✔ Versatile – Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or even pasta!
Ingredients
To make the best Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Hamburger Steaks:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
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¼ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
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1 large egg (to bind everything together)
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter (for frying)
For the Onion Gravy:
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1 large onion, thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)
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1 ½ cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
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½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme leaves)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes & Side Dishes:
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Chopped parsley for garnish
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Mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables
Equipment Needed
✔ Large frying pan or skillet
✔ Mixing bowl
✔ Wooden spoon
✔ Spatula
✔ Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Hamburger Patties
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In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, breadcrumbs, and egg.
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Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
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Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into oval or round patties, about ½-inch thick.
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Place the patties on a plate and set aside while preparing the gravy.
✅ Pro Tip: For extra flavor, let the patties rest in the fridge for 15 minutes before cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Hamburger Steaks
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Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Place the hamburger steaks in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until they develop a golden-brown crust.
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Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate. Cover them with foil to keep warm.
✅ Pro Tip: Don’t cook the patties all the way through at this stage – they’ll finish cooking in the gravy!
Step 3: Make the Onion Gravy
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In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add 2 tablespoons of butter.
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Once melted, add the sliced onions and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized.
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Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the onions and stir to coat evenly. This helps thicken the gravy.
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Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
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Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
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Let the gravy simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
✅ Pro Tip: If the gravy is too thick, add a little more beef broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce.
Step 4: Simmer the Patties in Gravy
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Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, spooning some of the gravy over them.
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Cover and let them simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the patties are fully cooked (internal temperature should be 160°F/71°C).
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Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
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Drizzle extra onion gravy over the top for even more flavor.
✅ Pro Tip: This dish pairs beautifully with buttery cornbread or a simple side salad!
Storage & Reheating Tips
✔ Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ Freezing: Freeze cooked hamburger steaks (without gravy) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
✔ Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the gravy.
Variations & Customizations
✔ Cheesy Version: Add a slice of cheddar or Swiss cheese on top of each steak before serving.
✔ Mushroom Gravy: Sauté mushrooms with the onions for extra depth.
✔ Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the gravy.
✔ Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of flour.
✔ Low-Carb Version: Serve with cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but add a bit of olive oil to keep the patties juicy.
2. Can I make this in advance?
Yes! Prepare the patties and gravy separately, then reheat and assemble before serving.
3. What sides go best with hamburger steaks?
This dish pairs perfectly with:
✔ Mashed potatoes or rice
✔ Steamed or roasted vegetables
✔ Garlic bread or cornbread
4. Can I make this without onions?
Absolutely! Try using mushrooms or shallots for a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy recipe is the ultimate comfort food classic, packed with juicy, flavorful beef and rich, savory gravy. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Try it out, and let me know how it turns out. Enjoy your homemade hamburger steaks with delicious onion gravy! 🍽️
