Hamburger steaks with onion gravy are a classic Southern comfort dish that’s rich, hearty, and satisfying. Juicy beef patties are seared to perfection and simmered in a savory, homemade onion gravy. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients but delivers bold, comforting flavors. Perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. A delicious, family-friendly meal that’s ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Hamburger Steaks:
1 ½ pounds ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon oil (for frying)
For the Onion Gravy:
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Shape into 4 equal-sized patties.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the hamburger steaks and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the sliced onions. Cook until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir, cooking for another minute.
Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the gravy to a simmer, then return the hamburger steaks to the skillet.
Cover and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the steaks are fully cooked and the gravy has thickened.
Serve hot with mashed potatoes or rice, spooning extra gravy over the top.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 410 kcal per serving
Variations
Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the hamburger mixture for extra flavor.
Mushroom Gravy: Stir in sliced mushrooms with the onions for a richer sauce.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the hamburger mix.
Turkey Option: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner version.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and swap flour for cornstarch in the gravy.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked hamburger steaks and gravy in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the gravy. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
FAQs
How do I keep my hamburger steaks from falling apart?
I make sure to use enough breadcrumbs and egg as a binder, and I avoid overmixing the meat. Chilling the patties for 15 minutes before cooking can also help them hold their shape.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! I cook the hamburger steaks and gravy, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, I reheat them together on the stovetop.
What can I serve with hamburger steaks?
I love serving them with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad complements the dish nicely.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used instead of beef. Just adjust the seasoning as needed to enhance the flavor.
How do I thicken the gravy?
If the gravy is too thin, I mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it in while simmering. If it's too thick, I add a splash of beef broth.
Conclusion
Hamburger steaks with onion gravy are a comforting, satisfying meal that’s easy to make with simple ingredients. Whether served with mashed potatoes or rice, this dish is guaranteed to be a family favorite. Try different variations to make it your own, and enjoy a hearty homemade dinner that always delivers big flavor.
Recipe:
Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy, flavorful hamburger steaks smothered in a rich onion gravy—this is true Southern comfort food. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to prepare yet packed with bold flavors. Perfectly seared beef patties simmer in a savory gravy, making every bite irresistible. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Hamburger Steaks:
1 ½ pounds ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon oil (for frying)
For the Onion Gravy:
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Hamburger Steaks: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Shape into 4 equal-sized patties.
- Cook the Patties: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the patties for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Onion Gravy: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until softened and lightly caramelized (about 5 minutes).
- Thicken the Gravy: Sprinkle flour over the onions, stir, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring the gravy to a simmer, then return the hamburger steaks to the skillet. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until the steaks are fully cooked and the gravy has thickened.
- Serve: Enjoy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles, spooning extra gravy on top.
Notes
Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the hamburger mix.
Mushroom Gravy: Stir in sliced mushrooms with the onions.
Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and swap flour for cornstarch.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with extra beef broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 410 kcal
