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Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy

This juicy hamburger steak recipe features tender beef patties smothered in a rich, buttery onion gravy, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 425

Ingredients
  

For the Hamburger Steaks
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended for juiciness)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • ½ cup onion, finely diced about ½ cup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for cooking
For the Classic Onion Gravy
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and dried herbs with salt and pepper.
  2. Using clean hands, gently mix until just combined—avoid overworking to keep the texture tender.
  3. Chill the mixture for 15 minutes to make forming easier and ensure juicy steaks.
  4. Divide into 4–6 portions and shape into oval patties about ¾ inch thick with a slight center indentation to prevent puffing.
Cooking the Hamburger Steaks
  1. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil or butter until hot but not smoking.
  2. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms and the interior reaches 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.
  3. Avoid pressing down on them while searing—this preserves their natural juices.
Making the Gravy
  1. Transfer cooked patties to a warm plate. In the same skillet, melt butter and cook sliced onions for 10–12 minutes until golden and caramelized.
  2. Sprinkle in flour, cook for 1–2 minutes, then slowly whisk in beef broth, scraping up the flavorful browned bits.
  3. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce and let simmer until thickened.
  4. Return patties to the pan, coat with gravy, and simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Plate each steak over a light pool of gravy and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.

Notes

Preparing the patties up to 24 hours in advance can reduce dinnertime prep to just 20 minutes.