Hamburger Steak Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, classic comfort food that tastes like a hug in a skillet, this Hamburger Steak Recipe is just what you need.
I still remember the first time I served this beef-patty favorite to my family on a blustery fall evening. It’s simple—juicy ground beef shaped into patties, seared until golden, then smothered in a savory onion gravy that’s pure comfort. What makes it special is how versatile it is: swap in leaner meat for a lighter twist or add mushrooms for extra umami. Plus, with protein packing roughly 28 grams per serving and coming in under $3 per plate (based on a midwestern grocery price check), it’s an easy way to feed a crowd without fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Steak Recipe
- No oven needed—just one skillet for minimal cleanup.
- Ready in under 40 minutes, from prep to table.
- Savory onion gravy that doubles as a dipping sauce.
- Filling and budget-friendly—perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Kid-approved but adult-worthy—everyone asks for seconds.
- High in protein (about 28 g per serving) to keep you satisfied.
- Customizable—add cheese, mushrooms, or a splash of wine.
- Great for meal prep—reheats beautifully in a microwave or skillet.
Ingredients for This Hamburger Steak Recipe
- 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio; grass-fed if you can find it)
- 1 large egg (or flax “egg” for a plant-based binder)
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
- ¼ cup finely chopped sweet onion (for patties)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, adds depth)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter (for searing)
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into rings (for gravy)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds a subtle tang)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions for Hamburger Steak Recipe
- Mix the meat: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands gently—overworking makes the patties tough.
- Shape patties: Divide mixture into four equal portions. Form into oval patties about ½-inch thick. Chill on a plate in the fridge for 10 minutes (helps them hold together).
- Brown the patties: Heat oil in a heavy skillet (I love my Lodge cast-iron) over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add patties and sear 3–4 minutes per side until nicely browned. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- Sauté onions: Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onions to the skillet, stirring until they soften and begin to caramelize (about 5 minutes). Don’t rush—they’ll sweeten the gravy.
- Make gravy: Sprinkle flour over onions, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Slowly pour in beef broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Stir in Dijon mustard, then simmer until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Finish cooking: Nestle patties back into the gravy, spooning sauce over each one. Cover skillet and simmer on low for another 5–7 minutes until patties are cooked through (internal temp 160°F).
- Garnish & serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color. Slide everything onto warm plates. Serve immediately over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice.
Servings & Timing for Hamburger Steak Recipe
- Yield: 4 generous servings (with gravy)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (including chilling).
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (searing + gravy simmer).
- Total Time: 40 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight.
Variations for Hamburger Steak Recipe
- Mushroom-Swiss: Top each patty with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese.
- Turkey Twist: Swap in ground turkey for a leaner, lighter meal.
- Spicy Buffalo: Stir buffalo wing sauce into the gravy for a kick.
- Keto Style: Omit breadcrumbs and flour; thicken gravy with a pinch of xanthan gum.
- Sweet & Savory: Mix caramelized onions and a dash of balsamic vinegar into the gravy.
- Veggie Boost: Fold finely chopped bell peppers and spinach into the patty mix.
Storage & Reheating for Hamburger Steak Recipe
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days (patties and gravy together).
- Freezer: Freeze patties and gravy separately for up to 3 months—flash-freeze patties on a tray first to keep shapes.
- Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low, adding a splash of broth; or microwave covered for 2–3 minutes.
- Make-Ahead: Form patties and slice onions a day ahead; refrigerate covered and finish steps when you’re ready.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the beef—light handling keeps the patties tender.
- Let patties rest on a wire rack after chilling so they don’t stick.
- Use low-sodium broth and taste as you go to control salt.
- For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of dry red wine before adding broth.
- If gravy gets too thick, thin with a little extra broth or water.
FAQs
Can I use a different meat? Yes—you can swap ground turkey, pork, or even lamb; just adjust cooking time if patties are thicker.
Why is my gravy lumpy? Lumps usually mean the flour wasn’t whisked in gradually; try making a slurry off heat (flour + cold broth) before stirring it in.
How do I keep patties from sticking? Make sure the skillet is hot and well-oiled, and resist flipping too early—wait until they release easily.
Is this recipe gluten-free? It can be—use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of flour for the gravy.
Can I freeze the cooked patties? Absolutely—freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag; reheat gently in a skillet.
What sides pair best? Classic mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, roasted vegetables, or even a crisp green salad.
How can I make it dairy-free? Just swap butter for oil and skip any cheese toppings.
Can I make this spicy? Sure—add crushed red pepper or stir in some hot sauce to the gravy for a little heat.
Conclusion
This classic Hamburger Steak Recipe brings together juicy beef patties and rich, savory gravy in one handy skillet—easy, filling, and ready in under an hour. Give it a try this week, and let me know how it becomes your new comfort-food go-to. Don’t forget to leave a comment below or explore my Easy Meatloaf Recipe for more cozy dinner inspiration!
Hamburger Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio; grass-fed if you can find it
- 1 large egg or flax 'egg' for a plant-based binder
- ½ cup breadcrumbs plain (gluten-free if needed)
- ¼ cup sweet onion finely chopped (for patties)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce optional, adds depth
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter (for searing)
- 1 yellow onion medium, sliced into rings (for gravy)
- 2 cups beef broth low-sodium
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch for gluten-free
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Gently mix without overworking.
- Divide mixture into four portions and form into oval patties. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Sear patties in a hot skillet until golden on both sides. Transfer to a plate.
- Cook sliced onions in the skillet until softened and caramelized.
- Add flour to onions, then slowly pour in beef broth while whisking. Stir in Dijon mustard and simmer until thickened.
- Return patties to the gravy, cover and simmer until cooked through.
- Sprinkle parsley on top and serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
