Hamburger Steak with Creamy Onion Gravy is a classic, comfort food dish that offers a satisfying blend of rich flavors and hearty textures. It’s a perfect meal for those evenings when you crave something deeply satisfying and flavorful. This dish features tender, juicy hamburger steaks smothered in a rich and creamy onion gravy, making it a crowd-pleaser and a family favorite.
The recipe harks back to traditional cooking, where simple ingredients are transformed into a dish that’s both comforting and luxurious. Whether you’re gathering around the table for a family meal, hosting a casual dinner with friends, or simply looking for a fulfilling weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
Choosing Ingredients and Cooking Tips:
- Ground Chuck: Opt for 80/20 ground chuck for a balance of flavor and juiciness. The fat content adds moisture and richness to the patties.
- Onions: Vidalia or other sweet onions are ideal for the gravy, as they caramelize beautifully and add a natural sweetness.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is used for both coating the patties and thickening the gravy. For a gluten-free version, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Seasonings: Adjust the seasoned salt, pepper, and optional hot sauce to suit your taste preferences. Fresh herbs can also be added for extra flavor.
Making the Dish:
- Forming Patties: Mix the patty ingredients gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can result in tough steaks.
- Browning Patties: Ensure a good sear on the patties for added flavor. Don’t worry about cooking them through at this stage; they’ll continue cooking in the gravy.
- Making Gravy: Cook the onions until they are nicely caramelized before adding the liquids. This step is crucial for developing depth of flavor in the gravy.
- Simmering: Let the steaks simmer in the gravy to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy flavor and additional texture.
- Dairy-Free: Use a non-dairy milk alternative in place of half-and-half for the gravy.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. For a low-carb option, pair with cauliflower mash.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for varied flavors in the gravy.
Hamburger Steak with Creamy Onion Gravy is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace on a plate. Its simplicity in preparation belies the depth of flavor achieved, making it a dish that’s equally suitable for a cozy night in or a special occasion. Enjoy the process of creating this soul-satisfying meal and the pleasure of sharing it with others.
Hamburger Steak with Creamy Onion Gravy Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Patties:
- 3 tablespoons of a neutral cooking oil (such as canola or vegetable oil)
- 1.5 pounds of ground chuck (80/20)
- ¾ cup of finely minced onion
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of a hot sauce (like Tiger Sauce), optional, adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper
- Around ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour for coating the patties
For the Gravy:
- 1 large Vidalia or other sweet onion, halved and thinly sliced (approximately 3 cups)
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 cup of water
- ¼ cup of all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon of seasoned salt, adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, adjust to taste
- ½ tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, optional
- 1 teaspoon of browning and seasoning sauce (such as Kitchen Bouquet), optional
- 2 cups of sliced mushrooms, optional
Instructions:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed stainless steel skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat.
- In a medium-sized bowl, gently mix together the ground chuck, minced onion, egg, your choice of hot sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Form this mixture into 4 to 6 evenly sized patties.
- Coat each patty lightly with flour. Cook them in the skillet until they are browned on both sides, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring regularly, until they are lightly caramelized.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, water, ¼ cup flour, seasoned salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and browning & seasoning sauce, if using. Ensure the mixture is well blended.
- Pour this liquid into the skillet with the caramelized onions. Stir the mixture constantly until it begins to thicken into a gravy.
- Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, turning them to coat evenly with the gravy. If using mushrooms, add them at this stage.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. Continue cooking for approximately 20 minutes.
- Serve the hamburger steaks with the creamy onion gravy alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh garden salad.
This Hamburger Steak with Creamy Onion Gravy is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a fulfilling family dinner. The succulent patties and rich, flavorful gravy provide a wonderful combination of flavors and textures. This recipe is versatile and allows for various substitutions and additions according to personal preference or dietary needs. Enjoy this classic dish that’s sure to become a favorite at your dining table.