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Hamburger Steak Recipe - Comfort Food With Rich Onion Gravy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the hamburger steaks:
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 80/20 if possible
  • 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely grated or minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1–2 tbsp neutral oil (for searing)
  • For the onion gravy:
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups low-sodium beef broth (plus a splash more as needed)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp soy sauce (adds depth; optional)
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • To serve (optional): Chopped parsley, mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or rice

Method
 

  1. Mix the meat gently: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, garlic, Worcestershire, Dijon, salt, pepper, and paprika. Use your hands or a fork to mix just until combined. Don’t overwork—that can make the patties tough.
  2. Form patties: Shape into 4 oval patties about 3/4 inch thick. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each to help them cook evenly and stay flat.
  3. Sear the patties: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the patties and cook 3–4 minutes per side until well browned. They don’t need to be cooked through yet. Transfer to a plate; tent with foil.
  4. Cook the onions: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Stir in sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until soft and golden. If the pan looks dry, add a splash of broth to loosen browned bits.
  5. Toast the flour: Sprinkle flour over the onions. Stir and cook 1–2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. It will look pasty—that’s okay.
  6. Build the gravy: Slowly whisk in beef broth, scraping the pan. Add Worcestershire, soy (if using), and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Return patties to the pan: Nestle the seared hamburger steaks into the gravy. Simmer 6–8 minutes, flipping once, until patties are cooked through (internal temp about 160°F/71°C) and the gravy thickens to a silky consistency.
  8. Taste and finish: Adjust salt and pepper. If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a splash of broth. If too thin, simmer another minute. Garnish with parsley.
  9. Serve: Spoon onions and gravy over the patties. Pair with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice to soak up every drop.