Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy
On April 24, 2024 (Updated September 27, 2024)
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Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy turns ordinary ground beef into a savory, comforting hug for your mouth. It’s a whole meal in one skillet.
Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy
When you’re in the mood for something meaty and rich, look no further than my Hamburger Steaks smothering in Onion Gravy. We’re talking ground beef patties seasoned with my signature Beef Rub, then pan-seared to crispy perfection. And then to top it off (quite literally) a rich onion gravy. So smooth, so, dare I say, luxurious, your tastebuds won’t know what to do.
Now, I don’t want to totally blow your mind here, but you can make this warm hug from grandma in a single cast iron skillet. Yes, you can make this ridiculously comforting comfort food in just under an hour, and feed the people you love. Are you ready?
Hamburger Steak vs Salisbury Steak
While hamburger steak and Salisbury steak are similar, they aren’t one and the same. Salisbury steaks have a looser texture and typically come with a brown gravy. This mixture results in a more tender, almost meatball-like patty that’s perfect for soaking up the gravy. If this sounds tasty, then check out my recipe for Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy.
Now, hamburger steaks are more dense like meatloaf. After searing, you get a hearty, juicy patty with a crisp exterior. The breadcrumbs lighten things up enough for you to not feel guilty for indulging. What this all means is you get to soak up that velvety onion gravy with every bite. Ultimately, it comes down to what you’re in the mood for. I love this when I’ve got a big group and want to make the most of ground beef.
Best Meat to Use
I love using ground chuck with an 80/20 fat ratio for this recipe. It’s just the right amount of fat to render and mix with the seasoning for that amazing beefy flavor. If you go with a heavier fat content, then you may end up with soggy steaks. Going with too lean of a ratio can leave you with dry patties. You can try different options if you like, but I find the 80/20 ratio works best for this recipe.
Mix for Hamburger Steaks
Once you’ve selected the ground beef you want to use for this recipe, you’re ready to mix and form your patties. Grab yourself a large bowl and some rubber gloves, and with this handful of ingredients, you’re ready to make perfect patties:
- 1 1/2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- 2 teaspoons Beef Rub
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
When it comes to mixing the beef for your patties it’s important not to over do it. Gently mix by hand until combined and then form your patties. This will ensure you have juicy, tender hamburger steaks in the end.
Onion Gravy
No hamburger steak is complete without a generous ladle of savory, rich onion gravy. Here’s everything you need for a silky smooth gravy to smother your savory hamburger steaks:
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 1 sliced yellow onion
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef stock
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- salt and pepper (or more Beef Rub) to taste
How to Make Hamburger Steak
Making hamburger steak is easier than you think, and the result is a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Follow these simple steps to create perfectly juicy hamburger steaks with a rich, flavorful onion gravy:
- Form patties. Mix ground beef, Beef Rub, egg, milk, and breadcrumbs in a large bowl until combined. Don’t overwork your beef. You want to mix just until your ingredients are incorporated, then form into 6 oval patties.
- Sear steaks. Preheat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, then add olive oil. Next add your patties and sear 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. You want to lock in all that beefy flavor with a nice sear and then remove your patties and cover with foil.
- Cook onions. Melt butter in the skillet, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon, then add sliced onions and cook 4-5 minutes until translucent and golden. Add minced garlic, cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This is the part where the smell makes you want to start eating. Resist, you’re in the homestretch.
- Make gravy. Sprinkle flour, then stir to coat onions and cook 1-2 minutes. Whisk in beef stock and balsamic vinegar, scraping the pan again. Boil gravy until desired consistency, adding more stock if needed. Season with Beef Rub, or salt and pepper.
- Combine and serve. Nestle your hamburger steaks in the skillet, then spoon hot gravy over the top. Serve with skillet potatoes and green beans for a full family meal.
More Comfort Food Favorites
Once you’ve tasted how heavenly simple ground beef can be with the right ingredients, you’ll be craving all kinds of unique and beefy comfort foods. Here are a few of my personal favorites to help kickstart your journey:
Easy Hamburger Steak Recipe
Follow the recipe for savory Hamburger Steaks smothered in Onion Gravy, but be warned. Once your friends and family figure out you’re a ground beef wizard, you’ll be making this wallet-friendly dish all the time. Check out the Hey Grill Hey app if you need something new to distract them.
And real quick before that comfort food coma starts to set in, don’t forget to follow our social media channels. We’re dropping tasty new recipes and insider tips all the time to take your BBQ game to the next level. You can find us on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, and then you’re free to nap.
Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck 80/20 ratio
- 2 teaspoons Hey Grill Hey Beef Rub
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for frying
Onion Gravy
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef stock
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- salt and pepper or Beef Rub to taste
Instructions
- Form patties. Mix ground beef, Beef Rub, egg, milk, and breadcrumbs in a bowl until combined, then form into 6 oval patties.1 1/2 pounds ground chuck, 2 teaspoons Hey Grill Hey Beef Rub, 1 egg, 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Sear steaks. Preheat a 12-inch cast iron skillet on medium-high heat. Add olive oil and then sear patties 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove patties, then cover with foil.2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Cook onions. Melt butter in the skillet, scraping up browned bits, then add sliced onions and cook 4-5 minutes until translucent and golden. Add minced garlic, cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.4 Tablespoons butter, 1 yellow onion, 4 cloves garlic
- Make gravy. Sprinkle flour, then stir to coat onions and cook 1-2 minutes. Whisk in beef stock and balsamic vinegar, scraping the pan again. Boil gravy until desired consistency, adding more stock if needed. Season with Beef Rub, or salt and pepper.1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 4 cups beef stock, 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper
- Combine and serve. Nestle hamburger steaks in the skillet, then spoon hot gravy over top. Serve with roasted or mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
