Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy

On April 24, 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?

Ingredients for hamburger steak in glass bowls next to jar of Beef Rub.

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.

Gloved hands mixing beef mixture in glass bowl.

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.

Hamburger steak patties in cast iron skillet.

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.

Wooden spoon stirring gravy in cast iron skillet.

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

Hamburger steaks in onion gravy in cast iron skillet next to fork.

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.

Hamburger steak on white plate with potatoes and green beans.

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:

Beef

Juicy Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Steak

Chicken Fried Steak

Beef

Grilled Meatloaf with a Honey BBQ Glaze

Beef

BBQ Meatloaf with a Bacon Weave

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.