There’s something incredibly nostalgic and comforting about a skillet full of smothered hamburger steaks dripping in rich onion gravy. This dish brings back memories of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s table, where the aroma of pan-seared beef and caramelized onions filled the kitchen. Unlike traditional steaks, hamburger steaks are made with ground beef, hand-formed and pan-fried to perfection before being bathed in a savory gravy. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy biscuits, this Southern classic promises to warm both the heart and the belly.
Preparation Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
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Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Hamburger Steaks:
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1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
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1 egg
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 tablespoon oil (for searing)
For the Onion Gravy:
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1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups beef broth
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1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional for added depth)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Hamburger Steaks
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the steaks tender. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into thick oval-shaped patties, about ¾ inch thick.
Step 2: Sear the Patties
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the patties in the skillet and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until nicely browned. The patties do not need to be fully cooked at this stage—they will finish cooking in the gravy. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook the onions for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden. Their natural sweetness will enhance the flavor of the gravy.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir to combine. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor. Add a splash of soy sauce if using. Let the gravy simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Smother the Steaks
Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the onion gravy. Spoon some gravy over the top of each patty. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 10–12 minutes, or until the steaks are fully cooked through and infused with flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the smothered hamburger steaks hot from the skillet over a bed of mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or even white rice. A side of green beans or steamed broccoli rounds out the meal beautifully. And don’t forget a warm biscuit to mop up every last bit of that rich onion gravy!
Smothered Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s affordable, easy to make, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving some down-home comfort, this recipe delivers. Once you taste the juicy beef paired with that savory, slow-cooked gravy, you’ll understand why this dish has stood the test of time.