Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy

Few dishes hit the comfort food spot quite like Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy. Juicy, seasoned beef patties are seared to perfection, then smothered in a rich, savory onion gravy. It’s hearty, soul-warming, and perfect with creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.

This old-fashioned recipe is a weeknight hero — simple ingredients, easy steps, and big flavor that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort food: Familiar flavors that feel like home.
• Budget-friendly: Ground beef transforms into a satisfying meal.
• Rich onion gravy: Perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or rice.
• Family-approved: Kids and adults alike love it.

Ingredients

For the Hamburger Steaks

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 works best)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or plain)
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Onion Gravy

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Patties

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
2. Mix gently until just combined (don’t overwork).
3. Shape into 4–6 oval patties.

Step 2: Cook the Hamburger Steaks

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil.
2. Sear patties 3–4 minutes per side until browned.
3. Remove and set aside (they’ll finish cooking in the gravy).

Step 3: Make the Onion Gravy

1. In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced onions. Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until caramelized and golden.
2. Sprinkle flour over onions and stir for 1 minute.
3. Slowly whisk in beef broth until smooth.
4. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

1. Return patties to the skillet, nestling them into the onion gravy.
2. Cover and simmer 10–12 minutes, until patties are cooked through (165°F / 74°C).

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, spooning plenty of onion gravy over the top.

Tips for Success

• Use 80/20 beef: Just enough fat to keep patties juicy.
• Don’t rush the onions: Slow cooking develops that deep, sweet flavor.
• Extra creamy gravy: Stir in 2 tablespoons heavy cream before serving.
• Make ahead: Patties and gravy can be prepped in advance, then reheated together.

Variations

• Mushroom & Onion Gravy: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the onions.
• Cheesy Version: Top patties with a slice of Swiss or provolone before simmering.
• Herb Upgrade: Add fresh rosemary or parsley for extra flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Stir a pinch of cayenne into the gravy.

Why This Recipe Works

By searing the patties first, you build a flavorful base in the pan that enhances the onion gravy. The slow-cooked onions add sweetness, while the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce create depth. Simmering the patties in the gravy keeps them juicy and infuses them with rich flavor.

It’s the kind of meal that’s humble, hearty, and unforgettable.

✨ Juicy, flavorful, and smothered in rich onion gravy — these Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy are the ultimate comfort food your family will request again and again.