Ah, the humble hamburger steak—comfort food at its finest, especially when smothered in a rich onion gravy! This dish holds a special place in my heart, transporting me back to cozy evenings in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the sizzling sound of patties frying was nearly as warming as her laughter. I still remember the first time she let me take the lead in preparing our family dinner, guiding me through each step with a gentle hand and sharing the little secrets that made her meals magical. It was then that I learned the power of a well-made gravy and the right blend of seasonings to elevate simple ingredients into something sublime.
Drawing inspiration from that cherished memory, I’ve taken the traditional hamburger steak and given it a twist with a splash of cooking sherry and a hint of Worcestershire sauce, which add layers of flavor that make this dish not just a meal, but an experience. The addition of thinly sliced onions caramelized to perfection rounds out the dish with a sweetness that complements the savory beef beautifully.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a laid-back Sunday feast, this recipe promises to satisfy your cravings and leave your kitchen filled with the aromas of comfort. And for those who love a good culinary challenge, I encourage you to play around with the seasonings—maybe a dash of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of fresh herbs—to make this dish your own. After all, every great recipe has a little room for personalization, doesn’t it?
Join me as we dive into the steps and tips to ensure your hamburger steaks are as juicy and flavorful as they can be, and discover why this dish is more than just food; it’s a spoonful of memories, a dash of fun, and a generous helping of love.
Preparing Hamburger Steak with Onions & Gravy
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Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cooking sherry
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup thinly sliced onion
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
Begin by preparing all your ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Thoroughly mix these until well blended and shape into eight balls, then press each into patties.
In a skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil. Place both the patties and sliced onions in the skillet and cook until the patties are well-browned, about 4 minutes on each side. Once browned, move the patties to a separate plate and cover to keep them warm.
Using the same skillet, sprinkle flour over the cooked onions and pan drippings. Stir constantly with a fork to lift the beef bits from the pan. Slowly incorporate the beef broth and sherry, then add seasoned salt. Let the mixture simmer on medium-low heat, stirring frequently until the gravy thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
Lower the heat to a simmer, reintroduce the patties into the skillet, cover, and let them simmer in the gravy for about 15 minutes or until they are thoroughly cooked.
FAQS:
What can I use if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a little sugar to add a touch of sweetness. Another option is to use balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.
Is there a gluten-free alternative to the all-purpose flour for the gravy?
Yes, you can use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. If using cornstarch, mix it with a little cold water to make a slurry before adding it to the gravy to avoid clumps.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this?
Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots, or a simple salad work well with this dish to make a hearty meal.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or a mix of ground pork and beef can be used as a substitute for ground beef. Keep in mind that leaner meats might require additional binding ingredients or fat to keep the patties moist.
How can I ensure my hamburger steaks don’t fall apart while cooking?
Make sure to press the patties together firmly when shaping them. The egg and bread crumbs in the recipe also help as binding agents. Avoid flipping the patties too often in the skillet; let them form a good crust before turning.
Can I freeze the cooked hamburger steaks and gravy?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store the patties and gravy in airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little broth if necessary.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the cooking sherry in the gravy?
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or a little more beef broth with a pinch of sugar as a substitute for cooking sherry.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until the patties are warmed through and the gravy is bubbling.
Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cooking sherry
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup thinly sliced onion
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
Instructions
- Start by combining the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix well and shape the mixture into eight balls, then flatten each to form patties.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties and onions until the patties are well-browned, about 4 minutes on each side. Remove the patties and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, sprinkle the flour over the onions and pan drippings. Using a fork, blend the flour while scraping the brown bits off the bottom of the skillet. Slowly add the beef broth and sherry, stirring continuously. Add the seasoned salt and let the mixture simmer until the gravy thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat, return the patties to the skillet, and cover. Let them simmer until they are thoroughly cooked, about 15 more minutes.
- Enjoy your meal once it's ready!
