Introduction
Hamburger Steak with Gravy is an old-fashioned Southern-style comfort food dish. Juicy ground beef patties are seasoned, pan-seared, and then simmered in a rich onion gravy. It’s a budget-friendly recipe that brings back diner nostalgia and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
Ingredients
For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 works best)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup dry breadcrumbs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For the Gravy:
- 1 (10.5 oz) can Campbell’s French onion soup
- ½ cup water or beef broth
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for richer flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Divide into 4–6 equal portions and shape into oval patties.
- Cook the Steaks
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil or butter.
- Sear patties for about 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet).
- Make the Gravy
- In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a light roux. Cook 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly add the French onion soup and water (or broth), whisking until smooth.
- Stir in soy sauce if using. Let simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine & Simmer
- Return the patties to the skillet.
- Spoon gravy over them, cover, and let simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes until patties are cooked through and flavors meld.
- Serve
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Spoon plenty of gravy over the top.
Cooking Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 35 minutes
- Total: 50 minutes
History
Hamburger steak traces back to the late 19th century, inspired by Hamburg, Germany, where seasoned ground beef was formed into patties. German immigrants brought it to America, where it became popular in diners and homes, often smothered in gravy. It’s the ancestor of the modern hamburger!
Tips & Variations
- Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for Hamburger Steak with Mushroom Gravy.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative.
- For extra flavor, caramelize onions separately and stir into the gravy.
Benefits
- Budget-friendly comfort food.
- Protein-packed meal that satisfies.
- Easy to scale up for family gatherings.
Who Loves It?
This dish is loved by:
- Southern home cooks
- Diner food fans
- Families who enjoy hearty, filling meals
- Anyone who loves mashed potatoes with gravy
Suggested Sides
- Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Buttery dinner rolls
Nutrition (per serving, 1 patty with gravy – approx.)
- Calories: ~380
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 14g
- Sodium: 720mg
Conclusion
Hamburger Steak with Gravy is the ultimate weeknight comfort dish that blends history, flavor, and heartiness in every bite. Simple yet satisfying, it’s a timeless recipe that turns humble ingredients into a soul-warming classic.
