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Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy

Seasoned ground beef patties pan-seared and smothered in a rich caramelized onion and beef broth gravy. A Southern diner staple that turns humble ingredients into a deeply satisfying plate meal.

45 minEasyServes 4520 cal/serving

AmericanDinnerStovetopStandardHigh ProteinLow CarbAlcohol-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20), 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 beaten large egg, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form into 4 oval patties about 3/4 inch thick.

  2. 2

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook 4 minutes per side until a dark crust forms. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove patties to a plate and tent loosely with foil.

  3. 3

    Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet. Add 2 large thinly sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 12 to 15 minutes until deeply golden and soft.

  4. 4

    Sprinkle 2 tbsp all-purpose flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.

  5. 5

    Pour in 2 cups beef broth a little at a time, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add fresh thyme and bring to a simmer. Cook 3 to 4 minutes until the gravy thickens enough to coat a spoon. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper.

  6. 6

    Return the patties to the skillet and spoon gravy over the top. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes to warm through, then serve.

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Questions

What internal temperature should Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy reach?

For Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy, the target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 2. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Why does Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy say not to overmix?

Step 1 reads: "Mix gently until just combined." Stirring develops gluten, and gluten makes quick batters tough and tunneled. Stop at step 1 while a few streaks of flour remain; they hydrate on their own.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce in Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy?

The entry for Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy calls for 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce. In its place: Soy sauce with a few drops of vinegar and a pinch of sugar.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy uses 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20).

Can I make Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy is 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

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