Hamburger Steak With Onions And Gravy

When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes hit the spot like hamburger steak with onions and gravy. This humble yet flavorful Southern staple transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal. With its juicy seasoned patties and rich onion gravy, it’s the kind of dish that brings the family to the table—fast.

Especially beloved across the South, hamburger steak is cherished for its bold flavors, hearty nature, and quick cook time. You’ll find it served everywhere from cozy diners to home kitchens, often alongside mashed potatoes or rice.

What makes this dish even more appealing is its versatility—you can swap out the meat, tweak the gravy, or spice things up depending on your taste. If you’ve never made it from scratch before, you’re in for a treat. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, even on a weeknight.

What is Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy?

Hamburger steak is essentially a ground beef patty, seasoned and pan-fried, then simmered in savory onion gravy. It’s often confused with Salisbury steak, but there are subtle differences. While Salisbury steak typically includes fillers like oats or rice and often uses a tomato-based sauce, hamburger steak keeps things simple with a focus on seasoned beef and beefy gravy.

The dish dates back to 19th-century Germany and was Americanized by immigrants who wanted a budget-friendly, meat-based meal. It became especially popular in Southern cuisine, where it’s a nostalgic staple for many families.

The onions and gravy are key to this dish’s richness. Caramelized onions bring sweetness and depth, while a roux-based beef gravy rounds everything out with bold, umami flavors. It’s not just about the beef—it’s the combination of textures and flavors that makes this dish so memorable.

Curious about how it compares to Salisbury steak? Allrecipes breaks it down here, and you can also explore its deep Southern roots and variations at sites like The Defined Dish and Wikipedia.

Ingredients Overview

Let’s break down the ingredients into two main sections: the patties and the gravy.

For the Hamburger Steaks:

• Ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for flavor and moisture)

• 1 egg (acts as a binder)

• Breadcrumbs (helps hold the patties together)

• Worcestershire sauce (adds depth)

• Seasonings: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder

This blend offers the perfect balance of flavor and texture, as seen in recipes from The Cozy Cook, The Defined Dish, and Food.com.

For the Onion Gravy:

• Onions (yellow or sweet for a milder profile)

• Beef broth (the base of the gravy)

• Flour (for thickening)

• Butter (to sauté and build flavor)

• Optional: mushrooms, Kitchen Bouquet (for color), or a splash of red wine

Want richer variations? Our Best Bites and Grill on a Dime suggest adding red wine or bouillon for extra depth.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Hamburger Steaks:

• Combine beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire, and seasonings.

• Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat.

• Form into evenly sized patties with a slight depression in the center to avoid puffing.

Tip: Use cold ingredients and let the mixture rest before forming for best texture (Allrecipes, Food.com).

Cooking the Patties:

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

• Sear patties for 4–5 minutes per side until a crust forms and they’re mostly cooked through.

• Remove and set aside on a plate.

Making the Onion Gravy:

• In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced onions.

• Cook on medium-low for 10–15 minutes, stirring often until golden and caramelized.

• Add flour and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.

• Gradually whisk in beef broth, scraping up the browned bits.

• Let it simmer until the gravy thickens—taste and adjust seasoning.

Gravy basics: A good roux makes or breaks the sauce. Wikipedia and My Country Table highlight how caramelization unlocks depth.

Combining Steaks and Gravy:

• Return patties to the skillet, nestling them in the gravy.

• Spoon gravy over top and cover. Simmer for another 10 minutes.

• Serve hot and garnish if desired.

Final touches found in guides by Deep Fried Honey and Our Best Bites ensure a well-rounded, deeply flavorful dish.

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Serving Suggestions

Hamburger steak is best paired with comforting, starchy sides that soak up the gravy. Here are some favorites:

• Mashed potatoes

• White rice

• Buttered egg noodles

• Green beans

• Sweet corn or cornbread

For a professional touch:

• Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley

• Plate over a generous bed of mashed potatoes or rice

• Add green onions for crunch and color

Reddit users and The Defined Dish community love this with biscuits or sautéed collard greens, too.

Variations and Substitutions

Looking to switch it up or cater to dietary needs? Try these creative tweaks:

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.

• Add mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy bite.

• Spice it up with paprika, cayenne, or chili flakes.

• Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour to make it gluten-free.

• Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of Worcestershire.

You can even turn this into a casserole-style bake by layering the patties and gravy in a baking dish and finishing in the oven for a more hands-off dinner.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix the meat—this makes the patties tough.

• Always let the patties rest before cooking for better shape and texture.

• Caramelize onions slowly to bring out their natural sweetness.

• Use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should reach 160°F.

• Taste the gravy before serving—adjust salt, pepper, or acidity if needed.

Butter Be Ready and Food.com both recommend deglazing with a splash of wine to bring complexity to the sauce.

Nutritional Information

A typical serving of hamburger steak with onions and gravy comes in at around 420–480 calories, depending on portion size and fat content of the beef.

Macronutrient Breakdown (per serving):

• Protein: 25–30g

• Fat: 28–35g

• Carbohydrates: 10–15g

To make it healthier, consider:

• Using 90/10 lean ground beef or ground turkey

• Replacing butter with olive oil or plant-based margarine

• Swapping traditional flour for almond flour or arrowroot starch

• Reducing the portion size of the gravy

These small adjustments can cut calories and saturated fat while still keeping the dish rich and satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make hamburger steak ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the patties and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours. This helps the flavors blend and makes dinner prep faster.

How do I prevent my patties from falling apart?

Use the right ratio of binders:

• 1 egg per pound of meat

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Also:

• Don’t overwork the meat mixture

• Chill the patties before cooking for better hold

Can I freeze hamburger steak?

Absolutely! After cooking:

• Let the patties cool completely

• Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months

• Reheat in the oven or skillet until hot throughout

You can even freeze uncooked patties (with parchment between each) and thaw overnight before cooking.

What can I use instead of beef broth?

You can substitute with:

• Chicken broth (lighter taste)

• Vegetable broth (for a plant-based option)

Note: These swaps will slightly change the flavor but still work well. Brands like Better Than Bouillon also offer rich, flavorful bases.

Is there a dairy-free version of the gravy?

Yes! Simply:

• Use olive oil or plant-based butter

• Choose a dairy-free broth

• Ensure any thickeners or seasonings are dairy-free

Sources like The Cozy Cook, Our Best Bites, and Grill on a Dime share great tweaks for dietary needs.

Conclusion

Hamburger steak with onions and gravy is more than just a meal—it’s comfort on a plate. With its tender, juicy patties and deeply flavorful gravy, this dish has stood the test of time in home kitchens across America.

Whether you’re sticking to the classic recipe or experimenting with healthier or bolder variations, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Plus, it’s easy enough for weeknights but cozy enough for Sunday dinner.

Try it out, make it your own, and don’t forget to share your spin—we’d love to hear what sides, spices, or secrets make your version unforgettable!

Hamburger Steak With Onions And Gravy

Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy is a timeless Southern classic made with juicy ground beef patties smothered in rich, caramelized onion gravy. It’s a hearty, comforting, and budget-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 4 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Spatula or tongs
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Ingredients

  

For the Hamburger Steaks:

• 1 lb ground beef 80/20 or 85/15
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Onion Gravy:

• 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• Optional: 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms 1 teaspoon Kitchen Bouquet, splash of red wine

Instructions

 

Form the Patties:

• In a large bowl, mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Form into 4 evenly-sized patties.

Sear the Patties:

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.

Make the Onion Gravy:

• In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onions and cook until golden brown and caramelized, about 10–15 minutes. Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.

Deglaze and Simmer:

• Slowly whisk in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer until the gravy thickens, about 5–7 minutes.

Combine and Finish:

• Return patties to the skillet, spoon gravy over the top, cover, and simmer for 10 more minutes.

Serve Hot:

• Plate over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

• For a leaner option, use 90/10 ground beef or ground turkey.
• Add mushrooms to the gravy for more flavor.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.
• You can prep the patties in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours.
• Freeze cooked patties with gravy for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prep!

Keyword comfort food dinner, hamburger patties with gravy, hamburger steak with onions and gravy, skillet beef steak, southern hamburger steak