You know that feeling when you’re wrapped up in a cozy blanket, and all you want is a plate of comfort food that just hugs you from the inside? That’s exactly how I feel about smothered hamburger steak! It’s one of those dishes that can turn a regular weeknight into something special. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the smell of savory beef and rich onion gravy wafting through the kitchen had everyone gathering around the table with big smiles. Juicy hamburger steaks, lovingly drenched in that luscious gravy, are pure magic on a plate! Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked. This dish is not just about filling your belly; it’s about warmth, love, and the joy of sharing a meal with those you care about.

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best smothered hamburger steak! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef (I prefer lean for a healthier option)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (this helps bind everything together)
1 egg (adds moisture and richness)
1 tsp garlic powder (for that delicious savory kick)
1 tsp onion powder (compliments the fresh onions perfectly)
Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy here!)
2 onions, sliced (the star of the gravy)
2 cups beef broth (for a robust flavor)
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds depth and umami)
2 tbsp flour (to thicken that luscious gravy)
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the patties)

These ingredients come together to create a meal that’s not only hearty and filling but also bursting with flavor. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste! Happy cooking!

How to Prepare Smothered Hamburger Steak

Now, let’s dive into making this delicious dish! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a plate of smothered hamburger steak that everyone will rave about!

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 tsp of garlic powder, and 1 tsp of onion powder. Don’t forget a good sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste! Now, use your hands to mix everything together gently but thoroughly. You want all those flavors to meld without overworking the meat. Once it’s nicely combined, you’re ready for the next step!

Step 2: Form and Cook Patties

Next, it’s time to shape your patties! I like to grab a handful of the mixture and shape them into about 4 equal-sized patties. Make them nice and thick, about 3/4 inch. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned. That browning is crucial; it adds so much flavor! Once they’re done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Prepare Onion Gravy

In the same skillet (don’t you dare wash it yet!), toss in those 2 sliced onions. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Now, sprinkle 2 tbsp of flour over the onions and stir for about a minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in 2 cups of beef broth and 2 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce while stirring constantly. Bring this mixture to a simmer; it’ll start to thicken and become a rich, luscious gravy that you’ll want to swim in!

Step 4: Combine Patties and Gravy

Now, it’s time to reunite the patties with their gravy! Return the cooked patties to the skillet, nestling them right in that beautiful gravy. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the patties to absorb some of that glorious gravy. When you serve them up hot, make sure to ladle plenty of gravy over the top. It’s pure comfort on a plate!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying a hearty dish like smothered hamburger steak, it’s nice to know what you’re getting in each delicious bite! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (1 patty with gravy):

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 500mg
Fiber: 1g

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and any modifications you make to the recipe. It’s always good to be aware of what’s on your plate, but don’t let numbers take away from the joy of enjoying this comforting meal!

Tips for Success

Cooking smothered hamburger steak is all about the little details that make a big difference! First off, make sure your ground beef is fresh and lean for the best flavor and texture. When mixing the ingredients, be gentle; overworking the meat can lead to tough patties. Keep your skillet hot enough to get that beautiful browning on the patties, but be careful not to burn them. If the onions are sticking or browning too quickly while sautéing, just lower the heat a bit. And don’t rush the gravy! Let it simmer long enough to develop that rich flavor you want. Lastly, adjust your seasonings to your taste as you go, and remember, a generous ladle of gravy is always a good idea! Trust me, these tips will help you create a dish that’s simply irresistible!

Variations

One of the best things about smothered hamburger steak is how versatile it can be! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some spices to the meat mixture—cumin or smoked paprika can add a wonderful depth of flavor. For a kick, a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños can bring some heat to the dish!

If you want to mix up the gravy, consider adding mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy twist, or even some bell peppers for sweetness. You could also swap out the beef broth for chicken or vegetable broth if you’re looking for a lighter option. And for serving, don’t feel limited to just mashed potatoes or rice; this dish is fantastic over creamy polenta or even a bed of sautéed greens! The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftovers of your smothered hamburger steak are a wonderful treat for another day! To store, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, feel free to freeze the patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!

When it’s time to enjoy those delicious leftovers, I recommend reheating them gently. You can warm them up on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to keep the gravy nice and saucy. If you prefer the microwave, cover the dish to retain moisture and heat in short bursts, stirring in between until warmed through. You’ll have that comforting meal ready to enjoy in no time!

FAQ Section

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey can be a bit drier, so you might want to add a little extra seasoning or moisture.

What can I serve with smothered hamburger steak?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttery noodles. You can also serve it alongside steamed veggies or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the gravy.

Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. Just be sure to cover them tightly so they don’t dry out.

How do I know when the patties are cooked through?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. If you don’t have one, just cut into a patty to check that it’s no longer pink inside.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Definitely! Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. They’ll be good in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat gently when you’re ready to enjoy them again!

For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!

Smothered Hamburger Steak: 5 Steps to Warm Comfort

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

Juicy hamburger steak smothered in rich onion gravy.

Instructions

In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Form mixture into patties.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Add sliced onions to the skillet and sauté until soft.
Sprinkle flour over onions and stir for 1 minute.
Gradually add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly.
Bring to a simmer and return patties to the skillet.
Cover and cook for 10 minutes on low heat.
Serve hot with gravy over patties.

Notes

Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.
Adjust seasoning to your taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 patty with gravy
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: smothered hamburger steak, hamburger steak recipe, beef patties

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