Pin it
Want dinner on the table in less than 45 minutes? Hamburger steaks and gravy hit that sweet spot with comforting flavors made from simple ingredients. This dish combines juicy, tender beef patties with a rich, buttery brown gravy that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want both satisfying and effortless.
I first made this recipe on a hectic weekday and loved how quickly it came together. Now it’s a family favorite that my kids always ask for when they want comfort food.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: Olive oil for cooking the patties and adding a subtle fruitiness choose extra virgin for best flavor
- Ground beef: Ground beef preferably fresh with moderate fat content for juicy steaks
- Eggs: Eggs to bind the patties and keep them tender
- Panko or regular breadcrumbs: Panko or regular breadcrumbs add structure panko gives a lighter texture but both work well
- Dried onion soup mix: Dried onion soup mix carries rich seasoning and moisture reserve half for the gravy
- All purpose flour: All purpose flour thickens the gravy fresh flour ensures smooth consistency
- Butter: Butter adds richness and depth to the gravy
- Water and milk: Water and milk combine to create a creamy base for the gravy using 2 percent milk balances richness
- Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce brings umami and a tangy kick that ties the gravy together
Instructions
- Sauté and mix the meat:
- Add ground beef eggs panko breadcrumbs and half of the dried onion soup mix to a large bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to mix just until combined overmixing makes the meat tough. Shape the mixture into four even patties or smaller ones if you want them to cook faster.
- Cook the hamburger steaks:
- Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet and heat over medium high. Add the patties carefully and cook flipping once halfway through until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The patties should develop a nicely browned crust to lock in juices. Cover the skillet with a lid to speed up cooking if you want.
- Set aside the cooked patties:
- Remove the hamburger steaks from the skillet and place them on a plate while you prepare the gravy. Do not wipe the skillet clean the browned bits and grease add flavor to the gravy.
- Make the gravy:
- Lower heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted whisk in the flour Worcestershire sauce and the remaining dried onion soup mix. This will create a thick lumpy paste. Slowly add water and milk while whisking continuously to smooth out lumps. Keep whisking gently as the gravy thickens to velvety perfection.
- Combine and serve:
- Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet and spoon the creamy gravy generously over them. Let everything warm together for a minute then serve immediately over mashed potatoes or your favorite sides.
Pin it
My favorite part of this dish is the gravy it’s simple but packs layers of flavor that remind me of cozy family dinners. Years ago my grandmother taught me how to make gravy with onion soup mix and it became our little secret for a quick feast.
Storage Tips
Store leftover hamburger steaks and gravy in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating do it gently in the oven at low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the patties moist and the gravy smooth.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want something leaner but the cooking time might be slightly shorter. If you do not have dried onion soup mix finely chopped onions and garlic with a bit of beef bouillon powder can mimic the flavor. Use bread crumbs made from your favorite bread if panko is unavailable.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes roasted green beans or a simple side salad. Warm homemade dinner rolls are also a lovely addition to soak up the gravy.
Pin it
Serve immediately over mashed potatoes for best results. This hearty dish is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What type of beef is best for hamburger steaks?
Ground beef with around 80% lean content works well, providing enough fat for juiciness while holding shape during cooking.
- → How can I tell when the hamburger steaks are cooked properly?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe eating.
- → What ingredients create the rich gravy?
The gravy is made with butter, all-purpose flour, Worcestershire sauce, onion soup mix, water, and milk for a velvety texture and deep flavor.
- → Can I make smaller patties to reduce cooking time?
Yes, smaller patties cook faster and still stay tender; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Creamy mashed potatoes, vegetable casseroles, or soft dinner rolls complement the flavorful steaks and gravy well.