Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy Recipe

Ground beef: The main protein for the dish, providing a rich and hearty flavor.

Egg: Acts as a binder to help hold the patties together.

Bread crumbs: Adds texture and helps bind the patties.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to both the patties and the gravy.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.

Butter: Used to cook the onions and add richness to the gravy.

All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the gravy.

Beef broth: The base for the gravy, providing a deep, savory flavor.

When forming the patties, make sure to handle the ground beef mixture gently to avoid overworking it, which can result in a tough texture. Use your hands to lightly shape the mixture into patties, pressing just enough to hold them together. Additionally, when cooking the patties in the skillet, resist the urge to press down on them with a spatula, as this can squeeze out the juices and dry them out. Let them cook undisturbed to develop a nice, caramelized crust.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• beaten egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to create a binding agent similar to an egg.

• bread crumbs - Substitute with crushed oats: Crushed oats can act as a binder and add a slightly different texture while keeping the dish gluten-free if needed.

• finely chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a similar flavor but are slightly sweeter and more delicate.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a depth of flavor and saltiness, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile, often used in lighter-colored dishes.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and can provide a rich flavor while cooking the onions.

• sliced onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a milder onion flavor and can add a unique twist to the dish.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent for the gravy and is gluten-free.

• beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used to create a similar depth of flavor while making the dish suitable for vegetarians.

• Allow the hamburger steak and gravy to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and keeps the dish from becoming soggy.
• Transfer the cooled patties and gravy into airtight containers. For best results, use separate containers for the patties and gravy to maintain texture.
• Label the containers with the date of preparation to keep track of freshness.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume within 3-4 days. This ensures the hamburger steak and gravy remain safe to eat.
• For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The hamburger steak and gravy can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the hamburger steak and gravy in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If using a microwave, cover the patties with a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture.
• Warm the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much during storage.
• Serve the reheated hamburger steak and gravy with freshly made mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting meal.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the hamburger steaks and gravy in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  3. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Stir the gravy halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the hamburger steaks and gravy in a skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Cover the skillet with a lid to retain moisture.
  3. Stir occasionally and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the hamburger steaks and gravy in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir the gravy and flip the steaks halfway through.
  4. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until the dish is hot.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Place the hamburger steaks and gravy in the slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low heat.
  3. Cover and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Place the hamburger steaks and gravy in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag using the water displacement method.
  2. Set your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for 1 hour.
  4. Remove from the bag and serve immediately.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the ground beef, beaten egg, bread crumbs, finely chopped onion, salt, and black pepper.

• Skillet: This is essential for cooking the patties and later for making the onion gravy.

• Spatula: Helpful for flipping the patties to ensure they are browned on both sides.

• Knife: Needed for finely chopping the onion and slicing the other onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping and slicing the onions.

• Measuring cups: Use these to measure out the bread crumbs and beef broth accurately.

• Measuring spoons: These will help you measure the salt, black pepper, and flour.

• Whisk: Useful for beating the egg and for stirring the gravy to ensure it thickens smoothly.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the onions and the gravy in the skillet.

• Plate: Use this to set aside the cooked patties while you prepare the gravy.

• Serving spoon: Handy for spooning the gravy over the patties when serving.

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the onions and measure out the bread crumbs and beef broth the night before.

Use a food processor: Quickly mix the ground beef, egg, and bread crumbs in a food processor for a uniform mixture.

Pre-make patties: Form the patties in advance and store them in the fridge, ready to cook.

Simultaneous cooking: While the patties are cooking, start sautéing the sliced onions in another pan to save time.

Instant gravy thickener: Use a gravy mix packet instead of making it from scratch to speed up the process.