Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy A Comfort Food Classic

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Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy A Comfort Food Classic

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a juicy hamburger steak drenched in savory onion gravy. This dish combines the best of both worlds: a hearty, flavorful burger patty and the richness of homemade gravy. It’s perfect for those cozy nights when you need a filling meal with lots of flavor. The addition of Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and onion powder in the patties gives them a robust flavor, while the creamy onion gravy takes it to a whole new level of comfort.

Ingredients:

For the Hamburger Steaks:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Onion Gravy:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Hamburger Steaks:
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the patties tender.
  • Shape the mixture into 4-6 oval patties, depending on your preference for size.
  1. Cook the Hamburger Steaks:
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the patties are browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F).
  • Once the patties are done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. You’ll use the same skillet for the gravy, so don’t wipe it clean.
  1. Make the Onion Gravy:
  • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to combine. Cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  • Slowly add the beef broth while stirring, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the gravy thickens.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  1. Combine and Serve:
  • Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, spooning some of the onion gravy over each patty. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  • Serve the hamburger steaks with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish, ensuring plenty of gravy on top

Methods

  1. Prepare the Hamburger Steaks:
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix all the ingredients together until well combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the patties tender.
  • Shape the mixture into 4-6 oval patties, depending on your preferred size.
  1. Cook the Hamburger Steaks:
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F).
  • Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside. Do not wipe the skillet clean; you will use it to make the gravy.
  1. Make the Onion Gravy:
  • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to combine. Cook for about 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
  • Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly, and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the gravy thickens.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  1. Combine and Serve:
  • Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet and spoon some of the onion gravy over each patty. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Serve the hamburger steaks with mashed potatoes, rice, or your preferred side dish, making sure to top with plenty of gravy.

This method will give you a rich, flavorful meal with a perfect balance of tender hamburger steaks and a savory, caramelized onion gravy. Enjoy!

History:

Hamburger steaks with onion gravy have long been a staple of American comfort food, often associated with Southern and Midwestern cuisines. This dish draws influence from classic Salisbury steak recipes, which were created in the 19th century and named after Dr. James Salisbury, who promoted a high-protein diet. Over time, Salisbury steak evolved into various forms of hamburger steaks served with rich gravies. The humble hamburger steak became a beloved dish for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and comforting flavors

The history of hamburger steaks with onion gravy is rooted in both American and European culinary traditions. While the exact origins are debated, this dish is believed to have evolved from Salisbury steak, a dish created in the 19th century by Dr. James Salisbury. Dr. Salisbury was a prominent figure in early health and nutrition, and he promoted a high-protein, low-carb diet, which he believed would improve digestion and overall health. His namesake dish, Salisbury steak, was made from ground beef formed into patties and served with gravy.

In the United States, particularly in the South and Midwest, ground beef became a popular, affordable protein option, especially in the post-World War II era. This led to various iterations of the Salisbury steak, one of which is the “hamburger steak” served with rich, flavorful onion gravy. The hamburger steak became a comforting dish in American households, often served with mashed potatoes or rice, making it a hearty, filling meal.

The onion gravy component adds a layer of depth and richness to the dish, with caramelized onions providing a sweet, savory base. This combination of beef and onions became a staple in Southern comfort food, cherished for its simplicity and the ability to feed large families with minimal expense.

Today, hamburger steaks with onion gravy are a beloved part of American comfort food, passed down through generations and adapted in many different ways, from using ground turkey or chicken to adding spices and herbs for extra flavor. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal appeal and the warmth it brings to the table.

Benefits:

  • High in Protein: The ground beef provides a significant amount of protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
  • Rich in Iron: Beef is a good source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body, supporting healthy blood and preventing anemia.
  • Customizable: The dish can be adapted to suit different dietary preferences, such as using leaner ground beef or turkey, or opting for gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Formation:

This recipe forms the foundation for a filling, savory meal that can be easily scaled up or down for large family dinners or smaller weeknight meals. The balance of flavors, with the juicy hamburger patties paired with the rich and creamy onion gravy, provides a satisfying and indulgent experience

The formation of Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy is designed to be a hearty, comforting dish that combines simple ingredients into a flavorful meal. The dish is constructed in two key components: the hamburger steaks (which serve as the protein base) and the onion gravy (which adds richness and flavor). Here’s how the dish forms:

  1. Hamburger Steaks:
    The foundation of the dish starts with ground beef, which is combined with breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and seasonings to form patties. The patties are carefully shaped to ensure they cook evenly and retain their moisture during the cooking process. The mixture is seasoned to provide flavor without overpowering the beef. Once cooked, these patties become tender and juicy.
  2. Onion Gravy:
    The gravy component forms the soul of this dish. It begins with onions, which are caramelized in butter to bring out their natural sweetness. The addition of flour helps thicken the gravy, while beef broth (or another broth of your choice) adds depth and savory richness. As the gravy simmers, it thickens and coats the hamburger steaks, melding the flavors together.
  3. Assembly:
    Once both components are prepared, the hamburger steaks are placed back into the skillet with the gravy to allow them to soak up some of the sauce. This final step enhances the flavors of both the steaks and the gravy, ensuring that every bite is a perfect combination of tender beef and rich, savory sauce.

The dish is formed in a way that ensures balance—tender, flavorful beef paired with the smooth, comforting texture of the gravy. The formation of the dish is simple yet effective, making it a timeless favorite in American comfort food cuisine.

Nutrition (per serving):

  • Calories: 400-500 kcal
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g

  • Calories: 400-500 kcal (depending on portion size and specific ingredients used)
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
  • Sodium: 600mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients you choose, such as leaner ground beef or different types of broth. You can also reduce the amount of butter or oil to make the dish lower in fat.

Note: Nutritional values can vary based on portion size and ingredient substitutions.

Conclusion:

Hamburger steaks with onion gravy are a timeless comfort food that never fails to impress. The tender, flavorful patties paired with the rich, velvety gravy make for a meal that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a hearty dinner, this dish is sure to hit the spot. As my husband put it after his first bite, “Oh my god, Ashley, this is fantastic! I’m actually hoping the kids don’t like theirs now!” It’s the kind of dish that’ll make everyone at the table ask for seconds!

So, if you’re craving something comforting, easy to make, and packed with flavor, give this recipe a try. It’s sure to become a favorite in your household as well!

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