Hamburger Steak with Brown Gravy: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe

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Hamburger Steak with Brown Gravy is a nostalgic comfort dish that brings-warmth to any table. Imagine tender, juicy ground beef patties simmered in rich, savory gravy, perfect for spooning over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. If you’re looking for an easy hamburger steak recipe that tastes amazing but comes together quickly, you’ve found it. Our guide will help you create flavorful homemade hamburger steak and gravy that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Hamburger Steak Recipe

This classic comfort food isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly practical and versatile, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners or meal prepping. Here’s why this classic hamburger steak with brown gravy will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Unbeatable Comfort: Few dishes deliver the same level of hearty, satisfying comfort as savory ground beef patties smothered in a rich, umami-packed gravy.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Made with readily available pantry staples and affordable ground beef, this recipe proves you don’t need fancy components to achieve incredible taste.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this dish. It’s a fantastic way to transform humble ground beef into a meal that feels special and indulgent.
• Ideal for Any Evening: Whether it’s a hectic weeknight or a leisurely Sunday dinner, the steps are simple, making it accessible for cooks of any skill level.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the flavors of the gravy or the seasonings in your patties to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this mouthwatering homemade hamburger steak. We’ll separate them for clarity, ensuring you have everything on hand for both the flavorful patties and the irresistible brown gravy.

For the Hamburger Steaks:

• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended for best flavor and texture)
• ½ cup finely chopped onion (optional, but adds great flavor and moisture)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 01 tablespoon olive-oil or vegetable oil (for cooking)

For the Savory Brown Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups beef broth (low sodium is preferred to control saltiness)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make Hamburger Steak with Brown Gravy (Step-by-Step)

Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect, tender hamburger steaks and a rich, velvety brown gravy every time.

1: Prepare the Hamburger Steaks

In a large-bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently-mix the ingredients until just combined. Be-careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough patties. Divide the mixture into 04-06 equal portions and form them into oval or round patties, about ¾-inch thick. Create a slight indentation in the center of each-patty with your thumb – this helps prevent them from puffing up too much during cooking and ensures even cooking.

2: Cook the Steaks to Perfection

Heat the olive-oil or vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (such-as a cast-iron skillet) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the hamburger steak patties into the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until beautifully browned and cooked through. The internal-temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. Remove the cooked-patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Do not drain the drippings from the pan – these are essential for building the gravy’s flavor!

3: Craft the Rich Brown Gravy

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet with the leftover drippings. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes, creating a smooth roux. This step is crucial for-thickening the gravy and developing a rich, nutty flavor.

Gradually pour in the beef-broth, whisking constantly to preven-lumps. Continue-whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring the gravy to a-gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and allow it to cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Taste the-gravy and season with additional salt and black pepper as needed.

4: Combine and Serve!

Carefully return the cooked hamburger steak patties to the skillet with the simmering brown gravy. Spoon the luscious gravy over the steaks, ensuring they are well coated. Let them simmer together for another 05 minutes, allowing the flavors to-meld and the steaks to absorb some of that delicious gravy goodness. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Pro Tips for the Best Hamburger Steak and Gravy

Even simple recipes have secrets to perfection. These tips will help you achieve the most juicy hamburger steaks and a consistently perfect brown gravy.

• Achieving Juicy Hamburger Steaks:
  • Don’t Overmix: Overworking the ground beef will make the patties tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
  • Thumb Indentation: The small dent in the center of the-patty helps it cook evenly and prevents it from bulging, keeping it flatter and more tender.
  • Don’t Overcook: Ground beef can dry out quickly. Cook until just done (160°F internal temperature) for optimal juiciness. A meat thermometer is your best friend here.
• Mastering Your Brown Gravy:
  • Scrape the Pan: Those browned bits (fond) left in the skillet after cooking the steaks are packed with flavor. Scrape them up as you whisk in the broth – they are the secret to a rich, deep gravy.
  • Whisk Constantly: When adding flour and then broth, continuous whisking is key to prevent lumps and create a smooth gravy.
  • Adjust Consistency: If your-gravy is too thick, whisk in a little more beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can make a quick slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water, then whisk it into the simmering gravy until thickened.
• Essential Cooking Equipment: A good quality, large skillet (cast iron works wonderfully for browning and holding heat), a sturdy whisk, and a spatula are all you need.

Delicious Variations & Dietary Swaps

This easy hamburger steak recipe is incredibly adaptable!

• Gravy Variations:
  • Mushroom Gravy: Sauté sliced mushrooms (8 oz) in the skillet before making the roux, then proceed with the gravy steps.
  • Onion Gravy: Sauté thinly sliced onions (1 large) until deeply caramelized before adding butter and flour for the roux.
  • Creamy Gravy: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or a splash of milk at the very end of the gravy cooking process for a richer, creamier texture.
• Patty Variations:
  • Herbed Steaks: Add a teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or a mixed Italian seasoning blend to the ground beef mixture.
  • Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne-pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the gravy can add a subtle heat.
• Dietary Adaptations:
  • Gluten-Free Hamburger Steak: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum) or cornstarch (as a slurry, added at the end) instead of wheat flour for the gravy. Always check beef broth labels for gluten-free certification.
  • Low-Carb Hamburger Steak: For a keto hamburger steak gravy, thicken the-gravy with a cornstarch slurry or a small-amount of xanthan gum (use sparingly, as a little goes a long way) instead of flour. Omit any breadcrumbs if adding to patties (our recipe doesn’t use them).

What to Serve with Hamburger Steak

The classic pairings perfectly complement the rich flavors of hamburger steak with brown gravy:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• Fluffy White Rice
• Egg Noodles
• Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus
• Roasted Carrots or Broccoli
• Simple Side Salad with a Vinaigrette

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

This dish is fantastic for meal prepping!

• Storage: Store leftover hamburger steak and gravy in an airtight-container in the refrigerator for up to 03-04 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully. Once cooled, transfer the steaks and gravy to a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the-refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to thin the gravy if it’s too thick after chilling. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in short-intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Steak with Gravy

More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore other comforting classics that are perfect for any family meal. From hearty stews to flavorful casseroles, there’s a whole world of delicious, easy-to-make dishes waiting for you.

This Hamburger Steak with Brown Gravy isn’t just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of simple, honest ingredients transformed into something truly extraordinary. Give it a try, and let this comforting classic become a new favorite in your home!

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Homemade Hamburger Steak with Brown Gravy

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Tender, juicy ground beef patties simmered in a rich, savory brown gravy. This classic comfort food recipe is easy to make and perfect for a satisfying family meal.

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Ingredients

For the Hamburger Steaks

• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
• ½ cup finely chopped onion (optional, but adds great flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for cooking)

For the Savory Brown Gravy

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups beef broth (low sodium is preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Hamburger Steaks: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough patties.
2. Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form them into oval or round patties, about ¾-inch thick. Create a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb – this helps prevent them from puffing up too much during cooking and ensures even cooking.
3. Cook Steaks: Heat the olive oil or vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (such as a cast-iron skillet) over medium-high heat. Carefully place the hamburger steak patties into the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until beautifully browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Do not drain the drippings from the pan – these are essential for building the gravy’s flavor!
4. Make the Gravy Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet with the leftover drippings. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes, creating a smooth roux.
5. Finish the Gravy: Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and allow it to cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Taste the gravy and season with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
6. Combine and Serve: Carefully return the cooked hamburger steak patties to the skillet with the simmering brown gravy. Spoon the luscious gravy over the steaks, ensuring they are well coated. Let them simmer together for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the steaks to absorb some of that delicious gravy goodness. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

Don’t overmix ground beef for tender patties.
Scrape pan drippings for maximum gravy flavor.
Adjust gravy consistency by simmering longer or using a cornstarch slurry if too thin.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge or up to 3 months frozen.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: American