Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: smothered hamburger steak! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, with juicy ground beef patties drenched in a rich, savory onion gravy that just makes your taste buds dance. Honestly, it’s the kind of hearty meal that brings the whole family together around the dinner table. I remember my mom making this for us when I was a kid, and it always felt like a special occasion, even on a regular weeknight. Trust me, when you serve up this smothered hamburger steak, everyone will be asking for seconds! It’s not just delicious; it’s also quick and easy to whip up, making it the perfect weeknight dinner that fits right into busy lives. So, let’s dive into how you can make this comforting classic in your own kitchen!
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
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. The finely chopped onion adds a lovely sweetness to the patties, while the sliced onion is perfect for that rich gravy. You’ll see how these simple ingredients come together to create a meal that’s not just filling but absolutely delightful!
How to Prepare Smothered Hamburger Steak
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this delicious smothered hamburger steak! I promise it’s easier than you might think, and the results are oh-so-satisfying. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a big mixing bowl and combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix it all together gently—don’t overdo it, or your patties might be tough. You want everything just combined!
- Next, shape the mixture into four equal patties. Make them a little thinner in the middle so they cook evenly. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Now, heat up the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned. You’ll love the smell!
- Once they’re perfectly browned, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside. Don’t worry; we’ll bring them back soon!
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent. This step adds so much flavor to the gravy!
- Now, pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer before returning the patties to the skillet. Let them simmer together for about 10 minutes—this allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finally, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the skillet to thicken the gravy. You’ll want to keep stirring until it reaches your desired thickness. And then, voilà! Your smothered hamburger steak is ready to serve with that luscious gravy on top!
Remember, cooking is all about feeling it out. If something doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning or cooking time to make it your own!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying smothered hamburger steak, it’s nice to know what you’re putting into your body, right? Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving (that’s one patty with gravy):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind that these values are just estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, knowing you’re getting a hearty dose of protein and flavor makes this comfort food even more enjoyable!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Smothered hamburger steak is truly a dish that ticks all the boxes when it comes to comfort food. Here are just a few reasons why you’re going to adore this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, you can have a hearty meal on the table in no time!
- Flavorful: The combination of seasoned beef and rich onion gravy creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a dish that everyone loves, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
- Gluten-Free: Using gluten-free breadcrumbs makes this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite ingredients, like mushrooms or extra spices, to make it your own.
Honestly, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your smothered hamburger steak turns out perfectly every time! First off, don’t skip the breadcrumbs—they help keep the patties juicy and tender. If you can, use fresh, quality ground beef; it really makes a difference in flavor. When you’re cooking the patties, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding them; this helps achieve that beautiful brown crust!
Timing is essential, so keep an eye on the patties while they’re cooking. If you like a little kick, consider adding some chopped mushrooms or even a splash of hot sauce to the gravy for extra depth. And remember, don’t rush the simmering step—letting those flavors meld together is key! With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to making a smothered hamburger steak that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Variations
One of the best things about smothered hamburger steak is how flexible it is! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For a kick of flavor, try adding different spices like paprika or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version—just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Want to sneak in some veggies? Chop up some bell peppers or even zucchini and mix them into the beef mixture, or toss them in with the onions while sautéing. You could also try adding some sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy twist. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make this dish your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of your delicious smothered hamburger steak is super easy! Just let the patties and gravy cool down to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save them for later, you can freeze the patties and gravy in separate containers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label them with the date so you know when you made them!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply take them out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, you can pop them in the microwave for a couple of minutes until heated through, or heat them gently in a skillet over low heat. Just add a splash of beef broth or water to keep the gravy nice and saucy. Trust me, this meal is still a comforting delight even as leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving smothered hamburger steak, the options are just as comforting and delicious as the dish itself! One of my all-time favorite pairings is creamy mashed potatoes. The rich onion gravy works wonders when poured over fluffy potatoes, and it’s the perfect way to soak up every last drop of that savory goodness!
If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice or even quinoa for a nutty twist. The grains will soak up the flavors beautifully! And don’t forget about some steamed veggies on the side—green beans or sautéed spinach would add a lovely pop of color and nutrients to your plate.
For a complete meal, why not toss in a simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette? It’s a great way to balance the richness of the smothered hamburger steak. Whatever you choose, just know that this dish will shine at the center of your dinner table!
Print
Smothered Hamburger Steak: 7 Comforting Secrets Revealed
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Smothered hamburger steak is a hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef patties, smothered in rich onion gravy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Shape mixture into 4 patties.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned.
- Remove patties and set aside.
- Add sliced onion to the skillet and sauté until soft.
- Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine.
- Return patties to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Stir slurry into the skillet to thicken the gravy.
- Serve patties with gravy on top.
Notes
- Pair with mashed potatoes or rice.
- You can add mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty with gravy
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: smothered hamburger steak, hamburger steak, beef patties
