Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy
Craving a dinner that feels like a big, warm blanket? Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy is here to save the day, with juicy beef patties smothered in a deliciously rich onion sauce—pure comfort food in just 40 minutes!
If you’re in the mood for something that screams ‘homestyle cooking,’ then Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy is your go-to dish! This classic meal blends juicy, seasoned hamburger patties with a creamy rich onion gravy that’s so good, you’ll want to spoon it over everything! Trust me, it’s not the most photogenic dish but it’s like a flavor party on your plate!
Save The Recipe!
Add your email below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox+ you’ll receive all our newest recipes!
Using 7 basic ingredients that you likely have on hand (other than the meat), this comfort food meal comes together easily and quickly! Pair it with mashed potatoes, brown or white rice, or noodles and you’ve got a plateful of happiness that’s one your whole family will love!
If you’re a fan of the classic hamburger steak, be sure to check out my Easy Salisbury Steak Recipe and Easy Hamburger Steak and Mushroom Gravy!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Like This Recipe
- Hearty Meal: These juicy hamburger steaks with onion gravy are packed with flavor and is sure to satisfy your hunger.
- Easy Ingredients: With the addition of ground beef, this recipe uses everyday simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite seasonings and sides.
- Family Favorite: A dish that is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. It’ll become one of your favorite comfort foods!
- Quick to Prepare: This country hamburger steak is perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Scroll down to the end of this post for specific ingredient amounts in the recipe card.
- Salted Butter: Helps to sauté and caramelize the onions perfectly.
- Yellow Onion: Caramelizes beautifully and provides a sweet and savory base.
- Ground Beef: The star of the show! It forms the tender, juicy patties.
- Shredded Cheese: Optional, but it can add a delicious cheesy element on top of the patties for extra flavor.
- Self Rising Flour or All Purpose Flour: Thickens the gravy.
- Milk: Adds creaminess to the gravy.
- Seasoning Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the meat and gravy. I prefer Livias Seasoning Salt.
Tools You’ll Need
How to Make Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and starting to carmelize, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
- Shape ground beef into 6 round balls. Season one side with seasoning salt or salt and black pepper.
- In the same skillet used for the onions, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef balls seasoned side down. Cook 2 minutes, then carefully press to a 3/4-inch thickness. Season with seasoning salt or salt and black pepper, cook 4 minutes, then flip. Cook an additional 4-5 minutes or until they are browned with a minimum internal temperature of 160°F. Evenly top the patties with the cooked onions and cheese (if using) then transfer to a plate. Cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, ensure there is 1/4 residual grease. Discard excess or add more grease (oil or butter) if needed. Lower the heat to medium. Sprinkle flour over the drippings and whisk to combine. Cook for about 1 minute and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Gradually add milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens and becomes a creamy gravy, about 5-7 minutes. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. Pour in a serving bowl.
- Serve hamburger steaks with the onion gravy on the side for ladling on top or spooning in individual bowls for dipping.
Pro Tips and Substitutions
- Don’t Overmix the Beef. When forming the patties, mix just until combined to keep them tender. These patties require no mixing, so simply pat gently to shape.
- Spice up the Beef. We prefer simply adding seasoning salt to patties for this recipe. However, feel free to add extra seasoning for more depth of flavor such as garlic powder, fresh garlic, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce. Remember – don’t overmix!
- Caramelize the Onions. Patience is key! Slow cooking onions until caramelized will deepen their flavor. You can also use shallots or spring onions for different flavor notes.
- Add Heat. If you like a little spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy.
- Ground Meat Variations. Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Onion Gravy Recipe Alternatives. Use almond milk or any dairy-free milk for a lactose-free alternative. You can also use beef broth or beef stock instead of milk for a lighter version of the gravy.
What to Serve with Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy
This easy hamburger steak recipe pairs well with a variety of sides that complement its rich flavors. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice, perfect for soaking up the gravy. Alternatively, fluffy rice, plain egg noodles, or buttered noodles provide a light base that complements the beef.
Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, add a healthy and colorful contrast to the meal. A simple green salad can round out this dinner as well.
Storage and Freezing
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to maintain the gravy’s texture.
To freeze, store the cooked patties and gravy in separate airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use a meat thermometer; ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F
Besides ground beef, you can use other ground meats such as turkey, chicken, or pork. Just be mindful of cooking times, as they may vary.
To thicken the gravy, you can add a corn starch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water mixed together in a small bowl). Mix it in gradually while stirring to avoid lumps.
Absolutely! Adding sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even garlic can enhance the flavor of the gravy. Sauté them together with the onions before adding flour and milk.
More Comfort Food Recipes
- Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper
- One Pot American Goulash
- Meatloaf Casserole
- Cornbread Chili Pie
- Pizza Burger
Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
- 2 1/4-2 1/2 pounds ground beef
- seasoning salt or salt and black pepper amount as desired
- 1 cup shredded cheese (pepper jack, monetary jack, Swiss provolone, or gouda)
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose or self-rising flour
- 4 cups milk
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and starting to carmelize, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
- Shape ground beef into 6 round balls. Season one side with seasoning salt or salt and black pepper.
- In the same skillet used for the onions, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef balls seasoned side down. Cook 2 minutes, then carefully press to a 3/4-inch thickness. Season with seasoning salt or salt and black pepper, cook 4 minutes, then flip. Cook an additional 4-5 minutes or until they are browned with a minimum internal temperature of 160°F. Evenly top the patties with the cooked onions and cheese then transfer to a plate. Cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, ensure there is 1/4 residual grease. Discard excess or add more grease (oil or butter) if needed. Lower the heat to medium. Sprinkle flour over the drippings and whisk to combine. Cook for about 1 minute and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Gradually add milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens and becomes a creamy gravy, about 5-7 minutes. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. Pour in a serving bowl.
- Serve hamburger steaks with the onion gravy on the side for ladling on top or spooning in individual bowls for dipping.
Video
Notes
Pro Tips and Substitutions
- Don’t Overmix the Beef: When forming the patties, mix just until combined to keep them tender. These patties require no mixing, so simply pat gently to shape.
- Spice up the Beef: We prefer simply adding seasoning salt to patties for this recipe. However, feel free to add extra seasoning for more depth of flavor such as garlic powder, fresh garlic, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce. Remember – don’t overmix!
- Caramelize the Onions: Patience is key! Slow cooking onions until caramelized will deepen their flavor. You can also use shallots or spring onions for different flavor notes.
- Add Heat: If you like a little spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy.
- Ground Meat: Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Onion Gravy Recipe Alternatives: Use almond milk or any dairy-free milk for a lactose-free alternative. You can also use beef broth or beef stock instead of milk for a lighter version of the gravy.
Storage and Freezing
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to maintain the gravy’s texture. To freeze, store the cooked patties and gravy in separate airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.Nutrition
About Laura
Taught by some of the best, cooking and entertaining has always been my favorite hobby. Food is my love language! The conception of Dinner in 321 came from my family talks that sharing our dinners would help others learn new skills, tasty recipes, and make cooking fun! Read more…
need ideas for boneless pork chops
If you type “pork” on the search on my site, it’ll populate those recipes for you. I hope you love them!