Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy

Make Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy by combining ground beef, egg, and onion soup mix into patties, searing in a skillet, then simmering in a gravy of sautéed onions, flour, and water. This hearty dish pairs well with mashed potatoes.

Don’t let these easy hamburger steaks with onion gravy fool you. It may be simple and easy but is full of flavor.

I love watching cooking shows on TV. When I no longer had cable TV I turned to FaceBook and joined a few cooking and recipe groups.

I came across this recipe and just had to try it. And I fell in love. 

I make these hamburger steaks and onion gravy at least once a week now. But I think my husband may be getting a little tired of it.

But I consider this comfort food at its best. With mashed potatoes, oh my I think I’m in heaven.

This recipe is so good that I just had to share it with you with the hope that you will fall in love also.

What Is the Difference Between Salisbury Steak and Hamburger Steak?

Salisbury steak contains more fillers such as breadcrumbs, sauces, onion, and eggs. Whereas hamburger steaks contain just salt and pepper.

This hamburger steak contains only two fillers so I am going to consider it hamburger steak as opposed to Salisbury steak.

Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy

Ingredients

Hamburger steaks

• 1 pound ground beef. Preferably 80/20
• 1 medium egg, slightly beaten
• 1 1-ounce package of dry onion soup mix

Gravy

• 1 to 2 medium onions. This depends on how much onion you want in the gravy. I use just 1 onion
• 2 to 3 tablespoons flour. Again it depends on how much gravy you want to make
• 2 to 3 tablespoons fat or grease from the hamburger
• 2 to 3 cups warm water

Directions

In a large bowl add your ground beef with the beaten egg and dry onion soup mix. Mix just until combined.

While you are doing this, preheat your cast iron skillet on medium-high heat. Yes, I use a cast-iron skillet for this recipe.

How else will you get that great sear on the meat? Take the meat mixture and form it into patties. 

I use 1/4 pound of meat for each patty. While forming the patties make an indention in the middle, this will help keep the patties from “puffing up” in the middle while you are frying them.

Add the patties to the hot skillet and cook until you get that nice sear on the meat. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. 

Once you have the sear you want to, turn the patties and repeat. After getting that nice sear on the other side, turn your heat down to medium and cook for about 2-3 minutes.

Remove the patties to a plate and set them aside. Don’t worry if your patties are not done. 

They will finish cooking in the gravy. You may or may not need to drain some of the drippings.

I use 80/20 ground beef and I don’t usually have to remove any of the drippings. Add onions to the skillet of drippings and saute for about 5 minutes, just until the onions begin to soften.

Then add flour to the skillet with the onions and cook for another 2-3 minutes making sure to scrape the pan to get all those glorious pieces left from the meat. Add water and cook until the mixture has thickened. 

Once thickened, add the hamburger steaks, cover, and simmer for another 10 minutes.

Serve with mashed potatoes and a vegetable of your choice.

My Final Thoughts

• Hamburger Steak Preparation: Make hamburger steaks by forming seasoned ground beef into patties, similar to making a traditional burger patty, but served in a manner akin to Salisbury steak, a popular dish in American diners.
• Cooking Technique: The steaks are seared to develop a crust, which adds flavor and texture, reminiscent of the technique used in French bistros for cooking steak to add a Maillard reaction-based crust.
• Onion Gravy: A significant part of the recipe is the onion gravy, made in the same pan to incorporate the flavors left from searing the meat, similar to the way a classic British onion gravy is prepared to accompany bangers and mash.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the hamburger steaks and gravy with mashed potatoes or rice, aligning with traditional American comfort food combinations, like meatloaf and mashed potatoes.
• Personal Touch and Versatility: Customize the recipe to suit individual tastes, a concept central to home cooking that allows for personal touches, much like how Italian families might have their own versions of a traditional marinara sauce.

This to me is the best example of a simple dish that tastes fantastic. Who needs all that fancy food? 

Not I that’s for sure. I think our grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and back through history knew how to make a simple meal taste awesome.

When I first saw this recipe using water to make gravy, I thought to myself, oh no, it’s not going to taste good. But I was wrong.

I hate to admit it but there it is. I can see my daughter now. 

Chuckling her little head off. Ok, I was wrong. 

I admit it. When my grandma made gravy she used the water from the boiled potatoes.

Did your grandma do this? I have never done this but just out of curiosity, I may just have to try it.

Have you? I hope that you try this simple but tasty recipe of hamburger steaks in onion gravy.

You just might fall in love as I did! Please leave me a comment below. 

If you try this recipe I would love to hear about it. And as always, have a wonderful day!

FAQ: Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy

How should I prepare the hamburger patties for the best results?

1. Patty Formation: Combine ground beef with beaten egg and dry onion soup mix just until blended. Form the mixture into patties, pressing an indentation in the middle to prevent puffing during cooking.
2. Cooking: Sear the patties on both sides in a preheated cast iron skillet, then reduce the heat and let them cook until just browned before moving them to a plate. They will finish cooking in the gravy​.

What are some tips for making the onion gravy?

1. Thickness: For a thicker gravy, use a roux made from the meat drippings and flour cooked together before adding water. Adjust the flour amount based on desired gravy thickness.
2. No Lumps: To avoid lumpy gravy, whisk flour into the meat drippings gradually and keep stirring. For gluten-free alternatives, use cornstarch as it blends more smoothly and thickens without clumping​.

What side dishes pair well with hamburger steaks and onion gravy?

1. Traditional Sides: Mashed potatoes or rice are classic choices that complement the rich flavor of the gravy and soak up its goodness effectively.
2. Vegetables: A side of steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots balances the richness of the meal and adds a healthy component​.

How can I ensure the hamburger steaks are cooked to the right doneness?

1. Visual Cues: Look for a good sear on both sides of the patties; this not only adds flavor but also helps in retaining the juices. The patties should be browned but not burnt.
2. Simmer in Gravy: Simmer the patties in the onion gravy for about 10 minutes after searing. This method ensures they cook through without drying out.