Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience! This Smothered Hamburger Steak is the epitome of hearty, home-cooked goodness. With its tender beef patties drenched in a savory onion gravy, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Perfect for family dinners, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- 1 can cream of onion soup (10.5 oz) 🥫
- 1 can of water (use the soup can) 💧
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 🌿
- ½ onion, chopped 🧅
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon powder 🧂
- 2 pounds lean ground beef 🥩
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning 🌿
- 2 slices bread, diced fine 🍞
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Mixture
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and diced bread. Use your hands or a spatula to mix gently until all ingredients are just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
- Form Patties: Shape the meat mixture into 6-8 evenly sized patties. Press them down slightly to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Cook the Patties
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil if needed to prevent sticking.
- Brown Patties: Once the skillet is hot, add the patties. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are well-browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Make the Gravy
- Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and start to caramelize.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cream of onion soup, using the soup can to measure 1 can of water. Add the Worcestershire sauce and beef bouillon powder. Mix thoroughly to combine and deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Simmer: Bring the gravy mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken slightly.
4. Smother the Patties
- Return Patties to Skillet: Place the cooked patties back into the skillet with the gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over the top of each patty.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the patties simmer in the gravy for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the patties to become tender.
5. Serve
- Plate the Dish: Serve the smothered hamburger steaks hot, with plenty of gravy spooned over the top.
- Suggested Sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of vegetables. Consider serving with a fresh green salad or warm, crusty bread to complete the meal.
Tips for Success
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the ground beef mixture can lead to dense patties. Mix just until combined to ensure a tender result.
- Adjust Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add a bit more water or beef broth. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken.
- Season to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more Worcestershire sauce or a splash of soy sauce if desired for additional flavor.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving, assuming the recipe makes 6 patties:
- Calories: Around 300-350 per patty
- Protein: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams (including the bread in the patties)
- Fat: 20-25 grams
Please note that nutritional values may vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes.
This Smothered Hamburger Steak is a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With its rich gravy and tender beef patties, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it with your choice of sides for a meal that’s both delicious and filling. Happy cooking!