Smothered Hamburger Steak is a classic comfort food dish featuring juicy hamburger patties cooked to perfection and smothered in a savory onion and mushroom gravy. This hearty meal is perfect for weeknight dinners and will satisfy the whole family with its rich, comforting flavors. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up all the delicious gravy.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Tips for Perfect Smothered Hamburger Steak
- Recipe Variations
- FAQs
- Serving Suggestions
- Conclusion
Ingredients
For the Hamburger Steaks
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Gravy
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Make the Hamburger Steaks
- Prepare the Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
- Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cook the Patties: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the hamburger patties to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
Make the Gravy
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and mushrooms, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are softened and the mushrooms are browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Make the Gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and mushrooms, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.
Combine and Serve
- Smother the Hamburger Steaks: Return the cooked hamburger patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over the patties and let them simmer for an additional 5 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the smothered hamburger steaks hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or rice.
Tips for Perfect Smothered Hamburger Steak
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Overmixing can lead to tough patties. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use Ground Chuck: Ground chuck (80/20) is ideal for hamburger steaks because it has enough fat to keep the patties juicy while cooking.
- Scrape Up the Browned Bits: When making the gravy, be sure to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—this adds extra flavor to the gravy.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Hamburger Steak: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for a bit of heat.
- Cheesy Smothered Steaks: Top each patty with a slice of cheese (like Swiss or cheddar) before adding them back to the gravy for a cheesy twist.
- Herbed Gravy: Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary or parsley to the gravy for extra herbal flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can cook the patties and prepare the gravy ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat together before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover hamburger steaks and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Can I freeze smothered hamburger steaks?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked patties and gravy in separate containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- With Mashed Potatoes: Serve the smothered hamburger steaks over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious gravy.
- With Rice: Serve over steamed white or brown rice for a simple and satisfying meal.
- With Vegetables: Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, or broccoli, for a complete meal.
Smothered Hamburger Steak is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The juicy hamburger patties smothered in savory onion and mushroom gravy are sure to be a hit with the whole family. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy the rich, classic flavors of this hearty meal. Give it a try, and bring a touch of Southern comfort to your dinner table!