Southern Smothered Hamburger Steak is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal. This recipe features seasoned hamburger steaks smothered in a rich onion gravy. It’s an easy and delicious way to elevate ground beef into a satisfying main course. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Hamburger Steaks
- Mix the Ground Beef:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the Patties:
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty.
Step 2: Cook the Hamburger Steaks
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Patties:
- Add the hamburger patties to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Onion Gravy
- Sauté the Onions:
- In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onion and cook over medium heat until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Roux:
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the onions and stir to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add the Beef Broth:
- Gradually add 2 cups of beef broth to the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the gravy has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste if needed.
Step 4: Smother the Hamburger Steaks
- Combine the Patties and Gravy:
- Return the cooked hamburger patties to the skillet, nestling them into the onion gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over the patties.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the patties to absorb some of the gravy.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate and Serve:
- Serve the Southern Smothered Hamburger Steaks hot, with the onion gravy spooned over the top. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Ground Beef: Use ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20) for juicy and flavorful patties.
- Onions: For added flavor, caramelize the onions by cooking them slowly over low heat until they are golden brown.
- Gravy: If the gravy becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little more beef broth or water.
Variations
Mushroom Gravy
- Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions for a rich mushroom gravy.
Spicy Hamburger Steaks
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Smothered Steaks
- Top the hamburger steaks with a slice of cheese before smothering them with the gravy for a cheesy variation.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the hamburger steaks and gravy ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat together in a skillet before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover smothered hamburger steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Q: Can I freeze smothered hamburger steaks? A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked patties and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Q: What can I serve with smothered hamburger steaks? A: This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, or a side salad.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat? A: Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.
Southern Smothered Hamburger Steak is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its rich onion gravy and juicy hamburger patties, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this dish is easy to make and always satisfying. Enjoy making and sharing this comforting Southern favorite with your family and friends!
