Name: Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 large onion, sliced; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons oil or butter

When comfort food is calling, nothing answers quite like a sizzling skillet of hamburger steaks smothered in rich, savory onion gravy. This down-home classic is packed with bold beefy flavor, tender onions, and that hearty, satisfying warmth that makes it perfect for a cozy night in. Whether you grew up on this or are discovering it for the first time, hamburger steaks are a nostalgic favorite that never goes out of style.

What makes this dish stand out is how simple ingredients come together to create something deeply flavorful. The patties soak up the onion-infused gravy while staying juicy and fork-tender, and the whole thing is usually served over mashed potatoes or white rice to soak up every last drop. It’s a stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that feeds the soul.

Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy Recipe

This recipe gives you that diner-style experience in your own kitchen. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and hits all the right notes of savory, satisfying, and incredibly comforting. The gravy is the star, with slow-cooked onions and a savory beef base that tastes like it simmered all day—but it’s actually done in under 45 minutes.

Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, these hamburger steaks reheat beautifully and pair with just about any veggie side dish. Plus, you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For best results, use ground beef that has a bit of fat content—80/20 or even 85/15 is ideal. You want enough fat to keep the patties juicy and flavorful as they cook. Leaner blends like 90/10 or 93/7 may dry out unless you add moisture (like a splash of milk or an egg yolk).

Also, avoid overmixing the beef when forming the patties. Just mix until combined, then shape and cook. Overworking the meat can make the steaks tough, and we want these tender enough to cut with a fork.

Ingredients for the Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building deep, homey flavors that make this dish unforgettable. From pantry staples to a few fresh elements, you don’t need anything fancy to whip up a plate of hamburger steaks your family will rave about.

Ground beef
Rich, flavorful, and hearty, ground beef is the star of this dish. Use 80/20 for the best balance of moisture and taste.

Onion
A must for both the steaks and the gravy. Sliced onions caramelize as they cook, giving the gravy its sweet, earthy base.

Beef broth
Provides the deep, savory flavor in the onion gravy that pulls everything together. Opt for low-sodium if you want more control over the saltiness.

All-purpose flour
Used to thicken the gravy to that luscious, spoon-coating consistency.

Worcestershire sauce
Adds depth and umami that makes the gravy irresistible.

Garlic powder
Enhances the meat with a subtle garlicky punch without overpowering the other flavors.

Salt and black pepper
Simple seasoning that lets the other ingredients shine.

Oil or butter
Used for browning the hamburger steaks and sautéing the onions. Butter adds richness while oil is great for higher heat cooking.

How To Make the Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy

Step 1: Shape and Season the Patties

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, then form into equal-sized oval-shaped patties.

Step 2: Brown the Steaks

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add oil or butter. Once hot, sear the patties on both sides until nicely browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter or oil if needed, then toss in the sliced onions. Cook over medium heat until softened and golden, around 10 minutes. This slow cook brings out their natural sweetness.

Step 4: Make the Gravy Base

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to coat. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, then slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Simmer Everything Together

Return the browned hamburger steaks to the skillet and nestle them into the gravy. Cover and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the steaks are fully cooked and the gravy has thickened to your liking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, spooning plenty of gravy over the top. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

How to Serve and Store These Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy

This recipe is pure comfort food, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping ahead of time. It makes enough to serve 4 to 6 hungry people, depending on your portion sizes. Each hamburger steak gets its own cozy pool of onion gravy, making it a satisfying meal on its own or with simple sides.

For storing leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the gravy thickens too much in the fridge.

What to Serve With Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy?

Mashed Potatoes

You can’t go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes as the base. They soak up the onion gravy beautifully.

Buttery Egg Noodles

A great alternative to potatoes, egg noodles are tender and mild, letting the flavor-packed gravy shine.

White Rice

Fluffy rice creates the perfect canvas for juicy steaks and savory gravy. Bonus: it’s quick to make!

Roasted Green Beans

The freshness of roasted or steamed green beans balances out the richness of the dish.

Cornbread

Add a touch of Southern charm with a slice of cornbread on the side to mop up that extra gravy.

Glazed Carrots

Sweet and buttery carrots add color and contrast to the savory flavors on the plate.

Side Salad

A light green salad with vinaigrette provides a crisp, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness.

Creamed Spinach

Silky, rich, and slightly garlicky, creamed spinach is a great partner for this old-fashioned meal.

Want More Ground Beef Ideas?

If you’re all about savory comfort meals, then you’ll love diving into these hearty, flavor-packed dishes made with ground beef. Whether you want something cheesy, saucy, or totally crave-worthy, here are a few must-tries:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a quick pasta dinner that tastes like home.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you need something rich, easy, and made in one pan.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce is where pasta meets sandwich comfort.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a garlic-forward take on a cozy weeknight dinner.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce if you want layers of cheesy, meaty goodness.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make your gravy extra thick or keep it silky? Did you serve it with mashed potatoes or go for noodles?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

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