Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy

Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy is a classic comfort food recipe that brings rich flavor, hearty satisfaction, and a whole lot of nostalgia to the dinner table. Juicy seasoned ground beef patties are pan-seared and simmered in a savory onion gravy that’s made right in the same skillet—simple, soulful, and totally satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe turns basic ground beef into something special. It’s a cozy, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but feels like Sunday dinner. The onion gravy is rich and flavorful, and it pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or even egg noodles. Best of all, everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

for the hamburger steaks:
ground beef
egg
breadcrumbs
Worcestershire sauce
garlic powder
onion powder
salt and pepper
oil or butter for cooking

for the onion gravy:
yellow onion, thinly sliced
beef broth
all-purpose flour
butter
Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper
optional: a splash of cream or a pinch of thyme for added depth

directions

1. I combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. I mix gently and form into 4 equal patties.

2. I heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat and sear the patties on both sides until browned and mostly cooked through. I remove them from the pan and set them aside.

3. In the same skillet, I melt butter and sauté the sliced onions until soft and golden, about 10–12 minutes.

4. I sprinkle flour over the onions, stir, and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.

5. I slowly whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. I bring it to a simmer and let it thicken.

6. I return the hamburger steaks to the pan and simmer in the gravy for another 8–10 minutes, or until the patties are fully cooked through and the gravy is rich and smooth.

7. I season to taste, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 hamburger steaks. Prep time is 10–15 minutes, cook time is about 25 minutes, so the full dish is ready in around 40 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add mushrooms to the gravy for a heartier flavor. When I want a smoother gravy, I blend the onions before adding the patties back in. I’ve also made this with ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and pork. For a touch of heat, I add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm everything gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the gravy. This dish also freezes well—just cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the patties a day ahead and refrigerate them until I’m ready to cook. It makes dinner even quicker.

What’s the best way to get flavorful gravy?

Cooking the onions slowly until they’re caramelized adds tons of depth. I also use beef broth and a splash of Worcestershire sauce to build flavor.

Can I use store-bought gravy instead?

You can, but homemade onion gravy really makes this dish shine. If you’re in a rush, a shortcut is fine—just add sautéed onions for freshness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free breadcrumbs and swap the flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the gravy.

What should I serve with this?

Mashed potatoes are my go-to, but rice, buttered noodles, or even cauliflower mash work great. A green veggie on the side rounds out the meal.

Conclusion

Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy is a classic, comforting dish that turns simple ingredients into something hearty and flavorful. It’s easy to make, full of rich, savory goodness, and always a favorite in my kitchen. Whether I’m making it for the family or just craving a warm, satisfying dinner, this recipe always delivers.