Dig into the cozy comfort of Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy, a no-fuss, deeply satisfying meal that brings home-cooked flavor to your table in under an hour. Juicy beef patties are pan-seared to golden-brown perfection, then simmered in a rich, savory onion gravy that’s loaded with depth and nostalgia. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for weeknight dinners, comforting lunches, or even a savory breakfast for those who love starting the day with something hearty. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, and you’ve got a meal everyone will want seconds of.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended for juiciness)
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp butter or oil, divided
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined. Form into four oval-shaped patties, being careful not to overwork the meat
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the patties for 3–4 minutes on each side until browned, then remove from the pan and set aside
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter or oil and the sliced onions. Cook over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown
Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste
Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the gravy thickens slightly
Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, spoon the gravy and onions over them, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until the patties are cooked through and the flavors have melded
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles
Notes
Use ground chuck for the best balance of fat and flavor
Add a splash of heavy cream to the gravy for extra richness
Make it ahead—both the patties and gravy reheat beautifully, making this a great meal prep option
Don’t skip browning the patties—it adds so much flavor to the final dish
If your gravy gets too thick, just stir in a bit more beef broth to loosen it
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken, but be aware the flavor and juiciness may change slightly. Consider adding a bit of olive oil to the mixture to keep it moist
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the gravy
What should I serve this with?
Mashed potatoes are the classic pairing, but it’s also delicious with rice, egg noodles, or even roasted vegetables if you’re keeping it low-carb
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! Let the patties cool completely, then store them with the gravy in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove
Do I have to use onions?
The onions are key to the depth of flavor in the gravy, but if you’re not a fan, you can reduce the amount or swap with shallots for a milder taste