SMOTHERED HAMBURGER STEAK

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Smothered Hamburger Steak Recipe

🍽️ Serves: 4

🕒 Total Time: ~45 minutes

Perfect with mashed potatoes, rice, or over egg noodles.

📝 Ingredients:

For the Hamburger Steaks:

  • 1½ lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 for flavor)

  • ½ cup finely chopped onion

  • 1 egg

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)

  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tbsp oil (for searing)

For the Onion Gravy:

  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups beef broth

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • Salt to taste

  • Optional: 1 tsp soy sauce or ½ tsp mustard powder for depth

🍳 Instructions:

1. Make the hamburger steaks

  • In a large bowl, combine:

    • Ground beef, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

  • Mix until just combined — don’t overwork.

  • Form into 4 oval patties.

2. Sear the patties

  • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Sear patties 3–4 minutes per side until browned (they don’t have to be fully cooked yet).

  • Remove and set aside.

3. Make the onion gravy

  • In the same pan, reduce to medium heat.

  • Add butter and sliced onions.

  • Cook onions until soft and golden, about 8–10 minutes.

  • Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.

  • Slowly whisk in beef broth until smooth.

  • Add Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and any optional seasoning.

4. Simmer the patties

  • Return the patties to the pan with the gravy.

  • Spoon gravy over the top.

  • Cover and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, or until patties are fully cooked (internal temp: 160°F/71°C).

  • Stir occasionally to keep gravy smooth.

5. Serve

  • Spoon gravy over the patties.

  • Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or over egg noodles.

🧠 Q&A + Troubleshooting

❓ Why are my hamburger steaks tough?

  • Likely overmixed or overcooked.

  • Mix ingredients until just combined.

  • Use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness.

  • Don’t press them while cooking!

❓ Gravy came out lumpy. What happened?

  • Likely added broth too fast or didn’t stir enough.

  • Always whisk broth in slowly after cooking the flour for 1–2 mins.

❓ Can I add mushrooms?

Absolutely. Add sliced mushrooms with the onions when making the gravy.

❓ Can I make this ahead?

Yes!

  • Store in an airtight container with gravy.

  • Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven (covered) at 350°F until hot.

❓ Can I use ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, but it’s leaner, so add:

  • 1 tbsp oil or butter to the mix

  • A bit more seasoning

  • And watch it closely—it dries out faster

❓ Can I freeze it?

Yes. Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container with gravy.
Lasts up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.

❓ What to serve it with?

  • Mashed potatoes (classic)

  • White rice or brown rice

  • Egg noodles

  • Cornbread or biscuits

  • Steamed green beans or peas

❓ Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes!

  • Use GF breadcrumbs or oats

  • Use cornstarch instead of flour for the gravy (use half the amount)..

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