Smothered Hamburger Steak and Onions is a comforting dish made with seasoned ground beef patties that are pan-fried and then smothered in a rich onion gravy. The process typically involves shaping the ground beef into patties, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and other spices, and cooking them until browned.
After the patties are cooked, onions are sautéed in the same pan until they become soft and caramelized. A mixture of broth, flour, and seasonings is often added to create a flavorful gravy. The hamburger steaks are then returned to the pan, allowing them to simmer in the gravy, which helps to keep them moist and infuses them with flavor.
It’s often served with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious gravy. It’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner!
Here’s a simple recipe for Smothered Hamburger Steak and Onions:
Ingredients:
- For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- For the Onion Gravy:
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Make the Hamburger Steaks:
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs (if using), egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 4 equal patties.
- Cook the Patties:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Onion Gravy:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to coat. Cook for another minute.
- Gradually add the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken for a few minutes.
- Combine:
- Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, spooning the gravy over them. Let them simmer in the gravy for about 5 minutes.
- Serve:
- Serve the smothered hamburger steaks with the onion gravy over mashed potatoes or rice.
You can definitely use a different type of meat! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be great alternatives to beef for making hamburger steaks. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly depending on the meat you choose. You might want to adjust the seasonings to complement the different flavors. Enjoy experimenting with your recipe!
For this recipe, I recommend using ground beef because it has a rich flavor and the fat content helps keep the patties juicy. However, if you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work well too. Just make sure to season them well to enhance the flavor!
For ground turkey, I recommend using the following seasonings to enhance the flavor:
- Garlic Powder – about 1 teaspoon.
- Onion Powder – about 1 teaspoon.
- Paprika – for a bit of smokiness, around 1 teaspoon.
- Dried Oregano or Italian Seasoning – about 1 teaspoon for an herby flavor.
- Salt and Pepper – to taste.
You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth. Mixing these seasonings into the ground turkey will give it a delicious flavor profile!
Enjoy your delicious meal!