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This easy hamburger steak with onion gravy is one of those tried-and-true dinners that’s quick to make, full of flavor, and won’t break the budget. It’s a no-fuss, stress-free meal that brings hearty Southern comfort to the table in just one skillet.
These Hamburger Steaks Make the Best Comfort Meal
This was probably one of the very first meals I started making when I was newly married. It quickly became a go-to because it’s simple, budget-friendly, and full of flavor. Talk about a stress-free dinner—you can have this on the table fast without a lot of fuss or fancy ingredients. It uses pantry staples, comes together in one skillet, and still tastes like something you worked all day on.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday supper, this hearty, pan-seared hamburger steak smothered in rich onion gravy is a true Southern comfort classic that always hits the spot.
What is the Difference Between Salisbury Steak and Hamburger Steak?
While they’re similar, Salisbury steak typically includes fillers like breadcrumbs and egg, and may use a mix of meats like beef and pork. Hamburger steaks are made from pure ground beef with minimal additions, letting that beefy flavor shine.
Ingredients
- Oil: Optional, depending on the fat content of your beef. I like to use avocado oil as it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor.
- Lean ground beef: For less grease and a hearty texture.
- Beefy onion soup mix: Adds rich, savory depth. If you don’t want to use a boxed one, I have an easy homemade dry onion soup mix that you likely have all the ingredients on hand already.
- Black pepper
- Sweet onion: These are sweet and complement the burgers, not too overpowering.
- Brown gravy mix: A shortcut for rich, smooth gravy
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a pop of umami flavor
- Water
How to Make Hamburger Steak With Gravy
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1: In a large bowl, crumble the ground beef and sprinkle in ½ packet of onion soup mix and black pepper. Mix with your hands or a fork.
Divide into 6 equal portions and shape into patties. You can make them larger or smaller to your liking.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat (cast iron works great!). Once hot, add the hamburger steaks, leaving space between each so they’re not crowded. Let them cook undisturbed for 4–6 minutes per side, until they develop a deep brown crust. Remove from the skillet to a plate to rest.
Step 3: Drain all but about 2 tablespoons of grease from the pan. Return to the heat and add sliced onions. Cook for 3–5 minutes, until translucent and caramelized to your liking.
Step 4: Sprinkle in the remaining onion soup mix and the brown gravy mix. Slowly stir in water and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer, stir in Worcestershire sauce, and return the hamburger steaks to the pan.
Making sure to coat the burgers with gravy.
Simmer until cooked through.
Best Hamburger Steak Recipe Tips
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease, but know it will shrink slightly as it cooks—so make your patties a bit larger than you want the final size to be.
- Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the middle.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet—give each patty room to brown for the best flavor.
- Let the patties rest briefly after searing to lock in juices before simmering in the gravy.
- Caramelize onions longer if you prefer a deeper flavor, or keep them lightly sautéed for more bite.
Hamburger Steak and Gravy Recipe Variations
- If your family doesn’t like onions, you can omit them.
- Add mushrooms with the onions if you like them.
- Stir in a splash of cream for a creamier gravy.
- Swap ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or pork if you don’t want to use ground beef.
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Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! You can shape the patties and refrigerate them up to a day in advance. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap. You can also make the entire dish ahead and reheat gently when ready to serve.
I recommend using lean ground beef or ground sirloin to keep the grease at bay. If using regular ground beef, you may need to drain off more fat, and the ground beef steaks may be smaller.
No worries! You can easily make your own gravy using a simple roux. Whisk in 4 tablespoons (¼ cup) of all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is golden and smells slightly nutty—this helps get rid of the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, a bit of black pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer until thickened, then add your hamburger steaks back to the pan. It’s rich, flavorful, and a great backup when you’re out of mix!
Serving Hamburger Steak With Gravy
This hearty hamburger steak is right at home served over Homemade Mashed Potatoes, white rice, or even buttery egg noodles—anything that can soak up that rich onion gravy.
Need a touch of green? Oven-Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan brings just the right balance. For something cool and creamy, Green Pea Salad or Broccoli Salad with Bacon are both delicious choices that round out the plate beautifully.
How To Store Leftover Hamburger Steaks
To store, let the steaks cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container along with the gravy. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
To freeze, place the cooled steaks and gravy in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through, spooning the gravy over the top as it warms. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to prevent splatters.
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Best Hamburger Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil, I use lean ground beef or ground sirloin (optional if using a fatty ground beef)
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 ounce packet beefy onion soup mix, dry – divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add and crumble the ground beef, sprinkle ½ packet of onion soup mix, and black pepper (You can use your hands or a fork for this). Divide the mixture into 6 equal amounts and form them into patties.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat (cast iron works great!). Once hot, add the hamburger steaks, leaving space between each so they’re not crowded. Let them cook undisturbed for 4–6 minutes per side, until they develop a deep brown crust (that crust gives you lots of flavor). Remove from the skillet to a plate to rest.
- Drain all but about 2 tablespoons of grease from the pan. Return the pan to the heat and add the sliced onions. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, until translucent and caramelized to your liking.
- Sprinkle on the remaining onion soup mix and brown gravy mix. Then slowly pour in water, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and stir in Worcestershire sauce. Return the hamburger steaks to the pan, coat with the gravy, and cook until done to your liking
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Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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