This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Hamburger Steak and Gravy is probably one of the very first meals I started making when I was newly married. It quickly became a favorite dinner for my husband and a go-to for our family because it’s simple, budget-friendly, and full of flavor. In just 20 minutes and using one pan, you can have this meal ready to serve, talk about a stress-free dinner!
Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Oh my goodness, this was perfect comfort food for a really long day at work. Thank you!”
— Ned
If you’ve never made hamburger steaks, I must say, you’re in for a treat. They’re a dinner I grew up with and still love to make on any busy weeknight not only because they’re so delicious, but because how easy they are to make.
All the ingredients needed are common pantry staples (no fancy items here), but the flavor is still rich home cooking at its finest. 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 comfort food classic that always hits the spot. If you desire, serve alongside Air Fryer Potatoes or Creamy Mashed Potatoes.
Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Now this gorgeous recipe is a sure tasty recipe winner on my dinner table!” – Manny
Why you’ll love this Recipe
If you’ve ever had Salisbury steak, hamburger steak and gravy is pretty similar. With just a little bit of effort, this dinner comes together faster than picking up takeout. Even the pickiest eater usually likes this meal, so give it a try!
❥ Quick and easy dinner recipe. In 20 minutes, you’ll be sitting down to enjoy!
❥Simple ingredients you probably have on hand. I usually have these staples already at home (I like to keep ground beef in the freezer for easy meal prep).
❥No clean up necessary. Since you only need one skillet, whoever has to clean will be in and out of the kitchen in no time.
❥Easy on your wallet. It’s an affordable recipe perfect for a crowd.
NikkiSalisbury Steak vs. 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 | Mix the Beef
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 | Sear the Steaks
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 | Cook the Onions
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 | Add the Soup and Gravy Mix
Step 4: Sprinkle in the remaining onion soup mix and the brown gravy mix. Slowly stir in water and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer, stir in Worcestershire sauce, and return the hamburger steaks to the pan.
Make sure to coat the burgers with gravy. Simmer until cooked through.
Expert 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.
- If your onions are beginning to burn in the pan, add a splash of water and continue cooking to caramelize them evenly.
- Find the best gravy consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water. If it’s too thin, make a slurry with a 2 teaspoons cornstarch and 2 teaspoons water. Stir the slurry into the gravy and bring to a simmer until thickened.
Variations
- Omit the onions if desired. If your family doesn’t like onions, they can be completely optional.
- Add sliced mushrooms for a twist. You can use them in addition to the onions or instead of the onions.
- Stir in a splash of cream for a creamier gravy.
- Swap the protein. You can easily use ground chicken, turkey, or pork if you don’t want to use ground beef.
What to Serve with Hamburger Steak and Gravy
There are too many delicious options in my opinion. Here are some of the classics I pair with this dish for my family:
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!
More Comfort Food Recipes
Hungry for more easy, home-cooked, delicious recipes?
Sign up for my free recipe club to get family-friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing daily meal-time inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy
Click Stars To Rate
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
Notes
- 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.
- 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.
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
Since only 2 of us I used 1/2 lb of hamburger also along with 1/2 onion soup mix I added 1/4 cup beef broth. All else the same was FANTASTIC!!.
Since only 2 of us I used half pound of hamburger. Added 1/4 cup beef broth to hamburger and 1/2 onion soup mix. All else the same was fantastic!!!
Oh my goodness, this was perfect comfort food for a really long day at work. Thank you!
Thank you, Ned! It truly is a great filling and comforting meal! I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Now this gorgeous recipe is a sure tasty recipe winner on my dinner table !
Thank you so much—that means the world to me! I’m so happy to hear it’s a winner at your dinner table!