Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy Recipe

Ground beef: The main protein for the dish, providing a rich and hearty base.

Egg: Helps bind the patties together.

Bread crumbs: Adds texture and helps hold the patties together.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

Onion: Provides sweetness and a slight crunch to the dish.

All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy.

Beef broth: Forms the base of the gravy and adds a rich, savory flavor.

Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, umami flavor to the gravy.

Vegetable oil: Used for cooking the patties and onions.

When forming the patties, make sure to handle the ground beef mixture gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can result in tough hamburger steaks. Additionally, when cooking the onions, aim for a golden-brown color to bring out their natural sweetness, which will enhance the flavor of the gravy.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in recipes that call for ground beef.

• egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg. This is a great vegan alternative.

• bread crumbs - Substitute with crushed oats: Crushed oats can provide a similar texture and are a gluten-free option.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar salty flavor along with an umami boost.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar flavor profile but is slightly milder.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can thicken the gravy similarly to flour and is gluten-free.

• beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a good vegetarian alternative and can provide a similar depth of flavor.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce and a splash of vinegar: This combination can mimic the tangy and savory profile of Worcestershire sauce.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and works well for sautéing.

• Allow the hamburger steak and gravy to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• For short-term storage, transfer the hamburger steak and onion gravy into an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

• For longer storage, place the cooled hamburger steak and gravy in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date to keep track of storage time.

• When freezing, consider separating the patties and gravy into individual portions. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only what you need.

• To prevent freezer burn, ensure all air is removed from the freezer bag before sealing. If using a container, leave a small gap at the top to allow for expansion.

• The hamburger steak and gravy can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• Reheat thawed hamburger steak and gravy in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, use the microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between to ensure even warming.

• If the gravy appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach the desired consistency. Stir well to combine.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of beef broth or water.
  2. Add the hamburger steak and gravy to the skillet.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the steam and heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning the patties halfway through.
  4. Ensure the onions and gravy are heated through and serve hot.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the hamburger steak and gravy in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Stir the gravy halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the hamburger steak and gravy in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, then stir the gravy and flip the patties.
  4. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until thoroughly heated, ensuring the gravy doesn't boil over.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Place the hamburger steak and gravy in the slow cooker.
  2. Add a small amount of beef broth or water to keep the dish moist.
  3. Set the slow cooker to low and heat for 1-2 hours or until the dish is thoroughly warmed.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Place the hamburger steak and gravy in a vacuum-sealed bag or a zip-lock bag using the water displacement method.
  2. Set your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C) and immerse the bag in the water bath.
  3. Heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  4. Remove from the bag and serve immediately, ensuring the gravy is well-mixed.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper.

• Skillet: This is essential for cooking the patties and onions.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the patties and stirring the onions.

• Measuring spoons: Use these to measure out the salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

• Measuring cup: Necessary for measuring the beef broth.

• Knife: Use this to slice the onion.

• Cutting board: A safe surface for slicing the onion.

• Whisk: Useful for stirring the flour into the onions and ensuring a smooth gravy.

• Plate: To set aside the cooked patties temporarily.

• Tongs: Helpful for handling the patties while cooking.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and measure out the bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper before you start cooking.

Use pre-made patties: Save time by using store-bought ground beef patties instead of making them from scratch.

Quick gravy: Use a gravy mix instead of making it from scratch to save time on thickening the beef broth.

One-pan method: Cook the patties and onions in the same skillet to reduce cleanup time.

Simmer while multitasking: While the patties are simmering, prepare a quick side dish like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.