Hamburger Steak And Gravy Recipe

Juicy Hamburger Steak with Savory Gravy Recipe

Juicy hamburger steak sizzles with rich, savory gravy that promises comfort on any plate.

Memories of home-cooked meals flood back with each tender bite.

Southern kitchens have perfected this classic dish through generations of love and skill.

Hearty proteins mingle with silky sauce, creating a symphony of flavors you’ll crave.

Simple ingredients combine into something magical that feels like a warm embrace.

Robust and satisfying, this recipe turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Let’s uncover the secrets to making this mouthwatering comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Hamburger Steak and Gravy FAQs

  • How do I prevent my hamburger steaks from falling apart?

Avoid overworking the meat when mixing and forming patties. Use a light touch and only mix ingredients until just combined. Chilling the patties for 15-20 minutes before cooking can also help them hold together better.

  • Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or a lean ground pork mix. Just ensure the meat has enough fat content to keep the patties moist and flavorful.

  • What's the best way to get a good sear on the hamburger steaks?

Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan heated to medium-high. Don’t move the patties around too much while cooking- let them develop a nice brown crust before flipping, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side.

  • How can I tell if my hamburger steaks are cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center of a patty to ensure there’s no pink meat remaining.

Why Hamburger Steak and Gravy is Hearty

  • Packed with rich, savory flavors and a classic gravy that transforms simple ground beef into a nostalgic, satisfying dinner that reminds you of grandma's home cooking.
  • Utilize affordable ground beef and pantry staples to create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget while delivering maximum taste and satisfaction.
  • Adapt the recipe with different seasonings or serve alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables to suit your family's unique taste preferences and dietary needs.

Hamburger Steak and Gravy Ingredients

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: Rich protein foundation for the hamburger steak, best with 80/20 lean to fat ratio for juicy results.
  • Breadcrumbs: Adds structure and helps bind the meat mixture, use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Egg: Natural binder that helps hold the meat mixture together, ensures patties stay compact.
Seasoning Components:
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Provides deep umami flavor and enhances meat's natural taste.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds subtle aromatic warmth and classic savory background note.
  • Onion Powder: Contributes sweet and sharp undertone to the meat mixture.
  • Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that amplifies overall taste profile.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces mild heat and complementary spice to the hamburger steak.

How to Make Hamburger Steak and Gravy

Step 1: Blend Meat Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Ground beef
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Egg
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Gently mix ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness.

Step 2: Form Perfect Patties

Shape the meat mixture into 4 equal-sized oval patties, creating smooth edges with your hands.

Step 3: Sear Hamburger Steaks

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add a touch of oil to prevent sticking.

Cook patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 4: Create Creamy Gravy

Remove cooked steaks from skillet and set aside.

In the same pan, sprinkle flour over remaining drippings.

Whisk in beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Simmer gravy until it thickens to a rich, smooth consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Place hamburger steaks on a serving plate.

Pour hot gravy over the top.

Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Pair with mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.

Tips to Help with Hamburger Steak and Gravy

  • Prevent Tough Meat: Mix ingredients lightly and handle ground beef minimally to maintain a tender, juicy hamburger steak.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for rich, umami undertones that elevate the meat's natural taste.
  • Control Patty Shape: Use a light touch when forming patties, pressing gently to create uniform thickness for even cooking.
  • Master Searing Technique: Heat skillet to medium-high and cook patties without moving them to develop a perfect golden-brown crust.
  • Gravy Smoothness Hack: Whisk flour gradually into pan drippings to prevent lumps and create a silky, restaurant-quality gravy.

How to Store Hamburger Steak and Gravy Properly

  • Store leftover hamburger steak in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual patties in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen hamburger steak can last up to 3 months without losing quality.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place patties in a baking dish with a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • For quick reheating, place patties on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and adding a tablespoon of broth to retain moisture.

What Goes with Hamburger Steak and Gravy

  • Pair the rich, hearty hamburger steak with a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, which complements the beef's deep umami notes and cuts through the creamy gravy.
  • Create a refreshing contrast by serving a light, tangy mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing to offset the meat's richness and provide a fresh palate cleanser.
  • Accompany the hamburger steak with caramelized roasted carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, which add subtle sweetness and earthy undertones that enhance the dish's overall flavor profile.
  • Serve creamy, smooth mashed potatoes alongside the hamburger steak, allowing the gravy to mingle with the potatoes and create a comforting, indulgent dining experience.

Hamburger Steak and Gravy Add-Ons

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to make the hamburger steak safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip breadcrumbs entirely and use finely grated Parmesan cheese or ground pork rinds as a binding agent for a keto-friendly version.
  • Lean Protein Alternative: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat protein option that maintains similar flavor profiles.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Create plant-based patties using mashed black beans, quinoa, and vegetable-based binders like flax eggs to mimic the texture and heartiness of traditional hamburger steak.
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Hamburger Steak And Gravy Recipe

Hamburger Steak And Gravy Recipe


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4.9 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling hamburger steak dripping with rich, savory gravy brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Classic Southern comfort calls you to savor each hearty, flavorful bite of this timeless family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend works best)

Hamburger Steak Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup (30g) breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Gravy Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, using a light touch to maintain meat’s tenderness and prevent compacting.
  2. Carefully form the seasoned meat mixture into four uniformly sized oval-shaped patties, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
  3. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, allowing the surface to become thoroughly hot before adding patties.
  4. Gently place hamburger steaks into the heated skillet, cooking for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side until a rich golden-brown crust develops and meat reaches desired internal temperature.
  5. Remove cooked patties from the skillet and set aside, keeping them warm while preparing the gravy.
  6. In the same skillet with remaining meat drippings, sauté sliced onions until they become translucent and slightly caramelized.
  7. Sprinkle flour over the onions, stirring continuously to create a roux and prevent burning, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
  8. Gradually pour beef broth into the skillet, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, rich gravy.
  9. Simmer the gravy for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop deep, savory flavors.
  10. Return hamburger steaks to the skillet, coating them with the luxurious gravy and warming them through before serving.

Notes

  • Keep meat mixture loose when mixing to maintain a tender, juicy hamburger steak texture.
  • Create a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent bulging during cooking, ensuring even thickness.
  • Use cast iron skillet for maximum flavor development and perfect golden-brown sear on the meat.
  • Opt for ground beef with 80/20 fat content to guarantee rich taste and prevent dry hamburger steaks.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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