I love how this hamburger steak recipe delivers pure comfort with minimal effort. I get juicy beef patties, rich onion gravy, and that old-fashioned diner flavor that always makes dinner feel extra special. Everything comes together in one skillet, which makes this meal both cozy and practical for busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it uses everyday ingredients and turns them into something deeply satisfying. I get tender hamburger steaks smothered in a thick, savory onion gravy that tastes like it’s been cooking all afternoon. It’s filling, budget-friendly, and perfect when I want a hearty homemade meal without a lot of cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 large egg
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
⅓ cup breadcrumbs
⅓ cup milk
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 large onion, sliced
¼ cup butter
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
Directions
I start by adding the ground beef, egg, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, milk, seasoned salt, onion powder, and garlic powder to a large bowl. I mix everything gently until combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
I divide the mixture into six patties, shaping them evenly. I heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease it, then brown the patties for about three minutes per side. Once browned, I remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
Using the same skillet, I add the sliced onions and sauté them until they begin to brown. I add the butter and let it melt completely, then whisk in the flour until it’s fully absorbed. I cook this mixture for about one minute, stirring constantly.
I slowly whisk in the beef broth, making sure the gravy stays smooth. I bring it to a simmer and let it thicken. Once thickened, I taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. I return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, lower the heat, cover, and let everything simmer until the patties are fully cooked through.
Servings And Timing
I usually get 6 servings from this recipe. Prep time takes about 10 minutes, cooking time is around 30 minutes, and I let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. The total time comes to approximately 45 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes add sliced mushrooms to the onions for extra flavor. When I want a lighter option, I use ground turkey instead of beef and keep the rest of the recipe the same. For a richer gravy, I occasionally stir in a splash of cream right at the end.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm everything gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little broth if the gravy has thickened too much. I also reheat individual portions in the microwave in short intervals.
FAQs
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?
I like to brown the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them, then make the gravy and finish cooking just before serving.
Can I Freeze Hamburger Steak?
I freeze the cooked patties with the gravy in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
How Do I Know When The Patties Are Done?
I cook the patties until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F and then let them rest for a few minutes.
What Sides Go Well With This Dish?
I usually serve this with mashed potatoes, rice, or green beans for a complete comfort-food meal.
Can I Use A Different Pan?
I prefer a heavy skillet for best browning, but any large pan that holds heat well works fine.
Conclusion
I keep this hamburger steak recipe in regular rotation because it’s simple, hearty, and always satisfying. The combination of tender beef and rich onion gravy makes it a meal that feels nostalgic and comforting every single time I serve it.
This Cracker Barrel-inspired hamburger steak features juicy beef patties smothered in rich onion gravy. A comforting, one-skillet meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or hearty family dinners.
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Ingredients
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 large egg
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 large onion, sliced
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, egg, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, milk, seasoned salt, onion powder, and garlic powder until just combined.
Form the mixture into six evenly sized patties.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease. Brown the patties for about 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add sliced onions and sauté until softened and browned.
Add butter and melt completely. Whisk in flour to form a roux, cooking for 1 minute while stirring.
Gradually whisk in beef broth, stirring constantly until smooth. Simmer until the gravy thickens.
Return the patties to the skillet, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until patties are cooked through.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
Add mushrooms to the onions for extra flavor.
Use ground turkey for a lighter variation.
A splash of cream can be added to the gravy for extra richness.
Don’t overmix the meat to keep patties tender.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure patties reach 160°F.
