Easy Hamburger Steak and Gravy Recipe

Introduction

This easy hamburger steak and gravy recipe delivers a comforting, homemade meal in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it features juicy seasoned beef patties smothered in a rich, savory onion gravy. For another simple ground beef favorite, try this Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe. It’s a fuss-free dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients

This comforting Hamburger Steak and Gravy recipe combines juicy, seasoned beef patties with a rich, savory mushroom gravy that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or rice.

• 1 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoon steak seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 14 1/2 ounces beef broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This Hamburger Steak and Gravy recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Hamburger Steak Mixture

In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, ¼ cup of breadcrumbs, 1 beaten egg, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onion, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—overmixing can make the patties tough.

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a ¾-inch thick oval patty. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly and prevent puffing up.

Step 2 — Preheat the Skillet

Place a large skillet (preferably cast iron or non-stick) over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and let it heat until shimmering, about 1–2 minutes. A properly heated skillet ensures a good sear and prevents the patties from sticking.

Step 3 — Cook the Hamburger Steaks

Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet, leaving space between them. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until a deep brown crust forms. Avoid pressing down on the patties, as this squeezes out flavorful juices.

For medium doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer. Transfer the cooked patties to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 4 — Make the Gravy Base

Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Cook until the roux turns a light golden color.

Step 5 — Add Liquid for the Gravy

Slowly pour in 2 cups of beef broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce and season with black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.

Step 6 — Thicken the Gravy

Continue simmering the gravy for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. If the gravy becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of broth or water. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

Step 7 — Return the Steaks to the Gravy

Place the cooked hamburger steaks back into the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over the top of each patty. Let everything heat together for 2–3 minutes over low heat.

Step 8 — Rest and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and let the hamburger steak and gravy rest for 2 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the meat to reabsorb some juices.

Serve the hamburger steaks hot, generously topped with gravy. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fat	28g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	850mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Ground Turkey or Chicken — Leaner protein option that still delivers savory flavor with proper seasoning.
• Ground Bison or Venison — Naturally leaner red meat alternatives with rich, gamey notes.
• Lentil and Mushroom Blend — Plant-based swap offering earthy flavors and meaty texture.
• Cauliflower Rice Base — Lower-carb alternative to serve under the Hamburger Steak and Gravy.
• Coconut Aminos Gravy — Gluten-free, lower-sodium sauce with subtle sweetness.
• Almond Flour Binder — Gluten-free option to replace breadcrumbs in the Hamburger Steak.
• Oat or Cashew Cream Gravy — Dairy-free gravy alternative with creamy, neutral base.
• Portobello Mushroom “Steaks” — Whole food, low-carb alternative with robust, umami character.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your Hamburger Steak and Gravy over creamy mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort food.
• Pair with buttered egg noodles to soak up every bit of the rich gravy.
• For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed green beans or roasted carrots.
• Create a classic diner plate with a side of crispy onion rings and coleslaw.
• Perfect for Sunday supper, family dinners, or casual entertaining.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

This Hamburger Steak and Gravy recipe is versatile enough for weeknight meals yet special enough for weekend gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using lean ground beef, which can result in a dry, tough patty. Fix: Opt for 80/20 ground chuck for a juicier, more flavorful hamburger steak.
• Mistake: Overmixing the meat, which develops too much gluten and creates a dense texture. Fix: Gently mix ingredients until just combined to keep the patty tender.
• Mistake: Skipping the pan-sear, leading to a pale patty without a flavorful crust. Fix: Sear the patties over medium-high heat to develop a rich, brown fond for the gravy.
• Mistake: Pressing down on the patties while cooking, which squeezes out precious juices. Fix: Let the patties cook undisturbed to retain their moisture and flavor.
• Mistake: Making gravy in a clean pan, missing the flavorful browned bits from searing. Fix: Deglaze the same pan with broth to incorporate all the delicious fond into your gravy.
• Mistake: Adding flour directly to hot liquid, which often creates lumps in the gravy. Fix: Make a smooth roux with equal parts fat and flour before slowly whisking in your liquid.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the meat mixture, resulting in a bland final dish. Fix: Season the ground beef generously with salt, pepper, and aromatics like onion and garlic powder.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the skillet, which steams the patties instead of searing them. Fix: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each patty has enough space for proper browning.
• Mistake: Rushing the gravy, leading to a thin, underdeveloped sauce. Fix: Simmer the gravy for at least 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken properly.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover hamburger steak and gravy in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the internal temperature has cooled before refrigerating.
• Freezer: Freeze hamburger steak and gravy in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Always use a food thermometer to verify that reheated hamburger steak and gravy reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Conclusion

This easy Hamburger Steak and Gravy recipe is a comforting, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. We hope you love it! Try it out and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. For more delicious ground beef dinners, check out our Hamburger Steak and Gravy – 5 Delicious Secrets Recipe and Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more family-friendly recipes!

Print

FAQs

Can I make Hamburger Steak and Gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the hamburger steaks and gravy, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the gravy has thickened too much.

What is the best way to keep the hamburger steaks from falling apart?

To prevent your hamburger steaks from breaking apart, avoid overmixing the meat and handle it gently when shaping the patties. Chilling the formed patties for 15-20 minutes before cooking also helps them hold their shape better during searing.

Can I freeze leftover Hamburger Steak and Gravy?

Absolutely, this dish freezes well. Let the Hamburger Steak and Gravy cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.