Easy Hamburger Steak and Gravy

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Pan-fried and saucy, this easy Hamburger Steak with Gravy recipe is a go-to comfort food dinner for those busy weeknights. These smothered hamburger steaks take less than one hour to make and will be a family favorite. Serve them over whipped mashed potatoes, it’s heaven!

A plate with mashed potatoes, hamburger steaks, mushrooms and asparagus.

Hamburger Steaks and Gravy is a true comfort food meal! The combination of tender, juicy patties and savory, luscious gravy, it makes for a family dinner favorite!

I made this smothered hamburger steaks recipe perfect for a busy weeknight dinner recipe that tastes gourmet. Everything is made in one skillet with just 10 ingredients and cooks up in less than one hour. Sounds like a dream, right!

To elevate your hamburger steaks and gravy, consider serving them with Whipped Mashed Potatoes and Crispy Green Beans! They complement the richness of the dish. Fluffy rice, noodles or mashed cauliflower are also great accompaniments.

Table of Contents

Hamburger Steaks and Gravy vs. Salisbury Steak

You may think this is called Salisbury steak, but hamburger steaks with gravy are actually different. Hamburger steaks are just how they sound, a seasoned ground beef patty like a burger (I add extra seasonings to mine for more flavor!).

Salisbury steak is made almost more like meatloaf. The ground beef patty usually includes egg as well as breadcrumbs and ketchup. Plus seasonings like Worcestershire and spices.

A quick fun fact, Salisbury steak is named after Dr. J.H. Salisbury, an American physician who advocated for a minced beef patty as part of a healthful diet in the late 19th century.

Both hamburger steak recipes are served with a similar mushroom and onion gravy that smothers the steaks and keeps them moist. A true comfort food!

Why You’ll like this Recipe

Comforting and decadent: Smothered and covered in a rich, luscious gravy, it's comfort food heaven!
Just 10 ingredients: It has simple ingredients and is easy to make!
Cheap easy meal: At less than $15 (where I live), it's a budget-friendly dinner option!
Takes less than one hour: From start to finish this recipe will take less than one hour, perfect for a busy weeknight!

Ingredients in Hamburger Steak with Gravy

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

Ground Beef: Adds a rich and savory flavor to these patties. The fat content is depends on the variety of beef chosen. It's affordable and a great source of protein.
Milk: The calcium-rich properties of milk react with enzymes in the meat to gently soften the proteins of the beef.
Worcestershire Sauce: Offers a well-balanced blend of umami, sweetness, tanginess, and savory depth of flavor.
Dried Minced Onion: A convenient ingredient to use, instead of chopping fresh onions. It packs a concentrated onion flavor and rounds out the sharpness that fresh onion can sometimes yield.
Steak Seasoning: While I prefer a Montreal Steak Seasoning or Buttery Steakhouse blend, there are many on the market. All of them are a blend of herbs, spices, and seasonings that enhance the flavor of beef.
Garlic Powder: This adds a nuanced savoriness and flavor.
Butter: Contributes to the rich and savory flavors of caramelizing the beef and mushrooms.
Mushrooms: Adds another hearty, meat-like component to the dish while being low in calories.
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect gravy texture.
Beef Broth: Increases the beefy flavor or the dish and creates an incredible gravy for saucing up mashed potatoes or noodles.

Ingredients measured and ready to make hamburger steaks and gravy.

Tools You’ll Need

How to Make Hamburger Steak Recipe

In a large bowl, combine beef, milk, Worcestershire sauce, onions, steak seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix until combined.

Mixing together ground beef and seasonings in a bowl.

Shape into 4 round, ¾-inch patties. If desired, season both sides with salt and pepper or steak seasoning.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the hamburger steaks 5-6 minutes per side, until an internal temperature minimum of 160°F is reached or to desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

To the skillet, add remaining butter. Once melted, add sliced mushroom and sauté until tender, about 3 minutes.

Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir to combine well. After 1 minute, pour in broth, and stir until smooth, scraping up any small bits from the bottom of the pan.

Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer 3-4 minutes to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Nestle the hamburger steaks in the gravy, and simmer a minute.

Simmering hamburger steaks in a skillet with brown gravy.

Serve gravy on top of the hamburger steak with your favorite sides.

Tips and Substitutions

Don't overwork the meat when mixing together the ingredients. This can yield a tough hamburger steak. Mix "just" until combined.
Don't overcook the patties. Set a timer for the flips and measure with an internal meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
If you would like to add extra creaminess the gravy, you can add a can of cream of mushroom soup, Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup or ½ cup sour cream.
Shredded Swiss, gruyere or Monterey Jack cheeses are excellent toppers to this dish!

What to Serve with Hamburger Steak and Gravy

I love to serve this easy hamburger steak recipe with a vegetable side. Some of my side dish recommendations are below:

Steamed Broccoli
Pan-Seared Asparagus
House Salad
Asparagus with Herbs
Crispy Green Beans
Cooked Canned Green Beans

Storage

After leftovers have completely cooked, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Leftover can be stored in a freezer-safe, airtight container up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between hamburger steak and salisbury steak?

Both names are often used interchangeably but there are a couple of differences:
- The Salisbury steak mixture often contains more binding agents like eggs to hold its shape.
- Hamburger steaks are typically cooked by pan-frying or grilling, whereas Salisbury steaks are often cooked by baking or braising in a skillet or in the oven.
- Hamburger Steak is commonly associated with American cuisine and reminiscent of a hamburger patty without the bun. Salisbury steak is named after Dr. J.H. Salisbury, an American physician who advocated for a minced beef patty as part of a healthful diet in the late 19th century.

Do I have to use mushrooms?

No. You can omit the mushrooms or substitute with another vegetable like onions or bell pepper.

Can I add onions to the gravy?

Yes! You can sauté sliced onion along with the mushrooms. Adjust the gravy ingredients as necessary.

How is a hamburger steak different from a regular hamburger?

The main difference is the absence of a bun. Hamburger steaks are often larger in size and shaped into oval or rectangular patties. Additionally, hamburger steaks are typically served with a savory gravy or sauce.

Can hamburger steak gravy be customized?

Yes! You can add additional ingredients such as garlic, soy sauce, or herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor. Some people also like to add a splash of wine or vinegar for a tangy twist.

Can hamburger steaks be made with ingredients other than beef?

While hamburger steaks are traditionally made with ground beef, it is possible to use other ground meats or a combination of meats. The choice of meat can alter the flavor and texture of the hamburger steaks.

More Beef Recipes Like This

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4.89 from 9 votes

Easy Hamburger Steaks and Gravy Recipe

Pan-fried, smothered and covered, this Easy Hamburger Steaks and Gravy recipe is a go-to comfort food dinner! Made with 10 ingredients in less than an hour it's the ultimate weeknight meal. Served over mashed potatoes, it’s heaven!

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: beef

Servings: servings

Calories: 493kcal

Ingredients

1 ½ lb ground beef
¼ cup milk
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1 teaspoon steak seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons butter divided
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
14 ½ ounces beef broth
Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine beef, milk, Worcestershire sauce, onions, steak seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix until combined well then shape into 4 round, ¾-inch patties. If desired, season both sides with salt and pepper or steak seasoning.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the hamburger steaks 5-6 minutes per side, until an internal temperature minimum of 160°F is reached or to desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
To the skillet, add remaining butter. Once melted, add sliced mushroom and sauté until tender, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir to combine well.
After 1 minute, pour in broth, and stir until smooth, scraping up any small bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer 3-4 minutes to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Nestle the hamburger steaks in the gravy, and simmer a minute.
Serve gravy on top of the hamburger steak with your favorite sides.

Video

Notes

Don't overwork the meat when mixing together the ingredients. This can yield a tough hamburger steak. Mix "just" until combined.

Don't overcook the patties. Set a timer for the flips and measure with an internal meat thermometer to confirm doneness.

If you would like to add extra creaminess the gravy, you can add a can of cream of mushroom soup, Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup or ½ cup sour cream.

Shredded Swiss, gruyere or Monterey Jack cheeses are excellent toppers to this dish!

Nutrition

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Comments

4.89 from 9 votes (4 ratings without comment)