Craving a dinner that feels like a big, warm blanket? Hamburger Steak and Onion Gravy is here to save the day, with juicy beef patties smothered in a deliciously rich sauce—pure comfort food in 40 minutes!
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Total Time40 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: beef
Servings: 6servings
Calories: 453kcal
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Ingredients
1tablespoonsalted butter
1mediumyellow onionthinly sliced
2 ¼-2 ½poundsground beef
seasoning salt or salt and black pepperamount as desired
1cupshredded cheese (pepper jack, monetary jack, Swiss provolone, or gouda)
4tablespoonsall-purpose or self-rising flour
4cupsmilk
Instructions
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and starting to carmelize, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
Shape ground beef into 6 round balls. Season one side with seasoning salt or salt and black pepper.
In the same skillet used for the onions, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef balls seasoned side down. Cook 2 minutes, then carefully press to a ¾-inch thickness. Season with seasoning salt or salt and black pepper, cook 4 minutes, then flip. Cook an additional 4-5 minutes or until they are browned with a minimum internal temperature of 160°F. Evenly top the patties with the cooked onions and cheese then transfer to a plate. Cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
In the same skillet, ensure there is ¼ residual grease. Discard excess or add more grease (oil or butter) if needed. Lower the heat to medium. Sprinkle flour over the drippings and whisk to combine. Cook for about 1 minute and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Gradually add milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens and becomes a creamy gravy, about 5-7 minutes. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. Pour in a serving bowl.
Serve hamburger steaks with the onion gravy on the side for ladling on top or spooning in individual bowls for dipping.
Video
Notes
Pro Tips and Substitutions
Don’t Overmix the Beef: When forming the patties, mix just until combined to keep them tender. These patties require no mixing, so simply pat gently to shape.
Spice up the Beef: We prefer simply adding seasoning salt to patties for this recipe. However, feel free to add extra seasoning for more depth of flavor such as garlic powder, fresh garlic, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce. Remember - don't overmix!
Caramelize the Onions: Patience is key! Slow cooking onions until caramelized will deepen their flavor. You can also use shallots or spring onions for different flavor notes.
Add Heat: If you like a little spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy.
Ground Meat: Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Onion Gravy Recipe Alternatives: Use almond milk or any dairy-free milk for a lactose-free alternative. You can also use beef broth or beef stock instead of milk for a lighter version of the gravy.
Storage and Freezing
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to maintain the gravy's texture.To freeze, store the cooked patties and gravy in separate airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.