Smothered Hamburger Steak

1. Prepare the Hamburger Steaks

1. Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the steaks tough.
2. Form the patties: Divide the beef mixture into 4 to 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval patty, about 1/2-inch thick.
3. Cook the steaks: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. The steaks do not need to cook all the way through at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the gravy. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Rich Onion Gravy

1. Caramelize the onions: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown. Patience is key here to develop a rich, sweet flavor in the gravy.
2. Add flour: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
3. Add the broth: Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
4. Simmer the gravy: Let the gravy simmer for 5 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

3. Combine and Finish

1. Return steaks to the skillet: Place the seared hamburger steaks back into the skillet, nestling them into the onion gravy.
2. Simmer to finish cooking: Cover the skillet and let the steaks simmer in the gravy for 10-15 minutes over low heat. This allows the steaks to cook through while soaking up the rich flavors of the gravy.
3. Serve: Once the steaks are fully cooked and tender, serve them hot with plenty of onion gravy spooned over the top.

Serving Suggestions:

Smothered Hamburger Steak pairs wonderfully with a variety of classic sides:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect base to soak up the savory onion gravy.
• Rice or Egg Noodles: Serve over steamed white rice or buttery egg noodles for a comforting meal.
• Vegetables: Pair with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or sautéed spinach to add balance.
• Biscuits or Rolls: Freshly baked biscuits or dinner rolls make a great side for dipping in the rich gravy.

Tips for Perfect Hamburger Steaks:

1. Don’t Overwork the Meat: Mix the ingredients gently to keep the patties tender and juicy.
2. Use the Right Fat Content: An 80/20 blend of ground beef provides the ideal balance of flavor and moisture.
3. Searing is Key: Searing the steaks first locks in flavor and adds a delicious caramelized crust.
4. Patience with Onions: Allow the onions to caramelize slowly for the best flavor in the gravy.

Recipe Variations:

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy addition to the gravy.
• Cheesy Twist: Top the hamburger steaks with shredded cheese before serving for a cheesy, indulgent version.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for some heat.
• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef. Adjust seasonings to enhance the flavor.
• Herbs: Add fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the gravy for extra depth and aroma.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the hamburger steaks and caramelized onions in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat with the gravy when ready to serve.
• Refrigeration: Store leftover smothered hamburger steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked steaks and gravy in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is budget-friendly and easy to prepare.
• Rich, Comforting Flavor: The combination of seasoned hamburger steaks and savory onion gravy is irresistibly good.
• Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike will love.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe with variations to suit your tastes.

Final Thoughts:

Smothered Hamburger Steak with Rich Onion Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying, flavorful dish. The juicy, well-seasoned steaks paired with the caramelized onion gravy create a meal that’s both rustic and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special family meal, this recipe delivers every time.

So, grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a warm, hearty plate of smothered hamburger steak. Don’t forget to serve it with mashed potatoes or buttery rolls to soak up every last drop of that rich onion gravy!