Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy

Nothing beats the comfort of Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy, a classic ground beef recipe that has been a favorite for generations. Juicy, seasoned hamburger patties are smothered in rich, savory onion gravy, making every bite satisfying and hearty. This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, creating a filling meal for family dinners or casual gatherings. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a timeless comfort food that never goes out of style.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe transforms simple ground beef into a flavorful, hearty meal. Juicy hamburger steaks smothered in onion gravy appeal to both kids and adults. It’s easy to prepare, uses pantry staples, and creates a comforting plate of food everyone will enjoy. Versatile enough to serve over various sides, it’s perfect for weeknights or family gatherings.
- Classic Comfort Food: Juicy hamburger patties with rich onion gravy are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Family-Friendly: Mild flavors appeal to kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Understanding the nutritional content helps you enjoy this dish responsibly. Each serving provides protein from beef, carbohydrates from sides, and fats from the gravy and cooking process. By keeping portion sizes in mind, you can enjoy this classic comfort food as part of a balanced meal.
- Calories: ~400
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 28g
Note: Nutrition varies depending on beef type, gravy, and side dishes.
Time Breakdown
This recipe is quick and convenient for busy nights. Prep takes only 10 minutes, and cooking takes around 25–30 minutes, making a total of under 40 minutes. Most of the time is hands-off, allowing you to multitask while your meal comes together.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients are simple, familiar, and easy to source. Ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onions, butter, flour, and beef broth come together to create a hearty, flavorful meal. A few seasonings enhance the taste without overcomplicating the recipe.
For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Onion Gravy:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Condensed Grocery Checklist
Shopping is straightforward and stress-free. All ingredients are common pantry staples, making preparation simple and efficient. Having everything ready ensures smooth cooking and a delicious final result.
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs and egg
- Milk
- Worcestershire sauce
- Onions
- Butter
- Flour
- Beef broth
- Salt and pepper
How to Make – Step by Step

The cooking process is easy and beginner-friendly. From mixing the patties to making the onion gravy, each step is simple to follow. Proper execution ensures juicy hamburger steaks topped with rich, flavorful gravy every time.
- Prepare the patties: In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Form into 4–6 evenly sized patties.
- Cook the patties: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the patties 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the onions: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until golden brown and caramelized.
- Make the gravy: Sprinkle flour over the onions and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in beef broth, simmering until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine: Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, spoon gravy over the top, and simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, and enjoy!
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
This recipe is versatile and easy to adapt. Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or add mushrooms and garlic to the gravy for extra depth. Seasonings like paprika or thyme can enhance flavor, and additional toppings like caramelized bell peppers add variety.
- Beef: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Gravy: Add a splash of cream for a creamier gravy.
- Flavor Enhancers: Garlic, thyme, or paprika can add extra depth.
- Toppings: Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers complement the dish beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hamburger steak with classic sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Pair with a side of green beans, salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It’s also ideal for family-style dinners or meal prep.
- Serve with mashed potatoes and a side of green beans for a classic dinner.
- Over egg noodles or rice for a comforting weeknight meal.
- Pair with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced plate.
Storing Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little broth if the gravy thickens. This ensures the patties remain juicy and the gravy stays smooth.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain gravy consistency.
- Do not freeze gravy separately; patties and gravy can be frozen together for up to 2 months.
Chef’s Special Tips

Small tips make a big difference. Use ground beef with 20% fat for juicy patties, caramelize onions slowly for richer flavor, and don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning patties. Taste and adjust seasoning after the gravy thickens to achieve perfect balance.
- Use ground beef with 20% fat for juicier patties.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning patties to ensure even cooking.
- Caramelize onions slowly for a rich, sweet flavor in the gravy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning after the gravy thickens for perfect balance.
Conclusion
Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Juicy beef, savory onion gravy, and simple sides make it perfect for weeknight dinners or family meals. Make this timeless recipe tonight and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal everyone will love.
