Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy Recipe

Ground beef: The main protein for the patties, providing a rich and meaty flavor.

Egg: Helps bind the patties together, ensuring they hold their shape during cooking.

Bread crumbs: Adds texture and helps absorb moisture, keeping the patties tender.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the patties.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the patties.

Vegetable oil: Used for cooking the patties and onions, providing a neutral flavor.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the gravy, complementing the beef patties.

All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy, giving it a smooth and rich consistency.

Beef broth: Forms the base of the gravy, adding a savory and robust flavor.

Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy and umami-rich flavor to the gravy, enhancing its complexity.

When forming the patties, make sure to handle the ground beef mixture gently to avoid overworking it, which can result in tough hamburger steaks. Additionally, when cooking the onions, aim for a golden brown color to bring out their natural sweetness, which will enhance the flavor of the gravy.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg; this works as a binder in the recipe.

• bread crumbs - Substitute with oatmeal: Oatmeal can act as a binder and adds a slightly different texture, making the dish gluten-free if necessary.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a similar salty flavor along with a bit of umami depth.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but is slightly milder and less pungent.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and adds a subtle flavor to the dish.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can complement the dish well.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can thicken the gravy similarly and is gluten-free.

• beef broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used as a lighter alternative, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce and a splash of vinegar: This combination mimics the umami and tangy flavor of Worcestershire sauce.

• Allow the hamburger steak and gravy to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled patties and gravy into an airtight container. Ensure the container is large enough to hold both without squishing the patties.
• If you have multiple patties, layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. This keeps the hamburger steak fresh and flavorful.
• For longer storage, place the container in the freezer. The hamburger steak and gravy can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing quality.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen hamburger steak and gravy in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and taste.
• Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the hamburger steak and gravy in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
• For best results, avoid reheating multiple times. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat to maintain the dish's quality.

• Stovetop Method: Place the hamburger steak and gravy in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying out. Cover the skillet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the hamburger steak and gravy to an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

• Microwave Method: Place the hamburger steak and gravy in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until hot.

• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer the hamburger steak and gravy to a slow cooker. Set it on low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed.

• Sous Vide Method: Place the hamburger steak and gravy in a vacuum-sealed bag or a ziplock bag using the water displacement method. Submerge in a water bath set to 140°F (60°C) and heat for about 45 minutes to an hour. This method ensures even reheating without drying out the meat.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper.

• Skillet: Essential for cooking the patties and onions. It should be large enough to hold all the patties and gravy.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the patties and stirring the onions and gravy.

• Measuring spoons: Use these to measure out the salt, pepper, vegetable oil, and Worcestershire sauce accurately.

• Measuring cup: Necessary for measuring the beef broth.

• Knife: Use this to slice the onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the onion.

• Whisk: Useful for stirring the flour into the onions and ensuring a smooth gravy.

• Lid: Needed to cover the skillet while the patties simmer in the gravy.

• Plate: Use this to set aside the cooked patties temporarily.

• Tongs: Helpful for handling the patties without breaking them apart.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and measure out the bread crumbs, salt, and pepper before you start cooking.

Use pre-made patties: Save time by using store-bought ground beef patties instead of forming your own.

Quick gravy: Use a gravy mix instead of making it from scratch to cut down on preparation time.

Cook in batches: If you have a large skillet, cook multiple patties at once to speed up the process.

Simmer while multitasking: While the patties are simmering in the gravy, prepare your side dishes.