Try this hearty and comforting Smothered hamburger steak for dinner. These steaks are tender hamburger patties smothered in a rich, savory onion and mushroom gravy. This dish is a classic comfort food that’s sure to be loved. This smothered hamburger steak recipe will quickly become your favorite go-to meal.
What Is Smothered Hamburger Steak?
Smothered hamburger steak is a delicious American classic that combines juicy hamburger patties with a flavorful onion and mushroom gravy. It’s often served with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a side of greens, making it a well-rounded, hearty dish. The savory gravy is made from caramelized onions, mushrooms, beef broth, and seasonings, creating a rich sauce that perfectly complements the tender beef patties.
This dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or special Sunday dinners. It’s simple to prepare but packs incredible flavor, making it a family favorite for all ages.
Ingredients Needed for Smothered Hamburger Steak
To make this savory dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Beef Steaks:
- 1 1⁄2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- 1⁄2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the gravy:
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8-10-ounce container of mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
How to Make Hamburger Steaks
Step 1: Prepare the Hamburger Patties
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat. Shape the mixture into 4 even patties.
Step 2: Brown the Patties
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the hamburger patties and sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are nicely browned. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through; they’ll finish cooking in the gravy. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Onion Mushroom Gravy
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the 8-10 ounces of sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes until they are browned and have released their moisture. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 large, chopped onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Once the onions are caramelized, push them to the side of the skillet. Add the 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons flour over the onions and stir well, cooking for an additional minute to form a roux.
Slowly add the 2 cups beef broth and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the mushrooms back into the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it thicken for 3-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon thyme if using.
Step 4: Smother the Patties
Return the browned hamburger patties to the skillet, making sure they are submerged in the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the patties are cooked through and the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, serve the smothered hamburger steaks over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish. Spoon the rich onion gravy over the top for maximum flavor.
Tips for Perfect Smothered Hamburger Steak
- Use Quality Ground Beef: For juicy hamburger patties, use ground beef with a good fat content, like 80/20. The fat adds flavor and keeps the patties moist.
- Caramelize the Onions: Take your time to properly caramelize the onions. This step is crucial for creating a flavorful gravy base.
- Thicken the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, add a little more flour or let it simmer longer to achieve your desired consistency.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can easily be made ahead of time. Prepare the patties and gravy in advance, then reheat and serve when ready.
Why You’ll Love Smothered Hamburger Steak
Smothered hamburger steak is the perfect comfort food that combines tender, juicy beef with a rich, flavorful gravy. The dish is versatile and can be paired with various sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or even a fresh salad. It’s easy to make yet packed with flavor, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or a special Sunday dinner.
Smothered Hamburger Steak Variations
- Mixed Mushroom Gravy: Add a mixed variety of sliced mushrooms to the gravy for a hearty, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef.
- Spicy Smothered Hamburger Steak: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy to give it a bit of heat.
- Cheese Topped: Add a slice of melted cheese on top of each patty before serving for a cheesy twist.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To Store: After your hamburger steaks have cooled down, place them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure to keep the gravy in a separate container so the patties don’t get soggy.
To Freeze: Wrap each patty tightly in plastic wrap, then place them into a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to freeze the gravy separately in an airtight container or freezer bag.
To Reheat: Heat the patties in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, adding a little water if necessary. You can also microwave them on medium power for 1-2 minutes but keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Give it a try and enjoy the delicious, tender, and savory comfort food that is smothered hamburger steak! You may also enjoy Bobby Flay’s famous Salisbury Steak Recipe.
Smothered Hamburger Steak Recipe
Try this hearty and comforting Smothered hamburger steak for dinner. These steaks are tender hamburger patties smothered in a rich, savory onion and mushroom gravy. This dish is a classic comfort food that’s sure to be loved. This smothered hamburger steak recipe will quickly become your favorite go-to meal.
Ingredients
- ----- FOR the BEEF STEAKS -----
- 1 1⁄2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- 1⁄2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ---- FOR the GRAVY ----
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8-10-ounce container of mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Hamburger Patties
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat. Shape the mixture into 4 even patties.
Step 2: Brown the Patties
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the hamburger patties and sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are nicely browned. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through; they’ll finish cooking in the gravy. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Onion Mushroom Gravy
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the 8-10 ounces of sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes until they are browned and have released their moisture. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 large, chopped onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Once the onions are caramelized, push them to the side of the skillet. Add the 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons flour over the onions and stir well, cooking for an additional minute to form a roux.
Slowly add the 2 cups beef broth and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the mushrooms back into the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it thicken for 3-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon thyme if using.
Step 4: Smother the Patties
Return the browned hamburger patties to the skillet, making sure they are submerged in the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the patties are cooked through and the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, serve the smothered hamburger steaks over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish. Spoon the rich onion gravy over the top for maximum flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 565Total Fat: 47gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 247mgSodium: 1273mgCarbohydrates: 52gFiber: 15gSugar: 18gProtein: 70g
The nutritional information provided for the recipes on this blog is an estimate and is based on standard ingredient portions. Actual nutritional values may vary depending on factors such as ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods. For precise dietary needs or concerns, please consult a healthcare professional or nutritionist.
