Hamburger Steak Recipe: Savory and Juicy

Introduction

Hamburger Steak is a classic main dish, perfect for family dinners, comfort meals, or casual gatherings. This savory, juicy beef patty, featuring a rich, seasoned flavor and optional creamy gravy, delivers a hearty, satisfying meal with a homestyle appeal. Presented on a white ceramic platter, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or served with a side of gravy, this Hamburger Steak recipe offers a warm, appetizing aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a traditional version with a simple beef patty and optional mushroom gravy, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing dish that brings comforting warmth to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Hamburger Steak:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Optional Gravy:

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Serving:

• Optional: Chopped fresh parsley, extra gravy
• Suggested Accompaniments: Mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted carrots
• Suggested Pairings: Iced tea, red wine
• Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter
• Suggested Equipment: Large skillet, mixing bowl, spatula, measuring cups/spoons, whisk (for gravy)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare Patty Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix gently with your hands until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep patties tender.
2. Taste and Adjust: Pinch off a small piece of the mixture, cook it in a skillet, and taste to adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or a dash of Worcestershire for balanced flavor.
3. Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into oval or round patties, about 1/2-inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center to prevent puffing during cooking.
4. Cook Patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add patties and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Remove patties and set aside on a plate.
5. Make Gravy (Optional): In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, cooking until thickened (about 2–3 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Arrange hamburger steaks on a white ceramic platter. Spoon gravy over the top (if using) and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted carrots, iced tea, or red wine.

Tips for Better Hamburger Steak

• Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy, flavorful patties; avoid leaner blends to maintain tenderness.
• Taste the cooked patty sample before forming to balance savory and smoky flavors; adjust cautiously.
• Avoid overmixing the beef mixture to keep the patties tender and not dense.
• Make an indentation in the patties to ensure even cooking without doming.
• Present on a white ceramic platter to highlight the golden patties and rich gravy.
• Make ahead: Form patties up to 1 day in advance; refrigerate, covered, until ready to cook.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness (160°F for ground beef).
• Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with parsley for a fresh, green pop or drizzle with extra gravy for richness.

Variations and Customization

• Gluten-Free Hamburger Steak: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure Worcestershire sauce and broth are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Hamburger Steak: Omit breadcrumbs and use 1 tbsp almond flour; skip the gravy or thicken with a low-carb alternative (e.g., xanthan gum).
• Vegan Hamburger Steak: Replace beef with plant-based ground meat and egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water); use vegetable broth for gravy.
• Spicy Hamburger Steak: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or 1 tbsp diced jalapeños to the patty mixture.
• Cheesy Hamburger Steak: Mix 1/2 cup shredded cheddar into the patty mixture or melt cheese on top after cooking.
• Onion Hamburger Steak: Add 1/4 cup caramelized onions to the patty mixture or top with crispy fried onions.
• Mushroom-Free Gravy: Skip mushrooms and make a simple beef broth gravy with flour and butter.
• BBQ Hamburger Steak: Brush patties with 2 tbsp BBQ sauce during the last minute of cooking.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store leftover hamburger steaks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to keep moist.
• Freeze cooked patties (without gravy) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Store gravy separately in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat on the stovetop, stirring well.
• Serve warm for the best juicy, savory flavor.
• Use as a main dish with classic sides like mashed potatoes or as a sandwich filling.
• Pair with iced tea or red wine to complement the rich, savory flavors.
• Present on a white ceramic platter with garnishes for a hearty, inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 4 servings (1 patty each, with gravy):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 8g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Vitamin A: 6% Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 4% Daily Value
• Calcium: 6% Daily Value
• Iron: 20% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (vegan options reduce cholesterol to 0mg). Moderate in calories; pair with vegetables for balance.

Conclusion

This Hamburger Steak recipe delivers a savory, juicy dish perfect for family dinners or comfort meals, transforming simple ingredients into a homestyle favorite. Its easy preparation and hearty presentation make it a go-to. The tender patties and rich gravy delight every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing warmth.

Hamburger Steak Recipe: Savory and Juicy

Classic Hamburger Steak with savory, juicy flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• Hamburger Steak:
• 1 lb ground beef
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika optional
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Gravy Optional:
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Chopped parsley extra gravy
• Suggested Pairings: Iced tea red wine

Instructions

 

• Mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Taste and adjust seasoning (cook a small sample).
• Form into 4 patties with an indentation.
• Cook in a skillet with oil 4–5 min per side until 160°F.
• For gravy, cook mushrooms in butter, add flour, then broth and Worcestershire; season.
• Serve on a white ceramic platter with parsley, gravy, potatoes, or wine.

Notes

• Avoid overmixing for tender patties.
• Store in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for 3 months (patties only).
• Try a vegan or cheesy variation.
• Pair with mashed potatoes.