Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy Recipe

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

Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.

Bread crumbs: Adds texture and helps bind the patties.

Onion: Sliced and cooked to add sweetness and depth to the gravy.

Beef broth: The base for the gravy, adding a rich, savory flavor.

All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the gravy.

Butter: Adds richness to the onions and gravy.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor.

When forming the patties, make sure to handle the ground beef mixture gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can result in a tough texture. Additionally, when cooking the onions, take your time to caramelize them properly; this will add a deep, rich flavor to the gravy.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can provide a similar texture and flavor when seasoned well.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is another lean alternative that can absorb flavors well, making it a good substitute.

• egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg. This is a good vegan option that helps bind the ingredients.

• egg - Substitute with applesauce: Use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce to replace one egg. This works well for binding and adds a slight sweetness.

• bread crumbs - Substitute with oatmeal: Ground oats can be used as a binder and provide a similar texture to bread crumbs.

• bread crumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can add a similar crunch and help bind the mixture.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used in place of onions for a more subtle taste.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor compared to onions.

• beef broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used if beef broth is unavailable, though it will have a lighter flavor.

• beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a good vegetarian option that can provide a similar depth of flavor.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent in place of flour, though you may need to use less.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with rice flour: Rice flour is a gluten-free option that can also be used for thickening.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used in place of butter for a similar texture and flavor.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option that can be used for cooking the onions and making the gravy.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, reducing the need for additional salt.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat along with the peppery flavor.

• Allow the hamburger steak and gravy to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Place the cooled patties and gravy in an airtight container. If possible, use separate containers for the patties and gravy to maintain texture.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator. The hamburger steak and gravy will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• To reheat, place the patties in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of beef broth or water to prevent drying out. Heat until warmed through.
• For freezing, wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to prevent freezer burn and makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
• Place the wrapped patties in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of storage time.
• Pour the gravy into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal tightly.
• Freeze the hamburger steak and gravy for up to 2-3 months. For best quality, consume within this time frame.
• To thaw, transfer the patties and gravy to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight.
• Reheat the patties in a skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Warm the gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or olive oil.
  2. Add the leftover hamburger steak and gravy to the skillet.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid to retain moisture.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through, until the meat is heated thoroughly and the gravy is bubbling.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the hamburger steak and gravy in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is heated through and the gravy is hot and bubbly.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the hamburger steak and gravy in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, then stir the gravy and flip the patties.
  4. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until the meat and gravy are hot.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Place the hamburger steak and gravy in the slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low heat.
  3. Cover and cook for 1-2 hours, or until the meat is thoroughly heated and the gravy is hot.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Place the hamburger steak and gravy in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag using the water displacement method.
  2. Set your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and cook for 1 hour.
  4. Remove from the bag and serve immediately.

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

• Skillet: This is essential for cooking the patties and later for making the onion gravy.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the patties to ensure they brown evenly on both sides.

• Knife: Necessary for slicing the onion.

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

• Measuring cups: Useful for measuring out the bread crumbs and beef broth.

• Measuring spoons: Needed for measuring the flour and butter.

• Whisk: Helps in stirring the flour into the onions and gradually incorporating the beef broth to make a smooth gravy.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the patties when placing them back into the skillet with the gravy.

• Ladle: Perfect for spooning the gravy over the patties.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop onions and measure out bread crumbs and beef broth before starting.

Use pre-made patties: Save time by using store-bought ground beef patties.

Quick gravy: Use instant gravy mix instead of making it from scratch.

One-pan method: Cook patties and onions in the same skillet to reduce cleanup time.