This hamburger steaks with onion gravy recipe is an old school soul food dish in the South. Considered a classic comfort food meal, it combines seasoned ground beef patties with a flavorful brown gravy, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

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Get your pots and pans ready, y’all! It’s cold outside, and we’re making something cozy and delicious. This country hamburger steak and onion gravy recipe is a close cousin to our famous Southern smothered oxtail, and it’s just as comforting.

Ground beef patties are browned and cooked in a tasty onion gravy, then served over creamy mashed potatoes. It’s classic soul food and one of my favorite comfort food meals.

Even the pickiest eaters will love this one! As a family of eight, we always need budget-friendly meals that make everyone happy, and this one does the trick. The kids loved the hamburger steaks and the gravy! Pair it with collard greens, cabbage, cornbread, or black-eyed peas for a full, satisfying meal.

For more great dinner ideas, check out our Soul Food Sunday Dinner Ideas roundup!

What you’ll love about this recipe

Comfort Food: These juicy, seared hamburger steaks with rich onion gravy are the perfect comfort food, especially on cold winter nights.
Full of Flavor: Roasted garlic and soul food seasoning give the patties a deep, savory taste that’s sure to hit the spot.
Hearty & Satisfying: Served with creamy mashed potatoes, this meal is not only affordable but also filling, leaving you wanting more every time.

Ingredients

Ground Beef (80/20): Look for ground beef that’s 80% lean and 20% fat for the juiciest hamburger steaks. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use 90/10, but the texture may be less rich.
Roasted Garlic: Roasting garlic brings out a sweeter, milder flavor. If you don’t have roasted garlic, simply mince raw garlic and sauté it before mixing with the beef for a similar effect.
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds a tangy, savory flavor to your patties and gravy. Look for Lee & Perrins or Bear and Burton’s W Sauce for a well-balanced flavor.
Soul Food Seasoning: This homemade blend adds that Southern kick to your dishes. If using store bought, we recommend Slap Ya Mama or Tony Chachere’s for a good balance of spices.
Neutral Oil: Use a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil. Avoid olive oil here, as it has a distinct flavor that might overpower the dish.

Onion Gravy

White Onion: For the perfect onion gravy, choose a firm, white onion. White onions are slightly sweeter and less pungent than yellow onions.
Flour: Use all-purpose flour to thicken the gravy. For a gluten-free option, you can use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to adjust the amount for desired thickness.
Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the salt levels in your dish. Our favorite brand is Kerrygold.
Beef Broth: For rich, deep flavor, choose a quality beef broth. If you prefer homemade, simmer beef bones for a few hours for a richer broth.
Water: Add water as needed to adjust the consistency of your gravy.

How to Make Hamburger Steak with Gravy and Onions

In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, roasted garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and soul food seasoning. If you’re using raw garlic, be sure to mince it before adding it to the mix.
Shape the beef mixture into 6-ounce patties.
Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil’s hot, cook the patties for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown.
After searing, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
Continue with directions for making the onion gravy (see below).

Onion Gravy Directions

Turn the heat down to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
Toss in the onion slices and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they’re soft and tender.
Stir in the flour, making a thick paste. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, making sure there are no lumps.
Bring it to a boil and let it cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Add the seared hamburger steaks back to the skillet. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the steaks reach 160°F. For extra smooth gravy, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter until it melts.
Serve the hamburger steaks and gravy over mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food meal.

Serving Suggestions

Hamburger steaks with brown gravy are best served with a big helping of creamy mashed potatoes, the perfect base to soak up all that rich gravy!

On the side, you can’t go wrong with classic Southern dishes:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Maintain Patty Thickness: When making your patties, try to keep them the same thickness so they cook evenly. If some are too thick or thin, they’ll cook unevenly.
Preheat the Skillet for Searing: Make sure your skillet is nice and hot before you start searing the patties. A hot skillet helps get that tasty golden-brown crust.
Deglaze the Skillet for Flavorful Gravy: After searing the hamburger steaks, don’t throw away those flavorful brown bits stuck to the skillet! Pour a little beef broth in and scrape up the bits with a spatula. That’s all flavor that will make your gravy taste amazing.
Gradual Whisking for Smooth Gravy: When you add beef broth to make your gravy, do it slowly and keep whisking. This helps keep the gravy smooth and free of lumps, giving you a velvety texture. Be patient, and you’ll get the perfect consistency.
Resting Time for Juicy Patties: After searing your hamburger steaks, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices stay inside the meat, keeping your patties juicy and flavorful. Tent them with foil to keep them warm while they rest.

Commonly Asked Questions

How do I know when the hamburger steaks are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the hamburger steaks. They should reach at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.

How can I adjust the thickness of the onion gravy?

If the gravy is too thick, you can add more broth to achieve the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it for a bit longer to allow it to reduce and thicken.