Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy Recipe

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

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

Bread crumbs: Adds texture and helps to keep the patties moist.

Onion: Used both in the patties and the gravy, adding sweetness and depth of flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity to the patties.

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

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

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

Worcestershire sauce: Adds a unique, tangy flavor to the gravy, enhancing its richness.

When forming the patties, make sure to handle the ground beef mixture gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can result in a dense and tough texture. Additionally, when cooking the sliced onions for the gravy, allow them to caramelize slightly to enhance the depth of flavor.

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

• egg - Substitute with flax egg: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• bread crumbs - Substitute with oatmeal: Oatmeal can act as a binder and adds a bit of texture to the dish.

• onion, chopped - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used in place of onions.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with umami, enhancing the overall taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor but can be used similarly to black pepper.

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

• onion, sliced - Substitute with leeks: Leeks have a milder taste and can be used as a substitute for sliced onions.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch is a good thickening agent and can be used in place of flour for the gravy.

• beef broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used if beef broth is unavailable, though it will slightly alter the flavor.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a similar umami flavor and can be used as a substitute.

• Allow the hamburger steak and gravy to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the patties and gravy into an airtight container. If you have multiple layers of patties, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. The hamburger steak and gravy will maintain their flavor and texture during this period.

• For longer storage, place the cooled patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container or bag with the date of storage. This will help you keep track of how long the hamburger steak has been frozen.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the hamburger steak and gravy in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the dish's quality.

• Reheat the hamburger steak and gravy in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much during storage.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the dish in the microwave. Place the patties and gravy in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

• Enjoy your reheated hamburger steak and gravy with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the leftover hamburger steak and gravy in a skillet.
  2. Add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying out.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat over medium-low heat.
  4. Stir occasionally, ensuring the gravy doesn't stick to the pan.
  5. Heat until the hamburger steak is warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.

• 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 retain moisture.
  4. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
  5. Stir the gravy halfway through to ensure even heating.

• 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.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir the gravy and flip the hamburger steak halfway through.
  5. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until thoroughly warmed.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Place the hamburger steak and gravy in the slow cooker.
  2. Add a small amount of beef broth or water to keep it moist.
  3. Set the slow cooker to low heat.
  4. Cover and heat for 1-2 hours, or until the hamburger steak is hot.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Seal the hamburger steak and gravy in a vacuum-sealed bag.
  2. Preheat the sous vide water bath to 140°F (60°C).
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath.
  4. Heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  5. Remove from the bag and serve immediately.

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

• Skillet: This is essential for cooking the patties and later for making the gravy with the sliced onions.

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

• Knife: Necessary for chopping and slicing the onions.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping and slicing the onions.

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

• Measuring cup: Essential for measuring the beef broth.

• Whisk: Useful for stirring the flour into the onions and for gradually incorporating the beef broth to avoid lumps.

• Tongs: Helpful for handling the patties when placing them back into the skillet.

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

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the onions and the gravy in the skillet.

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

Use a food processor: Quickly mix the ground beef, egg, and bread crumbs in a food processor to save time.

Preheat the skillet: Heat the vegetable oil in the skillet while you shape the patties to save a few minutes.

Make extra gravy: Double the gravy ingredients and freeze half for future meals.

Simmer with a lid: Cover the skillet while simmering to speed up the cooking process and ensure the patties cook evenly.