Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy Recipe

Ground beef: The main protein for the dish, 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.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor.

Onion: Provides sweetness and depth to the gravy.

All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the gravy.

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

Vegetable oil: Used for cooking the patties and onions.

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 caramelizing the onions, be patient and cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they reach a deep golden brown color. This process can take about 15-20 minutes but will add a rich, sweet flavor to your gravy.

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

• egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water can replace an egg and is a good vegan alternative.

• bread crumbs - Substitute with oatmeal: Oatmeal can be used as a binder and adds a slightly different texture but works well in holding the patty together.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can reduce the need for additional salt.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter taste compared to onions and can add a more delicate flavor.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch is a great thickening agent and can be used to create a similar consistency in the gravy.

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

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and can be used for cooking and sautéing with a similar result.

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

• Transfer the hamburger steaks and gravy into an airtight container. Make sure to use a container that is appropriately sized to minimize air exposure.

• If you plan to store the dish for more than a couple of days, consider using a vacuum sealer to remove excess air, which can help preserve the flavor and texture.

• Label the container with the date of preparation. This will help you keep track of how long the dish has been stored.

• Place the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place it in the freezer.

• When freezing, ensure the container is freezer-safe to avoid any potential cracking or breaking. You can also use heavy-duty freezer bags, laying them flat to save space.

• To reheat, thaw the hamburger steaks and gravy in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the gravy if it has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

• Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the hamburger steaks 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.

• For best results, consume the reheated dish within 2-3 days of initial storage to enjoy the optimal flavor and texture.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil.
  2. Add the 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 heated thoroughly.

• 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 internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

• 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, stirring the gravy halfway through.
  4. Check the temperature and continue heating in 30-second intervals until 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 heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Preheat your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  2. Place the hamburger steak and gravy in a vacuum-sealed bag.
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for 1 hour.
  4. Remove from the bag and serve immediately.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper into a uniform mixture.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used to cook the patties and caramelize the onions.

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the patties while cooking to ensure they brown evenly on both sides.

• Knife: Used to slice the large onion into even pieces.

• Cutting board: A surface on which to safely slice the onion.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the salt, pepper, and flour accurately.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the bread crumbs and beef broth.

• Whisk: Used to stir the flour into the onions and to gradually incorporate the beef broth, ensuring the gravy thickens smoothly.

• Lid: Used to cover the skillet while the patties simmer in the gravy, allowing the flavors to meld together.

• Plate: Used to set aside the browned patties temporarily.

• Wooden spoon: Used to stir the onions and the gravy, ensuring even cooking and preventing sticking.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and measure out the bread crumbs and spices before you start cooking.

Use pre-made patties: Save time by using store-bought ground beef patties instead of making them from scratch.

Quick caramelization: Slice the onion thinly to speed up the caramelization process.

Instant gravy: Use a gravy mix instead of making it from scratch to save time.

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