Smothered Hamburger Steak
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp. oil
- 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced onion
- 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 tsp. salt
Directions:
- Prepare the Patties:
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, black pepper, 1 tsp salt, onion powder, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Form the mixture into thick patties.
- Cook the Patties:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the patties and sliced onions in the hot oil until the patties are nicely browned on both sides.
- Remove the beef patties to a plate, and keep warm.
- Make the Gravy:
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and drippings in the skillet.
- Stir in the flour with a fork, scraping bits of beef off the bottom of the skillet as you stir.
- Gradually mix in the beef broth. Season with the remaining 1/2 tsp salt.
- Simmer and stir over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, until the gravy thickens.
- Simmer the Patties:
- Turn the heat to low, return the beef patties to the gravy, cover, and simmer for another 15 minutes.
- Serve:
- Serve the smothered hamburger steak with a big bowl of mashed potatoes.
20 Most Popular Questions and Their Answers Related to Smothered Hamburger Steak
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Yes, ground turkey can be used as a substitute for a leaner option.
- Can I add mushrooms to the gravy?
- Absolutely, adding mushrooms will enhance the flavor of the gravy.
- What type of bread crumbs should I use?
- You can use plain or Italian-seasoned bread crumbs.
- Can I make this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, use gluten-free bread crumbs and flour to make it gluten-free.
- Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
- Yes, chicken broth can be used, but beef broth is recommended for a richer flavor.
- Can I freeze the patties?
- Yes, you can freeze the cooked patties and gravy for up to 3 months.
- How do I reheat leftovers?
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Can I add cheese to the patties?
- Yes, you can mix shredded cheese into the beef mixture before forming the patties.
- Can I cook the patties in the oven?
- Yes, bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, then make the gravy on the stovetop.
- What other sides go well with this dish?
- Green beans, roasted vegetables, or a side salad are great options.
- Can I make the gravy thicker?
- Yes, add more flour or reduce the broth for a thicker gravy.
- What type of oil should I use?
- Any cooking oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil, will work.
- Can I add more spices to the patties?
- Yes, you can add spices like paprika, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor.
- How can I make the dish spicier?
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Can I use pre-made hamburger patties?
- Yes, but homemade patties are recommended for better flavor.
- What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
- Soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar can be used as substitutes.
- Can I add vegetables to the patties?
- Yes, finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots can be added.
- How long does it take to cook the patties?
- It takes about 5-7 minutes per side to cook the patties over medium heat.
- Can I use a different type of onion?
- Yes, any type of onion, such as yellow, white, or red, can be used.
- Can I make this dish in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the patties and gravy ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.
30 Secrets to Master the Recipe
- Use fresh ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overmix the beef mixture to avoid tough patties.
- Form uniform patties for even cooking.
- Season both sides of the patties well before cooking.
- Use a hot skillet to sear the patties for a nice crust.
- Cook the onions slowly to caramelize them and enhance their sweetness.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best results.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth before making the gravy.
- Add a dash of soy sauce to the gravy for depth of flavor.
- Stir the flour well to avoid lumps in the gravy.
- Use low heat when simmering the patties in the gravy to keep them tender.
- Let the patties rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Add a splash of cream to the gravy for extra richness.
- Use freshly minced garlic for a more robust flavor.
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomato sauce in the gravy.
- Season the gravy to taste before serving.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for a better texture.
- Soak the breadcrumbs in a little milk for extra moist patties.
- Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy for a deeper flavor.
- Use high-quality beef broth for the best flavor.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color.
- Serve with homemade mashed potatoes for the best experience.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the patties are cooked through.
- Rest the patties on a wire rack after browning to keep them crisp.
- Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal later.
- Use a mixture of ground meats like beef and pork for extra flavor.
- Add a splash of red wine to the gravy for richness.
- Use a non-stick skillet for easier cleanup.
- Experiment with different spices in the beef mixture.
- Enjoy the process and make it your own by adjusting the seasonings to your taste.