Smothered Hamburger Steak

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Simmer the Patties:
   • Turn the heat to low, return the beef patties to the gravy, cover, and simmer for another 15 minutes.
5. 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

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
   • Yes, ground turkey can be used as a substitute for a leaner option.
2. Can I add mushrooms to the gravy?
   • Absolutely, adding mushrooms will enhance the flavor of the gravy.
3. What type of bread crumbs should I use?
   • You can use plain or Italian-seasoned bread crumbs.
4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   • Yes, use gluten-free bread crumbs and flour to make it gluten-free.
5. Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
   • Yes, chicken broth can be used, but beef broth is recommended for a richer flavor.
6. Can I freeze the patties?
   • Yes, you can freeze the cooked patties and gravy for up to 3 months.
7. How do I reheat leftovers?
   • Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
8. Can I add cheese to the patties?
   • Yes, you can mix shredded cheese into the beef mixture before forming the patties.
9. 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.
10. What other sides go well with this dish?
    • Green beans, roasted vegetables, or a side salad are great options.
11. Can I make the gravy thicker?
    • Yes, add more flour or reduce the broth for a thicker gravy.
12. What type of oil should I use?
    • Any cooking oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil, will work.
13. Can I add more spices to the patties?
    • Yes, you can add spices like paprika, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor.
14. How can I make the dish spicier?
    • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
15. Can I use pre-made hamburger patties?
    • Yes, but homemade patties are recommended for better flavor.
16. What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
    • Soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar can be used as substitutes.
17. Can I add vegetables to the patties?
    • Yes, finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots can be added.
18. How long does it take to cook the patties?
    • It takes about 5-7 minutes per side to cook the patties over medium heat.
19. Can I use a different type of onion?
    • Yes, any type of onion, such as yellow, white, or red, can be used.
20. 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

1. Use fresh ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
2. Don’t overmix the beef mixture to avoid tough patties.
3. Form uniform patties for even cooking.
4. Season both sides of the patties well before cooking.
5. Use a hot skillet to sear the patties for a nice crust.
6. Cook the onions slowly to caramelize them and enhance their sweetness.
7. Use a cast-iron skillet for the best results.
8. Deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth before making the gravy.
9. Add a dash of soy sauce to the gravy for depth of flavor.
10. Stir the flour well to avoid lumps in the gravy.
11. Use low heat when simmering the patties in the gravy to keep them tender.
12. Let the patties rest for a few minutes before serving.
13. Add a splash of cream to the gravy for extra richness.
14. Use freshly minced garlic for a more robust flavor.
15. Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomato sauce in the gravy.
16. Season the gravy to taste before serving.
17. Use fresh breadcrumbs for a better texture.
18. Soak the breadcrumbs in a little milk for extra moist patties.
19. Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy for a deeper flavor.
20. Use high-quality beef broth for the best flavor.
21. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color.
22. Serve with homemade mashed potatoes for the best experience.
23. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the patties are cooked through.
24. Rest the patties on a wire rack after browning to keep them crisp.
25. Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal later.
26. Use a mixture of ground meats like beef and pork for extra flavor.
27. Add a splash of red wine to the gravy for richness.
28. Use a non-stick skillet for easier cleanup.
29. Experiment with different spices in the beef mixture.
30. Enjoy the process and make it your own by adjusting the seasonings to your taste.