Ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, beef broth, flour, and sherry come together for savory hamburger steaks with onion gravy—homestyle delicious in 40 minutes.
Have you ever had one of those days where everything’s chaotic, and you’re not proud of that third cup of coffee by 3 PM? That was me last month. I got back from a road trip to grandma’s in the Midwest—think cornfields, old barn smells, and way too much rhubarb pie—and my fridge was practically empty. Except for a lonely pound of ground beef. I was this close to ordering takeout, but then I remembered this old favorite: hamburger steaks with onion gravy. I mean, it’s simple, right? A few ingredients, one skillet, and boom—suddenly, my kitchen smelled like a Sunday evening at grandma’s. It hit the spot. My partner went quiet (in a good way). The dog lingered. That night, I felt like I’d cooked with heart, even though I was kinda winging it—and that’s how this recipe got a starring role in our weeknight line-up.
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy Recipe?
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Pantry-friendly: You probably already have everything on hand—no last-minute grocery trips required.
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Instant nostalgia: Smells and tastes like your childhood, even if you grew up ordering pizza.
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One-pan wonder: Brown the meat, make the gravy, simmer it all—cleanup is a breeze.
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Versatile taste: Mild enough for kids, cozy enough for adults, and gravy-soaked carbs for everyone.
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Time-efficient: Ready in around 40 minutes, so it’s not a dinner marathon, more like a weekend-style hug on a weekday.
Ingredient Notes:
Here’s why each ingredient is there—and what you can switch up if needed:
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Ground beef (1 lb, 80/20) – Juiciness is key here. If you go leaner, add a teaspoon of oil to the meat.
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Breadcrumbs & egg – Like two flavors holding hands; they keep the patties from turning into hockey pucks.
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Worcestershire – Adds that whisper of umami—you don’t know why, but you know it’s good.
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Onion, garlic powder, seasoned salt, pepper – The classic comfort crew.
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Sliced onion – Slowly cooked with the patties, it becomes sweet, melty, and gravy-worthy.
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Flour – Magic thickener—go slowly so you don’t get lumps.
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Beef broth – More flavor, less wateriness—just right.
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Cooking sherry – Optional, but gives the gravy a little grown-up flair.
How To Make Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy?
Step 1: Mix & shape patties
Combine beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire, and spices in a bowl. Mix gently, shape into 6–8 burgers (about palm-sized). I usually do this with my hands—messy, but therapeutic? Sometimes.
Step 2: Brown the patties & onions
Heat oil in a skillet. Add patties and onions. Sear each side for about 4 minutes until they’re golden. Scoop them out and set aside on a warm plate.
Step 3: Build the gravy
Sprinkle flour over onions and pan drippings. Stir fast—scrape up all the brown bits (those are flavor gold). Pour in broth and sherry gradually, whisking as you go. Let it bubble until it thickens to gravy level.
Step 4: Simmer everything together
Return patties to the pan. Turn heat low, cover, and let everything simmer 15 minutes. This finishes cooking the meat and lets those onions marry the patties.
Step 5: Time to eat!
Plate your patties, spoon gravy and onions on top, and serve over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles—whatever you want. Sprinkle parsley if you feel fancy.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Storage Options:
Got extras? Lucky you. Store patties and gravy in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on low in a skillet or microwave—just watch the gravy consistency. You can freeze, but note that the gravy thickens when thawed—add broth when reheating to loosen it up.
Variations and Substitutions:
Make this recipe your own:
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No sherry? Use extra broth or a splash of red wine.
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Want it gluten-free? Use GF breadcrumbs and swap flour for cornstarch slurry (1:1).
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Turkey or chicken? Swap the beef, but know you’ll lose some richness.
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Spicy twist? Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne.
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Bulkier patties? Use ground pork blend—tender fall-apart texture.
What to Serve with Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy?
Great sides to round out the meal:
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Mashed potatoes – Carbs soak that gravy up like a sponge.
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Creamy polenta – If you want something a little different, but still comforting.
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Steamed veggies – Green beans, peas, whatever you have. Crunchy contrast!
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Buttered egg noodles – Throwback vibes, total comfort.
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Dinner rolls – Because leftover gravy is money.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead?
Definitely. Prep the patties the night before and keep them in the fridge. Make the gravy fresh, or reheat it when ready to eat.
Sherry-free option?
Yes—sub broth only or a dash of balsamic for that nuanced flavor.
Can I add mushrooms?
A thousand times yes. Slice them and sauté with peppers—or just toss in with the onions.
This Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy recipe hits all the cozy, stress-free comfort food buttons. It’s one pan, no-fuss, and feels like a hug in your dinner bowl. Give it a go—and hey, tell me: are you team mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice? I wanna know how you jazz it up.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp seasoned salt
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup thinly sliced onion
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp cooking sherry
- ½ tsp seasoned salt for gravy
Instructions
Prepare the Beef Patties:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Mix until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Shape the mixture into eight evenly sized balls, then flatten each into a patty.
Sear the Patties with Onions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and sliced onions to the skillet. Cook for approximately 4 minutes per side, or until the patties are nicely browned. Once browned, transfer the patties to a plate and keep warm.
Prepare the Gravy:
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and remaining drippings in the skillet. Stir thoroughly with a fork, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Slowly pour in the beef broth and cooking sherry while continuing to stir. Season with the additional ½ teaspoon of seasoned salt. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.
Simmer the Patties in Gravy:
- Return the cooked patties to the skillet with the onion gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the patties to simmer for an additional 15 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked and infused with flavor.
Serve:
- Serve hot, ideally over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. Spoon generous amounts of onion gravy over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
