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**For the Hamburger Steaks:**
– **1 lb ground beef** (preferably 80/20 for a balance of flavor and juiciness)
– **1/4 cup breadcrumbs** (optional, for added texture)
– **1 egg** (to help bind the beef together)
– **1 small onion**, finely chopped
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce**
– **1 teaspoon salt**
– **1/2 teaspoon black pepper**
– **1 tablespoon olive oil** (or vegetable oil, for frying)
**For the Onion Gravy:**
– **1 tablespoon olive oil** (or butter, for sautéing)
– **1 large onion**, thinly sliced
– **1 tablespoon all-purpose flour** (to thicken the gravy)
– **2 cups beef broth** (low-sodium is ideal)
– **1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce**
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **1/2 teaspoon dried thyme** (optional, for extra flavor)
### **Step-by-Step Instructions**
#### **1. Make the Hamburger Steaks**
Start by preparing the hamburger steaks. In a large mixing bowl, combine the **ground beef**, **breadcrumbs**, **egg**, **chopped onion**, **garlic**, **Worcestershire sauce**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Mix everything together until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the beef, as this can make the patties tough.
Next, divide the beef mixture into **4 equal portions** and shape them into oval or round patties. You can make them a bit thinner or thicker depending on your preference, but make sure they are uniform in size so they cook evenly.
#### **2. Cook the Hamburger Steaks**
Heat **1 tablespoon of oil** in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the hamburger patties to the skillet. Cook for about **4-5 minutes per side**, or until the patties are nicely browned and cooked through. The internal temperature of the patties should reach **160°F (71°C)**. Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
#### **3. Make the Onion Gravy**
In the same skillet, add another **tablespoon of oil** (or butter if you prefer a richer flavor) and turn the heat to medium. Add the **sliced onion** and cook, stirring occasionally, for about **10 minutes**, or until the onions become soft, golden, and caramelized. The longer you cook the onions, the sweeter and more flavorful they will become.
Once the onions are caramelized, sprinkle the **flour** over them and stir to combine. This will help thicken the gravy. Cook for another **1-2 minutes** to get rid of the raw flour taste.
Next, slowly add the **beef broth**, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the **Worcestershire sauce**, **thyme**, and **salt and pepper** to taste. Bring the gravy to a simmer and let it cook for about **3-5 minutes**, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
#### **4. Combine the Hamburger Steaks and Gravy**
Return the cooked hamburger steaks to the skillet with the onion gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over the patties and let them simmer together for about **5 minutes** to allow the flavors to meld and the steaks to absorb some of the gravy.
#### **5. Serve and Enjoy**
Once everything is cooked through and the gravy has thickened, remove from heat. Serve the hamburger steaks with a generous amount of onion gravy on top. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
### **Tips for the Best Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy**
1. **Don’t Overwork the Meat**: When mixing the beef for the hamburger patties, be gentle and avoid overmixing. Overworking the meat can result in tough, dense patties.
2. **Caramelize the Onions Slowly**: The key to a flavorful gravy is caramelizing the onions slowly over medium heat. Don’t rush this step! It may take about 10 minutes, but the sweet, golden onions will add so much flavor to the dish.
3. **Use Lean Ground Beef**: While you can use any ground beef you prefer, using **80/20 ground beef** gives the right balance of juiciness and flavor for the hamburger steaks. If you want to reduce fat, feel free to use leaner ground beef, but keep in mind that the patties may be less juicy.
4. **Customize the Gravy**: If you want to elevate the gravy, consider adding a splash of **red wine** or **soy sauce** for additional depth of flavor. Fresh herbs like **rosemary** or **parsley** can also be used for garnish.
5. **Make It a Complete Meal**: Serve your hamburger steaks with your favorite sides like **mashed potatoes**, **roasted vegetables**, or a simple **green salad**. The rich onion gravy pairs especially well with mashed potatoes for a truly comforting meal.
### **Healthier Tips**
While this dish is inherently comforting and filling, there are a few ways to make it a bit healthier:
– **Lean Ground Beef**: Choose **lean ground beef** (90% or higher) to reduce the fat content.
– **Lower-Sodium Broth**: Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content of the gravy.
– **Vegetable Additions**: Add some vegetables to the gravy for extra nutrition, like **mushrooms**, **carrots**, or **spinach**.
### **Conclusion: A Hearty and Flavorful Meal**
**Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy** is a classic, comforting dish that will satisfy your cravings and fill your stomach. The juicy hamburger patties combined with rich, caramelized onion gravy make for a perfect meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this dish will hit the spot every time.
With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and plenty of room for customization, hamburger steaks with onion gravy is a meal you’ll want to make again and again. So, grab your skillet, get cooking, and enjoy the delicious, heartwarming taste of this classic comfort food!
