Easy and delicious, this humble meal transforms inexpensive ingredients into something comforting and memorable. Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy is a family-friendly classic that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor—perfect for weeknights or casual dinners.
This post was originally published in January 2011.
Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy Recipe
When I was newly married and a new mom, we once hosted my in-laws on short notice with very little in the fridge. Ground beef and onions were about all I had, and this recipe was born from that scramble. Simple, inexpensive, and satisfying, it quickly became a household favorite and remains a dependable comfort dish.
This version cooks small seasoned beef patties, browns them with onions, and finishes everything in a rich pan gravy made with beef broth and a splash of sherry for depth. Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice to soak up the sauce.
Recipe Shopping List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this dish. Scroll to the recipe card further below for exact quantities and cooking times.
- Ground beef
- Egg
- Panko bread crumbs
- Black pepper
- Seasoned salt
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- A-1 sauce or similar steak sauce
- Vegetable oil
- Yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- All-purpose flour
- Beef broth
- Cooking sherry (optional, adds depth)
How To Make This Recipe
Below is an overview of the method so you know what to expect. The full recipe with exact measurements appears in the recipe card further down.
- Mix the patties – Combine ground beef with egg, breadcrumbs, seasonings, and a splash of steak sauce. Gently mix with your hands until everything is combined; avoid overworking the meat to keep the patties tender. Shape the mixture into small, flat patties so they cook evenly.
- Brown – Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and sprinkle sliced onions around them. Brown the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until a golden crust forms. Remove browned patties to a plate and brown remaining patties in batches if necessary.
- Make the onion gravy – After the patties are browned, stir the onions in the pan and sprinkle flour over them. If the pan is very lean, add a tablespoon or two of butter so the flour can form a smooth roux. Cook briefly, then whisk in beef broth and a splash of sherry. Simmer over low heat until the gravy thickens to your liking.
- Finish the patties – Return the patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover and simmer gently until the patties are cooked through. Use a thermometer if desired; cook until done to your preference.
- Serve and enjoy – Spoon gravy and onions over the patties and serve with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed rice.
This meal is forgiving and easy to adapt. For richer flavor use a fattier ground beef blend or add a little beef bouillon to the broth. For a lighter version, use leaner ground beef and reduce added fats. Consider stirring in a splash of Worcestershire or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the meat mixture for extra savory notes.
Leftovers reheat well; warm gently on the stovetop or in the oven so the gravy remains silky. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days, or freeze for longer storage.
More Comfort Food Recipes
- Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Beef & Dumplings
- Breaded Fish and Chips
- Traeger Marry Me Chicken Thighs
- Beef Stroganoff Soup
- Creamy Mushroom Pork Tenderloin Medallions
Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy — Recipe Card
Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes • Cook Time: 25 minutes • Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 egg
- ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons A-1 sauce (or similar)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup thinly sliced onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 tablespoons cooking sherry (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the egg, seasonings, and A-1 sauce. Add the ground beef and gently combine with your hands. Sprinkle in the panko crumbs and knead until incorporated. Form into small, flat patties.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add patties and scatter the sliced onions around them. Cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove browned patties to a plate and brown remaining patties in batches as needed.
- After all patties are browned, stir the onions in the pan and sprinkle the flour over them. If the pan seems dry, add a tablespoon or two of butter to help the flour form a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes, then whisk in beef broth and sherry. Simmer until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.
- Return the patties to the pan, cover, and simmer over low heat until the patties are cooked through and heated, about 15–20 minutes depending on thickness. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 419 • Total Fat: 25g • Saturated Fat: 8g • Trans Fat: 1g • Unsaturated Fat: 13g • Cholesterol: 125mg • Sodium: 610mg • Carbohydrates: 13g • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 3g • Protein: 34g
Nutrition data provided here is an estimate. If you require precise values for dietary or medical reasons, consult a trusted source or nutrition professional.
This straightforward, savory dish is a reliable comfort-food option—easy to scale, flexible in seasoning, and perfect for feeding a crowd or keeping the family happy on busy nights.