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For the Brown Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (or stock)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon onion powder or garlic powder for extra flavor
How to Make Hamburger Steaks with Brown Gravy
Step 1: Prepare the Hamburger Steaks
- Season the ground beef: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Form the patties: Use your hands to shape the mixture into 4-5 oval-shaped patties. Press the center of each patty slightly to ensure they cook evenly.
- Cook the patties: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the patties are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for well-done beef.
- Remove the patties: Once cooked, remove the hamburger steaks from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Leave the drippings in the skillet, as they’ll add flavor to your gravy.
Step 2: Make the Brown Gravy
- Make the roux: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the drippings and let it melt. Once melted, add the flour and stir constantly to form a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to absorb the fat and develop a slightly nutty fragrance. Be careful not to burn the flour.
- Add the broth: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring that there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the gravy thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be smooth and velvety.
- Season the gravy: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add onion powder or garlic powder for extra flavor, if desired.
- Return the patties: Once the gravy has thickened, return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, spooning some of the gravy over each patty. Let them simmer in the gravy for an additional 5-7 minutes to absorb the flavors and ensure they’re heated through.
Step 3: Serve
Once the hamburger steaks are simmered in the gravy, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the hamburger steaks with the delicious brown gravy spooned over the top.
Serving Suggestions
Hamburger steaks with brown gravy are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete the meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: The rich brown gravy is perfect for pouring over creamy mashed potatoes, making this classic combination a favorite.
- Rice: Serve the hamburger steaks over white or brown rice for a simple yet filling meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add some roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts to balance out the richness of the beef and gravy.
- Bread: A warm slice of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any remaining gravy on your plate.
Variations to Try
While the traditional hamburger steak with brown gravy recipe is simple and comforting, there are some fun ways to mix it up:
- Mushroom Brown Gravy: Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy, savory twist. Simply cook sliced mushrooms in the skillet before adding the flour and proceed with the gravy as directed.
- Onion Gravy: For an extra burst of flavor, sauté sliced onions until they’re caramelized, and then add them to the gravy. This gives it a sweet and savory depth.
- Spicy Hamburger Steaks: For those who like a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix or gravy.
Conclusion: The Perfect Comfort Food
Hamburger steaks with brown gravy is the ultimate comfort food—simple, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. This dish takes just a few basic ingredients and transforms them into a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a casual weeknight meal, or just craving some good old-fashioned comfort, this recipe is a keeper.
With its tender, juicy patties and rich brown gravy, this dish is guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables, and you’ve got a classic meal that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy!
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