When comfort food calls, this classic smothered hamburger steak answers with tender, juicy beef patties draped in rich brown gravy and topped with caramelized onions. It’s the kind of meal that takes you back to family dinners at grandma’s house, where simple ingredients transform into something truly special.
This 30-minute wonder delivers all the satisfaction of a traditional steak dinner but with ground beef’s affordability and quick-cooking convenience. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and homestyle.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
- Uses budget-friendly ground beef instead of expensive cuts
- The gravy makes everything on the plate taste amazing
- Perfect comfort food for the whole family
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 is your best friend here, trust me)
- 1 egg (helps hold everything together)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (don’t skip this!)
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup garlic and herb breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk (I know some folks raise eyebrows at this, but it keeps the meat tender!)
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl
- Form mixture into 6-8 oval patties, about 1-inch thick
- Cook patties in a large skillet over medium-high heat, 4-5 minutes per side
- Remove patties and set aside; add butter and sliced onions to the pan
- Cook onions until golden, about 5 minutes
- Sprinkle flour over onions, stir for 1 minute
- Gradually add beef broth, stirring constantly until gravy thickens
- Return patties to the pan, simmer in gravy for 5 minutes
Tips & Variations
- Use mushrooms along with or instead of onions for extra flavor
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture for deeper flavor
- Make the patties ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking
- For lighter version, use lean ground beef and reduce butter amount
Serving Suggestions
Serve these smothered steaks over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious gravy. Add a side of green beans or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For extra indulgence, pair with buttered dinner rolls.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Patties are done when internal temperature reaches 160°F
- Gravy will continue to thicken as it stands
FAQs
- Can I use ground turkey instead? Yes, but add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the meat mixture for moisture
- Can I freeze this? Yes, freeze for up to 3 months without the gravy
- Why are my patties tough? Avoid overworking the meat mixture and don’t press the patties while cooking
- Can I make this gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of flour for the gravy
Servings4
Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Calories—
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 is your best friend here, trust me)
- 1 egg (helps hold everything together)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (don’t skip this!)
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup garlic and herb breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk (I know some folks raise eyebrows at this, but it keeps the meat tender!)
Steps
- Mix ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl
- Form mixture into 6-8 oval patties, about 1-inch thick
- Cook patties in a large skillet over medium-high heat, 4-5 minutes per side
- Remove patties and set aside; add butter and sliced onions to the pan
- Cook onions until golden, about 5 minutes
- Sprinkle flour over onions, stir for 1 minute
- Gradually add beef broth, stirring constantly until gravy thickens
- Return patties to the pan, simmer in gravy for 5 minutes
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Patties are done when internal temperature reaches 160°F
- Gravy will continue to thicken as it stands
