When it comes to a wholesome, comforting dinner, few dishes hit the spot like a savory hamburger steak smothered in rich mushroom gravy. This dish combines the simplicity of ground beef with the depth of a perfectly seasoned, velvety sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for family meals or a cozy night in.

Remember it later

Like this recipe? Pin it to your favorite board NOW!

Ingredients Overview

The beauty of this recipe lies in its accessible ingredients, many of which are pantry staples. For the hamburger steak, 90% lean ground beef forms the foundation, combined with dried breadcrumbs, a large egg, and finely diced yellow onions for extra moisture and flavor. Seasoned with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper, the beef patties are simple yet satisfying.

As for the gravy, a mix of butter, mushrooms, thinly sliced onions, and garlic creates an earthy, savory base. Flour thickens the sauce, while beef broth and Worcestershire sauce bring a delightful umami depth. The result is a sauce that’s glossy and perfectly coats each hamburger steak, garnished with fresh parsley for a final touch of brightness.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Hamburger Steak

Start by preparing the hamburger steaks. The key here is balance—combine the ground beef with the egg, breadcrumbs, and diced onions, but take care not to overwork the mixture. Overmixing can lead to tough patties, so gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Once the meat mixture is ready, shape it into 4-5 oval patties that are about ½ inch thick. The size ensures even cooking and the perfect balance of crust and juicy center.

Cooking the patties requires heating a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Cook each patty for about five minutes per side, ensuring a beautiful brown sear forms. The internal temperature of the patties should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption. Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the skillet, cover them with foil to retain their heat, and let them rest while you prepare the gravy.

Crafting a Flavorful Mushroom Gravy

Now comes the magic of the gravy. Using the same skillet ensures you capture all the flavorful bits left behind by the hamburger steaks. Melt the butter and sauté the sliced mushrooms and onions for about 4-5 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their natural sweetness. The key here is to cook the onions until translucent and the mushrooms until they release their moisture and start to brown.

Once the mushrooms and onions are ready, add minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn but releases its fragrance. Next, sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture, stirring constantly for another 30 seconds. This process thickens the gravy without forming lumps. Gradually pour in the beef broth while continuing to whisk, bringing the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and develops a rich, glossy texture. The Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper round out the flavors, adding depth and a subtle tang.

Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the thickened gravy. Spoon the sauce over the patties, letting them absorb the flavors for another five minutes of cooking. By the time you’re done, you’ll have juicy hamburger steaks infused with the essence of the mushroom gravy.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

How to avoid overworking the meat mixture for tender patties:
Handle the meat gently. Mix just enough to incorporate the ingredients without compacting the beef, which keeps the patties tender.

Suggestions for seasoning adjustments based on personal preference:
Feel free to experiment with seasoning—add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or a touch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Tips for making the gravy smooth and lump-free:
The key is gradually adding the broth while whisking constantly. This helps prevent the formation of lumps and ensures a smooth, velvety sauce.

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef, but adjust the cooking time accordingly as they may cook faster.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour for gluten-free versions to make this meal suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I prepare the patties in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the patties ahead of time, storing them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This dish pairs beautifully with classic sides that soak up the flavorful mushroom gravy. Creamy mashed potatoes are a natural fit, providing a soft, buttery base for the rich sauce. For a lighter option, consider serving the hamburger steak with steamed broccoli or crisp green beans. The freshness of the vegetables balances the heartiness of the meat and gravy, making for a well-rounded meal. You might also add a slice of crusty bread to mop up any leftover gravy on the plate.

Variations and Add-Ons

There’s plenty of room to get creative with this dish. If you’re a fan of mushrooms, consider using a variety like cremini, portobello, or even shiitake for added depth. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also elevate the dish, adding a fragrant note to both the patties and the gravy.

If you prefer a different protein, ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives, offering a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. Simply adjust the cooking times to ensure they reach the appropriate internal temperature. For a vegetarian twist, replace the beef patties with hearty vegetable patties and use vegetable broth in the gravy.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored easily for another comforting meal later. Once cooled, store the hamburger steaks and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’d like to freeze them, they can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.

When it comes to reheating, the key is to keep the patties from drying out. Reheat them slowly in a skillet over low heat, spooning the gravy over them as they warm through. If using a microwave, add a splash of broth or water to the dish to help maintain moisture during reheating.

With its hearty flavors and comforting textures, this hamburger steak with mushroom gravy is the kind of meal that brings people together. Whether you’re looking for an easy family dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy. The juicy beef patties, rich gravy, and simple ingredients come together in perfect harmony, leaving you with a meal that’s both delicious and fulfilling.

Ingredients

For the Hamburger Steak:

1 ¼ pounds (570 grams) ground beef, 90% lean
1 large egg
½ cup finely diced yellow onion
¼ cup (30 grams) dried breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Gravy:

3 tablespoons butter
8 ounces (225 grams) mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups (350 ml) beef broth (or chicken broth as an alternative)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef with the egg, breadcrumbs, diced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing to maintain the texture of the meat. Shape the mixture into 4-5 oval patties, roughly ½ inch thick.

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C. Transfer the patties to a plate, cover with foil, and set them aside.

Using the same skillet, melt the butter. Sauté the sliced mushrooms and onions for about 4-5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir continuously for another 30 seconds. Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the gravy to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a glossy consistency.

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to season the gravy.

Return the cooked hamburger steaks to the skillet, spooning the gravy generously over the top. Let them cook in the sauce for another 5 minutes.

Remove from heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve alongside mashed potatoes with steamed broccoli or green beans for a hearty meal.