When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compare to the classic hamburger steak with onions and gravy. This dish combines the savory flavors of tender hamburger patties, caramelized onions, and a rich, flavorful gravy. It’s an easy and affordable meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction. In this article, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this mouthwatering recipe, as well as some tips to make your Hamburger Steak with Onions even more delicious. Plus, we will provide variations to suit different tastes, and give you insight into the versatility of ground beef in making juicy hamburgers and other hamburger steak recipes.
The Perfect Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy
Ingredients for Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy
To make a flavorful hamburger steak with onions and gravy, you will need the following ingredients:
- For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 pound ground beef (you can use 80/20 lean to fat ratio for the best flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 ovo grande
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 colher de chá de alho em pó
- Sal e pimenta a gosto
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
- For the Onion Gravy:
- 1 large onion, sliced thin
- 2 cups beef broth (use low-sodium if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 colheres de sopa de manteiga
- 1 colher de sopa de azeite de oliva
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Sal e pimenta a gosto
Instructions for Making Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy
1. Preparing the Hamburger Steaks
The first step in making this delicious Hamburger Steak with Onions is preparing the hamburger patties. Begin by placing the ground beef in a large mixing bowl. Add in the breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring everything is evenly combined. Once the mixture is ready, divide it into equal portions, typically making four patties, but you can make more or fewer depending on your preferred size.
Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, place the hamburger patties in the skillet. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Keep them warm while you prepare the onion gravy.
2. Making the Onion Gravy
In the same skillet, add the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt, and then add the sliced onions. Sauté the onions for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are soft and caramelized. This step adds depth and sweetness to the gravy, which is one of the key components of the dish.
Once the onions are caramelized, sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well. The flour will help thicken the gravy as it cooks. Cook the mixture for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw taste of the flour.
Now, slowly add the beef broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Add the Worcestershire sauce, and season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Combining the Hamburger Steaks and Gravy
Once the gravy has thickened, carefully place the cooked hamburger steaks back into the skillet with the gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over the patties, ensuring they are well-covered. Let the patties simmer in the gravy for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Your Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy is now ready to serve. The rich, savory gravy complements the juicy hamburger steaks perfectly, and the caramelized onions add a beautiful touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions for Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy
This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions to make your meal even more satisfying:
- Purê De Batatas: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes is perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy. For an extra touch, top your mashed potatoes with a little bit of butter or chives.
- Rice: Serve the hamburger steak and gravy over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a hearty meal.
- Vegetables: Steamed green beans, broccoli, or peas are excellent choices to balance the richness of the hamburger steak and gravy.
- Pão de milho: If you’re looking for something a little different, cornbread can be an excellent accompaniment to this dish. Its slightly sweet flavor will complement the savory taste of the hamburger steak with onions.
Tips for Making the Best Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy
- Use Lean Ground Beef: While you can use any ground beef, 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is ideal for hamburger steaks as it provides enough fat to keep the patties juicy while maintaining a good texture. If you prefer a leaner option, you can opt for ground turkey or chicken, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- Não Sobrecarregar a Carne: When mixing the ground beef with the other ingredients, be careful not to overwork the mixture. This can result in tough patties. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Add Flavor to the Gravy: If you want to enhance the flavor of the gravy, consider adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of soy sauce for depth. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also elevate the taste.
- Make it Spicy: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy. This will bring a nice contrast to the sweetness of the caramelized onions.
- Rest the Patties: After cooking the hamburger steaks, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help redistribute the juices inside the patties, keeping them moist and flavorful.
Variations of Hamburger Steak Recipes
While this recipe for Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy is classic and delicious, there are several variations you can try to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
1. Cheesy Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy
For a cheesy twist, add shredded cheese to the hamburger steaks just before serving. Cheddar cheese is a great option, but you can also use mozzarella or Swiss for a different flavor profile. Place the cheese on the patties during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to melt into the steak.
2. Mushroom Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy
For those who enjoy the earthy taste of mushrooms, add sliced mushrooms to the gravy. Simply sauté the mushrooms with the onions and follow the rest of the gravy recipe as usual. The mushrooms will soak up the gravy and add a delicious umami flavor to the dish.
3. Spicy Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy
To make this dish spicy, mix some crushed red pepper flakes into the hamburger patty mixture. You can also add a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy for an extra kick. This variation works especially well if you enjoy heat with your savory dishes.
4. Low-Carb Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy
For a lower-carb version of this dish, replace the breadcrumbs in the hamburger steaks with almond flour or ground pork rinds. Additionally, use cauliflower mash instead of mashed potatoes, or skip the potatoes altogether and serve with a side of steamed veggies.
Benefits of Using Ground Beef in Hamburger Meat Recipes
Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes beyond hamburger steak recipes. It’s affordable, easy to work with, and can be seasoned to suit any flavor profile. Here are some benefits of using ground beef in your meals:
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is relatively inexpensive, making it an ideal choice for families and those on a budget.
- Quick and Easy to Cook: Ground beef cooks quickly, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal on the table fast.
- Flavor Versatility: Ground beef takes on the flavors of the seasonings and sauces you add, which means you can make a wide range of dishes, from juicy hamburgers to meatballs, chili, and more.
- High in Protein: Ground beef is a great source of protein, essential for building and repairing muscles. It’s also rich in iron, zinc, and other important nutrients.
Conclusão
Hamburger steak with onions and gravy is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The juicy hamburger patties, tender onions, and flavorful gravy create a dish that is both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread, this dish will become a family favorite in no time. With the versatility of ground beef, you can also experiment with different variations to suit your preferences, from adding cheese to making it spicy. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a comforting, savory meal, try this easy and tasty Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy recipe.
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