Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy Recipe

Ground beef: The main protein for the patties, providing a rich and savory flavor.

Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.

Bread crumbs: Adds texture and helps bind the patties.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to both the patties and the gravy.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and warmth.

Vegetable oil: Used for cooking the patties and onions.

Beef broth: Forms the base of the gravy, adding a rich, beefy flavor.

Cornstarch: Thickens the gravy to the desired consistency.

Water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry for thickening the gravy.

When forming the patties, avoid over-mixing the ground beef mixture. Over-mixing can lead to a dense and tough texture. Instead, gently combine the ingredients until just mixed. This will help maintain a tender and juicy hamburger steak.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to create a binding agent similar to an egg.

• bread crumbs - Substitute with oatmeal: Ground oatmeal can act as a binder and adds a slightly different texture but works well in holding the mixture together.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile that is a bit more earthy.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and adds a subtle flavor to the dish.

• beef broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used as a lighter alternative while still providing a rich flavor.

• cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a great thickening agent and works similarly to cornstarch.

• water - Substitute with milk: Milk can add a bit of creaminess to the gravy, enhancing its texture and flavor.

• Allow the hamburger steak and gravy to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy textures and spoilage.
• Transfer the patties and gravy into airtight containers. For best results, use separate containers for the patties and the gravy to maintain texture and flavor.
• If you prefer to store them together, place the patties in a single layer and pour the gravy over them, ensuring they are fully submerged to keep them moist.
• Label the containers with the date of preparation to keep track of freshness.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.
• When freezing, consider wrapping each patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. This prevents them from sticking together and makes it easier to thaw individual portions.
• To reheat, thaw frozen patties and gravy in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to maintain moisture.
• Alternatively, reheat in the microwave. Place the patties and gravy in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring the gravy occasionally until heated through.
• For best results, avoid reheating multiple times as this can lead to a loss of flavor and texture.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the hamburger steak and gravy in a skillet.
  2. Add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying out.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat over medium-low heat.
  4. Stir occasionally, ensuring the gravy doesn't stick to the bottom.
  5. Heat until the hamburger steak is warmed through, approximately 10-15 minutes.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the hamburger steak and gravy in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until thoroughly warmed.
  5. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the hamburger steak and gravy in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir the gravy and flip the hamburger steak halfway through.
  5. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until hot.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Place the hamburger steak and gravy in the slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low heat.
  3. Cover and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Ensure the hamburger steak is heated through before serving.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Place the hamburger steak and gravy in a vacuum-sealed bag or a ziplock bag using the water displacement method.
  2. Set your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  4. Remove from the bag and serve immediately.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.

• Skillet: This is essential for cooking the patties and caramelizing the onions.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the patties and stirring the onions and gravy.

• Knife: Necessary for chopping the onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion.

• Measuring cups: Use these to measure out the bread crumbs, beef broth, and water.

• Measuring spoons: These will help you accurately measure the salt, pepper, and cornstarch.

• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the cornstarch and water to create the slurry.

• Whisk: Useful for mixing the slurry and ensuring the gravy thickens smoothly.

• Plate: Use this to set aside the cooked patties while you prepare the gravy.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and measure out the bread crumbs, salt, and pepper before you start cooking.

Use a food processor: Quickly mix the ground beef, egg, and other ingredients using a food processor to save time.

Pre-make patties: Form the patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.

Caramelize onions faster: Add a pinch of sugar to the onions to speed up caramelization.

Make gravy ahead: Prepare the gravy in advance and reheat it when needed.