In the south, hamburger patties cooked in gravy are held in such high esteem that they’re called “hamburger steaks.” The recipe below might be called a “poor man’s steak dinner,” but to many southerners, it tastes like a million bucks. If you haven’t tried it, I’m willing to bet you’ll be sold after the first bite.
These hamburger steaks are made from a perfectly seasoned mixture of ground beef. Then they’re seared in a pan. The drippings combined with beef broth are cooked into a thick, rich gravy with tender caramelized onions. The meat finishes cooking in the gravy so the flavor permeates through and through.
Advertisement
Cooktop Cove
Advertisement
Southern Smothered Hamburger Steak
4
15 minutes
35 minutes
50 minutes
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined. Form the mixture into 4 patties.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meat patties and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until nicely browned (its okay if theyre not cooked through). Transfer the browned patties to a plate, leaving the fat from the beef in the skillet.
With the skillet over medium heat, add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook, stirring constantly, until the flour begins to brown and gives of a nutty or toasty aroma. Add the broth and cook, stirring, until the mixture simmers and begins to thicken. Return the patties to the pan and let simmer for about 5 minutes more, until they are heated and cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
Serve the patties with the gravy and onions spooned over the top.
