Is there anything more comforting than a warm, juicy hamburger steak recipe smothered in savory mushroom gravy? If you grew up in the South like I did, you probably remember family dinners with this classic dish served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and buttery green beans. It’s pure comfort food that never goes out of style — and the best part is, you can make it at home in under 30 minutes!
In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to make juicy hamburger steaks, a silky mushroom gravy, and share all my tips for keeping the patties tender and flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving a nostalgic dinner, this hamburger steak recipe will be your new weeknight hero.
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Steak Recipe
You’re going to love how easy and delicious this homemade hamburger steak recipe is. Here’s why it’s a keeper:
- Quick and easy: Dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
- Uses pantry staples: You probably have everything you need right now.
- Ultimate comfort food: Juicy beef patties with rich mushroom gravy.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love it.
- Customizable: Make it gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy ingredients for this classic comfort food. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 works best for juiciness)
- ½ cup plain bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 small yellow onion, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
For the Mushroom Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Mini-tip: Use baby bella mushrooms for deeper flavor!
Ingredient Substitutions
Don’t worry if you don’t have every single thing — here’s how you can mix it up:
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and swap flour for cornstarch.
- No mushrooms? Skip them and make a simple onion gravy instead.
- Lighter version: Use ground turkey instead of beef.
- No beef broth? Chicken broth works in a pinch but will be lighter in flavor.
How to Make Hamburger Steak Recipe
This hamburger steak recipe comes together in about 30 minutes. Here’s how to make it step-by-step:
1️⃣ Make the Patties (5 minutes)
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands — don’t overwork it! Form into 4–6 oval-shaped patties.
2️⃣ Cook the Patties (10–12 minutes)
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the hamburger steaks and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the patties to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
3️⃣ Make the Mushroom Gravy (10 minutes)
In the same skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until softened and golden. Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
4️⃣ Combine and Serve (2–3 minutes)
Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, spoon gravy over the top, and simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are my favorite tricks for juicy, flavorful hamburger steak every time:
✔️ Use 80/20 ground beef — the extra fat keeps the patties tender.
✔️ Don’t overmix — handle the beef mixture gently to avoid tough patties.
✔️ Cook in batches if needed — overcrowding the pan steams the meat instead of browning it.
✔️ Deglaze the pan — scrape up those browned bits for extra flavor in your gravy.
✔️ Taste and adjust seasoning — every palate is different!
Variations & Add-Ons
Want to switch things up? Try these tasty ideas:
- Cheesy: Add shredded cheddar to the patties for a melty surprise.
- Spicy: Stir in cayenne or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Southern-style: Serve with gravy over fluffy rice instead of mashed potatoes.
- Vegan option: Swap beef for a plant-based ground meat alternative and use vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
Hamburger steak is a classic comfort meal that pairs perfectly with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans or buttered corn
- Crusty dinner rolls to soak up the gravy
- A crisp garden salad for freshness
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color!
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Keep leftover hamburger steak and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap cooked patties tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Freeze gravy separately.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth to loosen the gravy if needed.
Nutrition Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
Prep, Cook, and Total Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | 20 mins | 30 mins |
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of beef is best for hamburger steak?
I recommend using 80/20 ground beef because it has enough fat to keep the patties juicy and flavorful without drying out.
Can I make hamburger steak ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the patties up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Cooked patties reheat well, too — just store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
What’s the difference between hamburger steak and Salisbury steak?
They’re very similar! Both are seasoned ground beef patties cooked with onion gravy. Salisbury steak usually includes breadcrumbs and an egg for binding, while hamburger steak can be just seasoned ground beef.
How do I make the gravy thicker?
If you’d like thicker gravy, whisk in an extra tablespoon of flour or let the gravy simmer a bit longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
What sides go best with hamburger steak?
Classic sides include mashed potatoes, white rice, buttered egg noodles, or even roasted veggies. I love a green veggie like green beans or broccoli to balance the rich gravy.
Conclusion
If you’re craving an old-fashioned dinner that’s hearty, easy, and packed with flavor, this hamburger steak recipe is for you. Juicy beef patties, rich mushroom gravy, and buttery mashed potatoes — it doesn’t get more comforting than that!
Don’t worry if this is your first time — I promise I’ll walk you through it. Try this recipe, leave a comment below, and tell me how it turned out. I’d love to hear your twist on it, too!
Happy cooking, and enjoy every savory bite of this classic hamburger steak recipe!
Hamburger Steak Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form into 4 patties.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear patties for about 4–5 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add butter, sliced onions, and mushrooms. Cook until softened, about 5–6 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir until the flour is absorbed and slightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Return the patties to the skillet, spoon gravy over them, cover, and simmer on low for another 10–12 minutes until cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with mashed potatoes or rice.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork.
- If you don’t like mushrooms, simply use more onions for the gravy.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
