Hamburger Steaks with Homemade Mushroom Gravy

Hamburger steaks smothered in a rich and savory mushroom gravy make for a comforting and satisfying meal. This dish combines the simplicity of seasoned ground beef patties with the deep flavors of a homemade mushroom gravy. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these hamburger steaks are sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For the Hamburger Steaks:

• 1½ pounds ground beef
• ¼ cup minced onion
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 thinly sliced small yellow onions
• 8 ounces sliced baby bella or button mushrooms
• 10½ ounce can French onion soup
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Hamburger Steaks

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, minced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
2. Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions and shape them into patties, about ¾ inch thick.
3. Cook Patties: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 2: Make the Mushroom Gravy

1. Sauté Onions and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and olive oil. Once the butter is melted and the oil is hot, add the sliced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they are softened and beginning to caramelize.
2. Add Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
3. Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and mushrooms, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook the flour.
4. Add Liquid: Slowly pour in the French onion soup and beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Return Patties to Skillet: Return the cooked hamburger steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over the top of each patty.
2. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the patties to heat through.
3. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme before serving.

Tips for Success

Tip 1: Use Fresh Ingredients

• Fresh onions and mushrooms add depth to the gravy, so use the best quality you can find.

Tip 2: Avoid Over-Mixing the Meat

• Mix the ground beef just until the ingredients are combined to prevent tough patties.

Tip 3: Adjust Seasoning to Taste

• Taste the gravy before adding the patties back in and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Variations

Variation 1: Add Red Wine to the Gravy

• For a richer flavor, deglaze the pan with ½ cup of red wine before adding the French onion soup and beef broth.

Variation 2: Use Different Mushrooms

• Try using a variety of mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, or portobello for a more complex flavor.

Variation 3: Add Vegetables

• Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or carrots into the gravy for added texture and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Serving Suggestion 1: Mashed Potatoes

• Serve the hamburger steaks with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy.

Serving Suggestion 2: Steamed Vegetables

• Balance the richness of the dish with a side of steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli.

Serving Suggestion 3: Crusty Bread

• A slice of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover gravy on your plate.

Hamburger Steaks with Homemade Mushroom Gravy is a classic, comforting dish that brings together the simplicity of ground beef patties and the rich flavors of a homemade gravy. This recipe is easy to follow and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the hearty, savory goodness of these hamburger steaks with your choice of sides for a complete and satisfying meal.