smothered hamburger steak

Smothered Hamburger Steak: A Southern Comfort Classic

Introduction: Smothered Hamburger Steak is a quintessential Southern comfort dish that warms the heart and soul with every bite. This savory delight features seasoned ground beef patties smothered in a rich and velvety onion and mushroom gravy. Served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, it’s a meal that transports you to a cozy Southern kitchen, where the aroma of comfort fills the air. Join us as we dive into this classic recipe and create a dish that’s a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients:

For the Hamburger Steak:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

For Serving:

• Creamy mashed potatoes or cooked rice

Instructions:

Prepare the Hamburger Steak:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into oval or round patties, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil.
4. Cook the hamburger patties in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Prepare the Gravy: 5. In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and let it melt.

6. Add the thinly sliced onion and mushrooms. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and the moisture has evaporated.
7. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
8. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mushroom and onion mixture. Stir well to coat the vegetables.
9. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a rich gravy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
10. Season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste.

Smother the Hamburger Steak: 11. Return the cooked hamburger patties to the skillet, nestling them into the mushroom and onion gravy.

12. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to heat the patties through and allow the flavors to meld.

Serve and Garnish: 13. Serve the Smothered Hamburger Steak over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or cooked rice.

14. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Enjoy the Comfort: 15. Dive into this comforting Southern classic and savor the savory goodness of each bite.

Cook’s Notes:

• You can customize the seasoning of the hamburger patties by adding herbs or spices like paprika or thyme to suit your taste.
• If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can adjust the amount of flour to your liking.
• For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the gravy for some heat.
• Smothered Hamburger Steak pairs wonderfully with Southern-style collard greens or buttered green beans as side dishes.

Conclusion: Smothered Hamburger Steak is a Southern comfort classic that embodies the heartwarming essence of home-cooked meals. With its seasoned ground beef patties nestled in a rich mushroom and onion gravy, it’s a dish that wraps you in a cozy, comforting embrace. So, savor the savory delight of this classic recipe, and let it transport you to a place where Southern hospitality and culinary traditions unite in a symphony of flavors.