If you’re craving a Cracker Barrel-style Hamburger Steak, you’re in for a treat! This dish is a classic comfort food, often served with delicious brown gravy and mashed potatoes, giving you that homey, Southern-style meal. The hamburger steak is simple yet packed with flavor, and the gravy is what really takes it to the next level. Here’s how to make a copycat version of this popular dish!
Cracker Barrel-Style Hamburger Steak
Ingredients:
For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for the juiciest burger)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (you can use crushed crackers or panko for more texture)
- 1/4 cup milk (to moisten the breadcrumbs)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Brown Gravy:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, sliced thin (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (you can also use chicken or vegetable broth)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp soy sauce (for depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Make the hamburger steaks:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overwork the meat or the patties can become tough.
- Form the mixture into 4 even patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
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Cook the hamburger steaks:
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the patties to the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F or 71°C). Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the brown gravy:
- In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those bits left from the patties will add flavor!), melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. If you’re not using onions, you can skip this step and just make the gravy.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Gradually add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and garlic powder (if using). Stir constantly to prevent lumps.
- Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, until it thickens to your liking. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
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Assemble:
- Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet with the gravy, spooning some of the gravy over the patties. Let them simmer in the gravy for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- If you like a thicker gravy, let it cook a little longer. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash more broth or water to thin it out.
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Serve:
- Serve the hamburger steaks with the rich brown gravy over top. This dish goes great with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side of corn for that full Cracker Barrel experience.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations:
- Add mushrooms: For a more mushroom gravy version, sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions in the butter before adding the flour.
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the gravy for a little kick.
- For extra flavor: Use beef bouillon cubes or paste for the broth instead of regular beef broth for a richer taste.
This Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak recipe is a great way to bring that cozy, comforting restaurant dish into your kitchen. The savory patties and delicious, velvety gravy will have everyone coming back for seconds!