Here’s a Southern-style classic: Smothered Hamburger Steak — juicy seasoned beef patties pan-seared and simmered in rich onion and mushroom gravy. It’s pure comfort food that comes together quickly and goes great with mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttery noodles.
🍽️ Smothered Hamburger Steak
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
🧂 Ingredients:
For the Hamburger Steaks:
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1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
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1 large egg
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¼ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
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2 tbsp milk
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: 1 tsp Creole or Cajun seasoning for extra kick
For the Gravy:
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1 large onion, thinly sliced
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1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional but recommended)
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp flour
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2 cups beef broth
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: splash of heavy cream or milk to enrich the gravy
🔥 Instructions:
1. Make the Patties
In a bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire, and seasonings.
Mix gently (don’t overwork), then shape into 4–5 oval patties.
2. Sear the Steaks
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil.
Sear patties 3–4 minutes per side until browned (they don’t need to be cooked through).
Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Gravy
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In the same pan, melt butter and add sliced onions (and mushrooms, if using).
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Cook 8–10 minutes until soft and golden.
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Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
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Slowly whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
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Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Smother the Steaks
Return patties to the pan, nestling them into the gravy.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until patties are cooked through and tender.
5. Serve
Spoon gravy over the steaks. Garnish with parsley (optional) and serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
🥄 Tips & Variations:
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No mushrooms? Skip them and just use onion gravy.
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Ground turkey or chicken can work too, though the flavor will be milder.
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Add a splash of cream or sour cream to the gravy for a richer twist.
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Want extra Southern flair? Serve with collard greens, cornbread, or smothered green beans.