Southern-Style Hamburger Steak

Southern-style hamburger steak is a beloved comfort dish made with seasoned ground beef patties simmered in savory onion gravy. It’s simple, hearty, and full of down-home flavor—often served with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttery biscuits.

Ingredients

For the Hamburger Steaks

1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 works best)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 large egg
½ cup milk
½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Onion Gravy

2 tablespoons butter or oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Patties

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, egg, milk, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.

Form the mixture into 4–6 oval-shaped patties.

2. Brown the Hamburger Steaks

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil if needed. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, until browned. Remove patties from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Onion Gravy

In the same skillet, add butter if needed and stir in the sliced onions. Cook over medium heat until soft and lightly caramelized, about 5–7 minutes.

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let the gravy simmer until thickened.

4. Simmer the Patties

Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until patties are cooked through and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Southern-style hamburger steak is traditionally served with:

Creamy mashed potatoes
White rice
Buttered green beans or collard greens
Warm biscuits or cornbread

Spoon plenty of onion gravy over everything for the full Southern experience.

Tips for the Best Hamburger Steak

Use ground beef with some fat for juicy patties.
Don’t overwork the meat—gentle mixing keeps it tender.
If the gravy gets too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the gravy.

Comfort Food at Its Best

Southern-style hamburger steak is a timeless dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. With simple ingredients and bold, comforting flavors, it’s perfect for family dinners, Sunday meals, or anytime you’re craving classic Southern cooking.