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Southern-Style Hamburger Steak

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Introduction

Southern-Style Hamburger Steak is a hearty, budget-friendly comfort food featuring seasoned beef patties simmered in a savory onion gravy. Often served with mashed potatoes or rice, this dish is a staple of Southern home cooking, loved for its simplicity, flavor, and filling nature. If you’re searching for an easy hamburger steak recipe or old-fashioned Southern dinner, this classic never disappoints.

Origin

Hamburger steak traces its roots to German-influenced beef dishes that made their way into American cuisine in the 19th century. In the South, it evolved into a homestyle meal made with pantry ingredients, slow-cooked onions, and brown gravy—becoming a beloved weeknight staple across rural and small-town kitchens.

Cultural Significance

In Southern culture, hamburger steak represents resourceful cooking and family meals. It’s commonly found on diner menus, school lunch rotations, and Sunday dinner tables. This dish embodies the idea that comfort food doesn’t need to be fancy—just honest, filling, and made with care.

Ingredients & Quantity

Hamburger Steaks:

  • Ground beef (80/20) – 1 lb
  • Egg – 1 large
  • Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers – ½ cup
  • Milk – ¼ cup
  • Onion, finely chopped – ¼ cup
  • Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper – ½ teaspoon

Onion Gravy:

  • Onion, thinly sliced – 1 large
  • Butter – 2 tablespoons
  • Beef broth – 2 cups
  • Worcestershire sauce – 1 tablespoon
  • Flour – 2 tablespoons
  • Oil – 1 tablespoon

Optional Additions (Classic Variations)

  • Mushrooms in the gravy
  • Onion soup mix (shortcut flavor boost)
  • Paprika or cayenne for heat
  • Cream or milk for creamy gravy
  • Bell peppers for extra texture

Tips for Success

  • Don’t overmix the beef—this keeps patties tender
  • Sear patties well for maximum flavor
  • Slice onions thin for rich, caramelized gravy
  • Simmer gently to avoid drying out the meat
  • Let patties rest briefly before serving

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
  2. Form into 4–5 oval patties
  3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
  4. Brown patties on both sides; remove and set aside
  5. Add butter and sliced onions to skillet; cook until soft and golden
  6. Sprinkle flour over onions; stir and cook 1 minute
  7. Slowly whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce
  8. Return patties to skillet, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes
  9. Spoon gravy over patties and serve hot

Description

Southern-Style Hamburger Steak is tender, juicy, and smothered in rich onion gravy. The seasoned beef patties soak up the savory sauce, creating a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—especially when paired with mashed potatoes.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 430–480 kcal
  • Protein: 26–30g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 12–15g
  • Sodium: 700–850mg

(Values vary by ingredients and portions)

Conclusion

Southern-Style Hamburger Steak is a timeless comfort dish that proves simple ingredients can create unforgettable meals. Affordable, filling, and packed with flavor, it’s a recipe every home cook should have in their rotation.

Recommendation

Serve with:

  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • White rice or gravy-soaked biscuits
  • Green beans or collard greens
  • Cornbread

Perfect for weeknight dinners, Sunday suppers, and classic Southern meals.

Embracing Old-Fashioned Southern Comfort

Hamburger steak isn’t about trends—it’s about tradition. This dish reminds us that the best meals are often the simplest, made with love and shared around the table. Southern-Style Hamburger Steak keeps that spirit alive, one plate at a time.

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