Southern Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy Recipe
If you’re craving down-home comfort with a big, bold flavor punch, Southern Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy needs to be your next kitchen adventure. Imagine juicy, deeply seasoned hamburger patties blanketed in a rich, savory onion gravy, with every bite reminiscent of Southern family gatherings and heartwarming suppers. The seasoning blend is anything but shy, and the secret of letting all those flavors marry makes this dish irresistibly fork-tender, full of personality, and absolutely unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple but essential ingredients lay the foundation for unforgettable dishes, and that’s especially true here. Each item brings just the right note of flavor, tenderness, or color—when they come together, magic happens. Here’s what you’ll need for the best Southern Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy:
- Ground beef (2 lbs, 85/15): The perfect fat ratio keeps the steaks juicy and flavorful without being greasy.
- Chopped scallions (¼ cup, plus more for garnish): Bright and peppery, these add both bite and fresh color.
- Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon, plus more for gravy as desired): Infuses the meat and gravy with a warm, zesty Southern kick.
- Sazon seasoning (1 packet, about 1½ teaspoons): Delivers signature Latin flavor and a beautiful golden tint.
- Garlic paste (1 tablespoon): Gives savory depth and a lovely mellow garlic flavor in every bite.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds tang, umami, and complexity, making each patty taste deeply savory.
- Maple syrup or honey (1 tablespoon): Balances all that savoriness with a subtle hint of sweetness.
- Dried minced onion (1 teaspoon): Contributes concentrated onion flavor, further amping up the relish.
- Olive oil or avocado oil (2 tablespoons): Ensures a beautiful sear and rich flavor when browning your steaks.
- Yellow onion, medium, roughly chopped (1): Caramelizes beautifully, forming the heart of the gravy.
- Beefy Onion soup packet (1): A shortcut to deeply savory, umami-packed gravy.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the onion gravy for the perfect silky texture.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Enriches everything with bold, satisfying flavor and helps the gravy to develop body.
How to Make Southern Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy
Step 1: Assemble the Hamburger Mixture
Start in a big mixing bowl. Combine the ground beef, scallions, Cajun and Sazon seasonings, garlic paste, Worcestershire sauce, syrup or honey, and dried minced onion. Your hands are the best tools here—gently knead everything together until just combined. Don’t overwork it, or the patties could become dense. This step is all about building those bold, Southern Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy flavors from the ground up.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
Cover the bowl tightly and let the seasoned meat chill in the fridge for at least one hour (up to a day ahead). This not only allows the flavors to sink deep into the beef but also helps the mixture firm up for easier shaping. If you’re short on time, even a quick rest makes a difference.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Using your hands or a large scoop, divide the mixture and gently shape it into patties—aim for about 12 or 13 “steaks.” Flatten them slightly in your palms for even cooking. Don’t stress over perfection; a rustic shape gives these Southern Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy their charm.
Step 4: Brown the Steaks
Heat a large, deep skillet or braiser over medium. Swirl in the oil, then work in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Lay in the patties and sear them until deeply browned on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes each. This step builds flavor—those crispy, golden bits make the gravy extra delicious. Set the browned steaks aside on a clean plate.
Step 5: Build the Onion Gravy
Add the chopped onions to the same pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Sauté until tender and golden, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the beefy onion soup packet and flour, letting them cook together for a minute. Pour in the beef broth, using a wooden utensil to scrape every tasty morsel free. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil—the gravy should thicken beautifully. Taste and adjust with more Cajun seasoning if you love extra spice.
Step 6: Finish Steaks & Onion Gravy
Lower the heat and carefully return the steaks to the gravy. Gently toss them to coat and let everything simmer together for 5 to 7 minutes. The patties soak up that luscious gravy while the flavors meld. A final sprinkle of fresh chopped scallions brings a pop of color and brightness.
Step 7: Serve
Spoon the juicy hamburger steaks and that rich onion gravy over fluffy mashed potatoes. Add cooked green peas or sweet corn on the side for a true Southern supper experience. Dig in and savor every bite—these Southern Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy are what comfort food dreams are made of!
How to Serve Southern Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy
Garnishes
Top your Southern Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped scallions for color and zing. For something extra, a little pinch of flaky salt or even a light dusting of Cajun seasoning makes every plate pop. If you love a touch of freshness, a few fresh parsley leaves are delightful too.
Side Dishes
Nothing says Southern comfort like mounds of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that onion gravy. Classic green peas or sweet corn are perfect for taste and color, or swap in buttery rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or a bright green salad for something lighter. The aim: contrasting flavors and a plate so inviting you can’t resist a second helping!
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your friends by serving Southern Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy family-style in a big skillet at the center of the table, letting everyone spoon their own. Or go gourmet by making mini individual patties and assembling each over a swoosh of mashed potatoes for an elegant twist. Leftovers also make a comforting sandwich the next day—just tuck a patty and some onion gravy into a toasted bun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Southern Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze both the patties and gravy for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the burgers and gravy separately in tightly sealed containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy seems too thick. Alternatively, warm individual servings in the microwave at medium power, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of ground meat?
Absolutely! While beef is classic for Southern Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative. Just note that the texture and flavor will change slightly, and you may want to add a bit more seasoning or fat for extra richness.
Is there a substitute for the beefy onion soup packet?
If you don’t have a soup packet, you can create similar flavor by adding a tablespoon of beef bouillon powder and a little extra onion powder. Taste as you go, and adjust seasonings to your liking.
Will the gravy thicken more as it sits?
Yes, the flour in the gravy means it will thicken up a bit as it cools. If it gets too thick for your taste, just add a splash more beef broth when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Definitely! You can shape and season the hamburger patties up to a day in advance. Store them (covered) in the fridge, making dinner even quicker to pull together when you need it.
What’s the best way to keep patties from falling apart?
Mix the hamburger mixture just until combined—don’t overwork. Letting the mixture rest in the fridge also helps, as does shaping the patties with gentle hands. Searing in a hot, oiled skillet forms a crust that will hold each patty together beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something uniquely satisfying about coming home to a big skillet of Southern Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy. With just a little prep, you’ll have a dish that’s saucy, savory, and overflowing with cozy Southern spirit. Pull up a chair, grab a fork, and give this recipe a try—I’m absolutely certain it’ll become a favorite in your house, just as it has in mine!
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Southern Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy recipe combines seasoned ground beef patties with a savory onion gravy for a comforting and flavorful meal that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes and green peas or corn.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Patties:
- 2 lbs ground beef (I use 85/15)
- ¼ cup chopped scallions, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, plus more for gravy as desired
- 1 packet Sazon seasoning (about 1 ½ teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
Onion Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 1 Beefy Onion soup packet (see notes)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Assemble the hamburger mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, scallions, Cajun seasoning, Sazon seasoning, garlic paste, Worcestershire sauce, maple syrup, and dried minced onion. Mix until just combined.
- Marinate beef: Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour.
- Shape the patties: Form individual patties and flatten them.
- Brown the steaks: Cook the patties in a skillet until browned on both sides.
- Build the onion gravy: Cook onions, then add soup packet, flour, and beef broth to make gravy.
- Finish steaks & onion gravy: Simmer steaks in the gravy to meld flavors.
- Serve: Serve the hamburger steaks and onion gravy over mashed potatoes with green peas or corn.
Notes
- You can use disposable gloves when mixing the ground beef for convenience.
- Adjust the seasoning in the gravy to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hamburger steak with gravy
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Southern, Hamburger Steaks, Onion Gravy, Comfort Food, Homestyle Cooking
