What makes the perfect comfort food dinner? For me, it’s a juicy hamburger steak smothered in rich onion gravy, served with creamy mashed potatoes, a true homemade weeknight dinner staple that’s also a family favorite, especially when made with tender ground beef and sautéed onions. Save this idea for a quick and satisfying meal any night of the week.

hamburger steaks with onion gravy and mashed potatoes on a black plate

Name: hamburger steaks with onion gravy and mashed potatoes on a black plate
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 large onion, chopped; 3-4 large potatoes, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup beef broth; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the comfort of a perfectly cooked hamburger steak, the richness of onion gravy, and the creaminess of mashed potatoes, all presented on a sleek black plate. This recipe is a masterclass in simplicity and flavor, using everyday ingredients to create a meal that’s both impressive and easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is sure to become a favorite. With its balance of savory flavors and hearty textures, it’s the perfect comfort food to warm your belly and your heart.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of ground beef, onions, and potatoes provides a satisfying and filling meal without requiring exotic or hard-to-find ingredients.
Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, this dish is relatively simple to prepare, with straightforward steps that can be completed in under an hour.
Impressive results with minimal effort: The key to this recipe’s success lies in its ability to deliver a restaurant-quality meal with minimal fuss, making it perfect for special occasions or everyday dinners.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include ground beef, onions, potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper. For the hamburger steaks, you’ll need 1 pound of ground beef, which you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. The onions are sautéed in olive oil until they’re soft and caramelized, adding a depth of flavor to the dish. The mashed potatoes are made with 3-4 large potatoes, which can be substituted with sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash for a lower-carb option. Finally, the onion gravy is made with the pan drippings from the hamburger steaks, flour, and beef broth, and can be thickened with cornstarch or flour if needed.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Chop the onions and potatoes, and season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Form the ground beef into 4 hamburger steaks and set them aside.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the hamburger steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the hamburger steaks from the skillet and set them aside to rest.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they’re soft and caramelized, stirring occasionally. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
Step 4: While the onions are cooking, prepare the mashed potatoes. Boil the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they’re tender, then drain the water and mash the potatoes with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper. To achieve the perfect mash, make sure to use high-quality potatoes that are high in starch, such as Russet or Idaho potatoes. Also, don’t over-mix the potatoes, as this can make them gluey and unappetizing.
Step 5: To make the onion gravy, add a tablespoon of all-purpose flour to the skillet with the onions and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add 1 cup of beef broth to the skillet, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, stirring occasionally. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: To plate the dish, place a hamburger steak on each plate, then spoon some mashed potatoes alongside. Drizzle the onion gravy over the top of the hamburger steak and serve immediately.

Handy Tips

To ensure that your hamburger steaks are cooked evenly, make sure to not press down on them with your spatula while they’re cooking. This can squeeze out the juices and make the meat dry and tough.
If you find that your onion gravy is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more beef broth. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, you can thicken it with a little more flour or cornstarch.
To add some extra flavor to your mashed potatoes, try adding some grated cheese, diced herbs, or a spoonful of sour cream.

Heat Control

When cooking the hamburger steaks, it’s essential to use the right level of heat to achieve a nice sear on the outside while cooking the inside to your desired level of doneness. Medium-high heat is ideal for searing the hamburger steaks, while medium heat is better for cooking the onions and making the gravy. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the hamburger steaks. For medium-rare, the temperature should be at least 130°F (54°C), while medium should be at least 140°F (60°C).

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the crispy exterior of the hamburger steaks and the caramelized onions. To achieve this, make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when cooking the hamburger steaks, as this can prevent them from searing properly. Also, don’t stir the onions too much while they’re cooking, as this can prevent them from caramelizing evenly.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

To add some extra flavor to your hamburger steaks, try adding some aromatics like onions, garlic, or thyme to the pan while they’re cooking.
To make the onion gravy more rich and intense, try reducing the beef broth by half before adding it to the skillet. This will concentrate the flavors and create a more velvety texture.
To cleanup the skillet more easily, try deglazing it with a little bit of wine or broth after cooking the hamburger steaks. This will loosen up any browned bits and make the skillet easier to clean.

Storage Tips

To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat leftovers, simply microwave the dish for 1-2 minutes, or until the hamburger steak is heated through and the mashed potatoes are warm and creamy.
To freeze the dish, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the microwave or oven until warm and creamy.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While this dish is typically served hot and fresh, it can also be packaged and gifted to friends and family. To do this, simply portion the dish into individual containers, then wrap each container in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a gift bag or box. You can also add some extra touches like a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a side of crusty bread to make the gift more special.

Flavor Variations

To add some Italian flair to the dish, try adding some dried oregano, basil, or thyme to the hamburger steaks while they’re cooking.
To give the dish a spicy kick, try adding some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the onion gravy.
To make the dish more indulgent, try adding some grated cheese, diced bacon, or caramelized mushrooms to the mashed potatoes.

Troubleshooting

If your hamburger steaks are too dry, try adding some more oil to the pan while they’re cooking, or coating them with a little bit of breadcrumbs or egg wash before cooking.
If your onion gravy is too thick, try thinning it out with a little more beef broth. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, try thickening it with a little more flour or cornstarch.
If your mashed potatoes are too gluey, try adding some more butter or milk to loosen them up. On the other hand, if they’re too dry, try adding some more mashed potatoes or grated cheese to bind them together.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer.
Is it gluten-free? Yes, the dish is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. However, if you’re using a store-bought beef broth, make sure to check the ingredients list to ensure that it’s gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply all the ingredients by two and cook the hamburger steaks and onion gravy in batches if necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this recipe for hamburger steaks with onion gravy and mashed potatoes on a black plate is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich and savory flavors, comforting textures, and impressive presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients and equipment. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of this classic comfort food dish!