I’m making this recipe for the third time tonight

Easy Hamburger Steak with Mushroom Gravy

This simple hamburger steak with mushroom gravy is a comforting, hearty meal that’s quick to prepare. Juicy beef patties are paired with a rich, savory gravy packed with onions and mushrooms. Perfect for family dinners, this beginner-friendly recipe is flavorful and satisfying, served with mashed potatoes, rice, or bread.

Ingredients

For the Patties:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Gravy:

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 6 ounces mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or shiitake)
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 packet brown gravy mix
• 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional, for slight sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for tangy flavor)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Large skillet
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Small bowl for mixing gravy

Instructions

1. Make the Patties:
   • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
   • Gently mix until just combined (don’t overmix to keep patties juicy).
   • Shape into 6-8 equal-sized patties. Set aside.
2. Cook the Patties:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil.
   • Add patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
   • Remove patties to a plate and cover to keep warm.
3. Cook Onions and Mushrooms:
   • In the same skillet, add sliced onions and mushrooms.
   • Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and slightly browned.
4. Make the Gravy:
   • In a small bowl, whisk beef broth and brown gravy mix until smooth.
   • Pour into the skillet with onions and mushrooms.
   • Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
   • Stir in ketchup and Dijon mustard, if using, for extra flavor.
5. Thicken the Gravy (Optional):
   • If you prefer thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry.
   • Stir slurry into the gravy and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
6. Combine and Serve:
   • Return patties to the skillet, spooning gravy over them.
   • Simmer on low for 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
   • Serve hot with extra gravy spooned over the patties. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or bread.

Variations

• Lighter Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Spicy Twist: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the patties.
• Herb-Infused Gravy: Stir in 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap beef for veggie or lentil patties.
• More Veggies: Add peas, carrots, or green beans to the gravy.
• Mushroom Variety: Try cremini, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms for richer flavor.
• Crispy Topping: Serve over crispy fried onions for added crunch.

Tips for Success

• Shape patties evenly for consistent cooking. Don’t press too hard to keep them juicy.
• Whisk broth and gravy mix well to avoid lumps in the gravy.
• Use pre-sliced mushrooms and pre-minced garlic to save time.
• If you don’t have cornstarch, use 2 tablespoons flour to thicken gravy (whisk slowly to avoid clumps).
• Taste gravy and adjust with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or pinch of salt, if needed.
• Thin overly thick gravy with a little extra beef broth.
• For richer flavor, use homemade beef broth.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked patties and gravy separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare gravy up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate. Reheat before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or crusty bread to soak up the gravy.
• Pair with steamed green beans, peas, or a simple side salad for a balanced meal.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 10g

This easy hamburger steak with mushroom gravy is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy dinners. With simple steps and flexible ingredients, it’s ideal for cooks of all levels.