01 -
Grab a big bowl, hon. Toss in your ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Now, gently mix it all together, but don't overdo it! Seriously, overmixing makes the patties tough, and nobody wants that. Just combine until everything's happy, then divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape them into oval or round patties, about 3/4-inch thick. I always make a little divot in the middle of each patty with my thumb; it helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up like little domes.
02 -
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is my absolute fave here, if you have one!) over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil – I usually go for olive or vegetable oil. Once it’s shimmering, carefully place your patties in the hot skillet. Don't overcrowd the pan, you might need to do this in batches. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they're beautifully browned and have a nice crust. We're not cooking them all the way through yet, just building that incredible flavor foundation. The smell at this stage is just *chef's kiss*!
03 -
Once your hamburger steaks are seared, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Don't clean that pan! Those little browned bits? That's pure flavor, darling. Add the sliced onions to the same skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let them cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes. We're looking for soft, translucent, and slightly caramelized onions. This slow process really brings out their sweetness, which is crucial for the gravy's depth. Be patient, it's worth it!
04 -
Push those softened onions to one side of the skillet. Add the butter to the empty side and let it melt. Once melted, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour over the butter. Stir it constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon, cooking for about 1-2 minutes. This creates your roux, which is going to thicken our gravy. It should smell a little nutty, a bit like toasted bread. This step is where I always feel like a proper chef, honestly, even if I'm just in my pajamas.
05 -
Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps. Seriously, whisk like your life depends on it! Once all the broth is in and the gravy is smooth, stir in the Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gravy starts to thicken to your desired consistency. It should be rich and velvety, coating the back of a spoon. Taste it! Adjust salt and pepper as needed. This is where the magic really happens, and the aromas are just divine.
06 -
Carefully return the seared hamburger steaks to the skillet, nestling them into that glorious gravy with the onions. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the hamburger steaks are cooked through and fork-tender. This simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the patties are juicy. The gravy will continue to thicken as it simmers. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you're feeling fancy. It just looks so inviting!