Smothered Hamburger Steak

Smothered hamburger steak is the perfect in-between when you want something more comforting than a burger but less fussy than a full steak dinner. Juicy beef patties are pan-seared, then simmered in a rich onion, garlic, and cream-of-mushroom gravy. It’s cozy, budget-friendly, and great for busy nights when you still want a “real meal.” Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up every bit of that savory sauce and you’ve got an easy family favorite that always feels satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced onion, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined, then shape the mixture into 4 patties.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring often, until the onions are softened and lightly golden.
5. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, water, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined and smooth.
6. Nestle the beef patties into the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the tops.
7. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
8. Cover the skillet and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through (no pink in the center).
9. Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve the smothered hamburger steaks hot over rice or mashed potatoes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4

Tips

For tender patties, avoid overmixing the ground beef—mix just until everything comes together, and press the patties gently so they stay juicy instead of dense.

If the gravy seems too thick after simmering, whisk in a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it; leftovers reheat well in a skillet or microwave with a little extra liquid to keep the sauce smooth.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works fine—just be sure to cook it all the way through and maybe add a pinch more seasoning since it’s milder than beef.

Do I have to use cream of mushroom soup?
You can swap it for cream of chicken or cream of onion soup if you prefer a different flavor, or use a homemade white sauce if you don’t like canned soups.

What should I serve with smothered hamburger steak?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles are perfect for soaking up the gravy, and a simple veggie like green beans, peas, or a salad rounds it out.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the patties and gravy, cool them, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove and thin the sauce with a little water or broth if needed.

Can I add mushrooms to the gravy?
Definitely—fresh sliced mushrooms sautéed with the onions are a great addition if you want extra texture and mushroom flavor.