Hamburger Steak Brown Gravy

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This meal features juicy hamburger steaks cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, savory mushroom gravy. Serve it over fluffy white rice for the ultimate comfort food experience. The beef patties are seasoned delicately with onion, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic, seared to a golden brown, and simmered with the creamy gravy made from fresh mushrooms and onions. Easy to make in just 40 minutes, it's an ideal dinner choice for family and guests alike!

Ranah
Updated on Tue, 20 May 2025 15:53:35 GMT
A piece of meat with mushrooms on top. Pin it
A piece of meat with mushrooms on top. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

This hamburger steak with brown mushroom gravy served over white rice has been my weeknight dinner solution for years. The tender beef patties smothered in rich gravy create a comforting meal that feels special but comes together with minimal effort.

I first made this recipe when my in laws unexpectedly stayed for dinner during a snowstorm. The amazing aroma filled our home and has since become their requested meal whenever they visit.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 80/20 fat content creates perfectly juicy patties while providing enough fat to flavor the gravy
  • Breadcrumbs and egg: Work together as binding agents for tender patties that hold their shape
  • Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth to both the patties and gravy
  • Fresh mushrooms: Provide earthy flavor and meaty texture in the gravy
  • White rice: Serves as the perfect canvas to soak up all that delicious gravy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Rice:
Begin by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. The rice should be fluffy and tender. Fluff with a fork and keep covered to stay warm while you prepare the remaining components.
Prepare the Hamburger Steaks:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat which can make it tough. Form the mixture into 4 oval shaped patties about 3/4 inch thick, pressing a slight dimple in the center to prevent them from puffing up during cooking. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
Make the Mushroom Gravy:
Using the same skillet with all those flavorful browned bits, add butter and oil. Once butter is melted, add the sliced mushrooms and onions. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown and the onions turn translucent. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps from forming. Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme if using. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Return Patties to Gravy:
Once the gravy has reached your desired consistency, return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Spoon some of the mushroom gravy over each patty to coat them completely. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the patties to absorb some of the gravy.
A piece of meat with mushrooms on top. Pin it
A piece of meat with mushrooms on top. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

My secret to an extra rich gravy is adding a tablespoon of butter right at the end just before serving. I learned this trick from my grandmother who made this dish for Sunday dinners after church. The way the butter creates a silky finish to the gravy is absolutely worth the extra calories.

Make Ahead Options

This entire dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Cook the complete recipe, allow to cool, then store the hamburger steaks and gravy separately from the rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the meat and gravy in a covered skillet over medium low heat until warmed through. The rice can be reheated in the microwave with a sprinkle of water to revive its texture.

Ingredient Swaps

Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey for a lighter version, though you may want to add a bit more Worcestershire sauce and a teaspoon of beef bouillon to enhance the flavor. The mushrooms are flexible too. While button or cremini work perfectly, feel free to use portobello or shiitake for more intense flavor. If you prefer a gluten free option, replace the all purpose flour with cornstarch mixed with cold water as a slurry, and use gluten free breadcrumbs in the patties.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete Southern inspired meal, serve with collard greens or green beans on the side. A simple salad with vinaigrette dressing provides a nice contrast to the rich gravy. If you want to elevate this comfort food for guests, consider serving it with roasted asparagus and a glass of medium bodied red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel. For a truly Southern experience, include a basket of warm cornbread or biscuits to soak up any remaining gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. However, it may affect the flavor and texture slightly, as turkey is leaner than ground beef.

→ What type of mushrooms work best?

Cremini or button mushrooms are great choices for this dish. They offer a mild, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the gravy.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the hamburger steaks and gravy ahead of time. Reheat gently on the stovetop and cook fresh rice before serving.

→ How do I prevent lumps in the gravy?

Whisk the flour thoroughly after sprinkling it over the mushrooms and onions. Slowly add the beef broth, whisking constantly to create a smooth consistency.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots make excellent sides. You could also try a crisp green salad or buttery mashed potatoes.

Hamburger Steak Brown Gravy

Tender beef patties in mushroom gravy served over white rice. A quick, hearty meal.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Ranah

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Hamburger Steaks

01 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred for juiciness)
02 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 1 egg
04 ¼ cup breadcrumbs
05 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
06 ½ tsp garlic powder
07 Salt & black pepper to taste
08 1 tbsp oil or butter for cooking

→ Brown Mushroom Gravy

09 1 tbsp butter
10 1 tbsp oil
11 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
12 1 small onion, thinly sliced
13 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
14 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
15 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
16 ½ tsp thyme (optional)
17 Salt & pepper to taste

→ Rice

18 1 cup white rice
19 2 cups water
20 Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 01

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add salt and rice. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is fluffy. Set aside and keep warm.

Step 02

In a bowl, mix ground beef, chopped onion, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 oval-shaped patties. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear patties for about 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet, add butter and a drizzle of oil. Sauté mushrooms and sliced onions for 5–7 minutes until soft and browned. Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir for 1 minute. Slowly add beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme (if using). Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 04

Place the cooked patties back into the skillet with the gravy. Spoon some gravy over each patty. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 5 more minutes.

Step 05

Scoop warm white rice onto plates. Place a hamburger steak on top. Ladle over a generous amount of mushroom brown gravy. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Notes

  1. Pair with sautéed green beans or steamed carrots for a complete meal.
  2. Add a dash of hot sauce for a Southern kick.
  3. Serve with a cold glass of iced tea or red wine.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (breadcrumbs, flour)
  • Contains dairy (butter)
  • Contains egg

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 560
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 48.5 g
  • Protein: 32 g