Cracker Barrel Inspired Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy
Skip the restaurant and make this comforting Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy at home! Juicy seasoned hamburger steaks are pan-seared until golden brown, then simmered in a rich homemade onion gravy loaded with sweet caramelized onions. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes with sautéed green beans for the ultimate Southern comfort food dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: American, Southern Inspired
Ingredients
Hamburger Steaks
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- 1 cup buttery cracker crumbs (Ritz)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
Onion Gravy
- 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Beef Base (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cracker crumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined, then shape into six oval hamburger steaks.
Step 2Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the hamburger steaks for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply browned. They do not need to be fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
Step 3Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onions and 3 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized.
Step 4Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for 1 minute while stirring. Slowly whisk in the beef broth until smooth. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Better Than Bouillon, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
Step 5Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer until it thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 6Return the hamburger steaks and any juices to the skillet. Spoon the onion gravy over the tops, cover, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the hamburger steaks reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Step 7Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes with sautéed green beans.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest hamburger steaks.
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture or the patties can become tough.
- Slow caramelization creates the richest onion gravy.
- If the gravy thickens too much, stir in a splash of beef broth.
- This recipe tastes even better the next day.