Hawaiian Hamburger Steaks are a comforting and savory dish featuring juicy ground beef patties smothered in a rich onion and mushroom gravy. Perfectly pan-fried and served with mashed potatoes, this classic dinner is a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 small onion, grated or finely chopped
- 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1½ tbsp olive oil, for frying
For the Onion & Mushroom Gravy:
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 tbsp butter, divided
- 1 brown or white onion, sliced
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1¼ cups low-sodium beef broth
- ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Hamburger Steaks:
- Combine all ingredients for the hamburger steaks in a large bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into 8 patties and refrigerate while preparing the gravy.
- Cook the Hamburger Steaks:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Working in batches, brown the patties on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Gravy:
- Add 1 tbsp butter to the same pan and sauté mushrooms until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to low and add the remaining butter. Add the sliced onion and a pinch of salt, cooking for 10–15 minutes until soft and pale brown.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add beef broth, stirring to thicken. Add Worcestershire sauce and return mushrooms to the pan. Let the gravy simmer for 5 minutes.
- Simmer the Steaks in Gravy:
- Place the cooked hamburger steaks into the gravy. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, until fully cooked.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrients
- Calories: 424 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 122 mg
- Sodium: 388 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Vitamin A: 80 IU
- Vitamin C: 6 mg
- Calcium: 69 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hawaiian Hamburger Steaks stand out as a deliciously nostalgic and approachable recipe that offers a perfect balance of taste and texture. Here’s why it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Rich, Flavorful Gravy: The onion and mushroom gravy is the star of this dish, with layers of umami from the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and caramelized onions.
- Juicy Hamburger Patties: The beef patties are tender, flavorful, and pan-fried to perfection, locking in their juices while developing a golden crust.
- Comforting and Satisfying: Served over creamy mashed potatoes, this dish delivers the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and seasoned cooks.
- Family-Friendly: Its classic flavors and hearty appeal make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Key Features of Hawaiian Hamburger Steaks
- Juicy Ground Beef Patties: The hamburger steaks are seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The addition of panko breadcrumbs and egg helps bind the patties while keeping them tender and moist.
- Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms: The rich gravy is enhanced by caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms, which add depth and a touch of natural sweetness to the dish.
- Thick, Savory Gravy: Made with beef broth and thickened with flour, the gravy ties the whole dish together, coating the hamburger steaks and mashed potatoes in a velvety, savory sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes Pairing: Creamy mashed potatoes serve as the perfect base for this dish, soaking up the rich gravy and complementing the juicy hamburger steaks.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Highlights
Hawaiian Hamburger Steaks are hearty and indulgent, but they also offer several nutritional benefits:
- High in Protein: With 25 grams of protein per serving, this dish is a great source of protein, which helps build and repair muscle while keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
- Rich in Iron: The ground beef and gravy provide iron, essential for red blood cell production and oxygen transport in the body.
- Vitamin Boost: Onions and mushrooms are packed with vitamins and minerals. Onions are a source of vitamin C, while mushrooms provide B vitamins and antioxidants.
- Customizable: By using leaner ground beef or turkey, the dish can be made lighter while still retaining its rich flavor.
Tips for Making Perfect Hawaiian Hamburger Steaks
To achieve the best results with this recipe, follow these tips:
- Use High-Quality Beef: Opt for ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. This ensures the patties stay juicy without being overly greasy.
- Chill the Patties: Refrigerating the patties before cooking helps them hold their shape while frying and prevents them from falling apart.
- Caramelize the Onions Slowly: Take your time when caramelizing the onions for the gravy. Cooking them low and slow allows their natural sweetness to develop, adding richness to the dish.
- Deglaze the Pan: After frying the patties, use the beef broth to deglaze the pan. This helps incorporate all the flavorful browned bits into the gravy.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the gravy before simmering the patties and adjust the salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to suit your preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Hawaiian Hamburger Steaks are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and accompaniments to create a complete meal:
- Classic Pairing: Serve the steaks and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Rice Option: For a Hawaiian-inspired twist, serve the dish with steamed white rice instead of mashed potatoes.
- Vegetable Sides: Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or broccoli for a balanced plate.
- Salad: Add a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the dish.
- Dinner Rolls: Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for mopping up the savory gravy.
Variations to Try
This recipe can be customized to suit different preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations to explore:
- Use Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free flour for the gravy.
- Add Heat: Mix a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the gravy for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheddar cheese on top of the hamburger steaks before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the gravy for added aroma and flavor.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Hawaiian Hamburger Steaks are an excellent option for meal prep or storing leftovers. Here’s how to handle them:
- Make Ahead: Prepare the hamburger patties and gravy separately. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and combine them when ready to cook.
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooked hamburger steaks and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze the cooked patties and gravy separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat Gently: Reheat the steaks and gravy together in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the gravy.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Hamburger Steaks are a classic comfort food that delivers on flavor, texture, and nostalgia. This dish combines juicy ground beef patties with a rich onion and mushroom gravy, creating a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it’s a recipe that’s easy to prepare yet feels special enough to impress.