Smothered Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy and Mashed Potatoes
This classic American comfort meal features juicy hamburger steaks smothered in rich onion gravy, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner prepared entirely on the stovetop.

Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Hamburger Steaks
- Cooking
- Onion Gravy
- Mashed Potatoes
Let’s make it
Mashed Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting potatoes into chunks and place them in a large pot. Cover with cold salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to simmer for about 15 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
Hamburger Steaks
While potatoes cook, prepare hamburger steaks. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form mixture into four evenly sized oval patties.
Hamburger Steaks
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add hamburger steaks and cook about 3-4 minutes per side or until nicely browned. Remove steaks to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Onion Gravy
In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add thinly sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until translucent and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
Onion Gravy
Stir in butter to the onions until melted. Sprinkle flour evenly over onions and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook the flour and make a roux.
Onion Gravy
Gradually whisk in beef broth and water, scraping the browned bits from the pan. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Hamburger Steaks
Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, nestling them in the onion gravy. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes so steaks finish cooking and absorb the gravy flavors.
Mashed Potatoes
Check potatoes for tenderness, then drain well and return to pot. Add butter, heavy cream, and salt to taste. Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Serve the hamburger steaks smothered in onion gravy alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes. Garnish with additional black pepper if desired.
Tips & notes
When browning hamburger steaks, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure a good sear. Use a mix of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier mashed potatoes. Let hamburger steaks rest briefly under cover before serving for juicier results.
Saving it for later
Store leftover hamburger steaks and mashed potatoes in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat hamburger steaks and gravy gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Reheat mashed potatoes in microwave or stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to restore creaminess.




