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Hamburger Steaks with Tomato Gravy is a comforting Southern classic that brings simple ingredients together in a dish full of warmth and flavor. The seasoned ground beef patties are pan—seared to develop a rich crust before they are nestled into a creamy tomato gravy that is both tangy and savory. This meal feels like a special treat but made with everyday ingredients, perfect for a cozy family dinner any night of the week.
I first made this during a chilly weekend and loved how the tomato gravy brightened the whole plate. Now it’s a go—to when I want something satisfying yet not fussy.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: the star protein, choose fresh and well—marbled beef for flavor
- Salt and pepper: essential to boost the natural taste of the meat
- Onion powder and garlic powder: add layers of savory seasoning without the fuss of fresh aromatics
- Butter: key for making a rich gravy, can substitute with bacon grease or reserved pan drippings for added depth
- Flour: helps thicken the gravy to a perfect velvety texture
- Chicken stock or water: using stock will enhance the flavor but water works fine too
- Sugar: balances the acidity in the tomatoes and rounds out the sauce
- Canned Italian diced tomatoes: opt for good quality brand with herbs like basil and oregano already included for convenience and extra flavor
Instructions
- Sear the hamburger steaks:
- In a bowl, gently mix ground beef with salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder being careful not to overwork it to keep the patties tender. Form into four flat but sturdy patties about half an inch thick. Heat a skillet over medium—high heat until very hot. Place the steaks in the pan and cook 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a nice brown crust. Remove from pan to a plate. Do not worry if they are not fully cooked through as they will finish in the gravy. Carefully pour the pan drippings into a separate container to use in the gravy if you like.
- Create the roux and tomato gravy:
- Turn the heat down to medium. Add butter to the pan, or use about three tablespoons of the reserved drippings to keep all the flavor. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 3 to 4 minutes until the roux turns golden brown and fragrant. Slowly pour in chicken stock or water while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly though it will still be somewhat thin. Stir in sugar, salt and pepper to your taste. Pour in the canned Italian diced tomatoes with their juices. Increase heat to bring the gravy to a gentle boil, whisking occasionally. This helps the gravy thicken and intensifies the flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning carefully since the sauce is hot.
- Simmer steaks in gravy:
- Nestle the hamburger steaks back into the pan with the tomato gravy. Reduce the heat to medium—low and cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the meat to cook completely through while the gravy reduces to a richer consistency. The steaks will soak up some of the tomato goodness making every bite juicy and flavorful.
- Serve immediately:
- Spoon the tomato gravy generously over the hamburger steaks and serve warm. This dish goes especially well over buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes or even rice.
My favorite part is how the simple tomato gravy elevates classic hamburger steaks into something special without complicated steps. One family dinner memory I cherish is making this on a busy weekday while chatting with my kids about their day. The easy prep left plenty of time for us to enjoy the meal together.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The gravy thickens as it cools; gently reheat with a splash of water or stock to loosen it up. You can freeze cooked hamburger steaks with gravy for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or chicken can be used if you prefer a leaner protein but adjust cooking time slightly for best results. If you do not have canned Italian tomatoes, fresh diced tomatoes with basil and oregano added will work. You can swap chicken stock for vegetable stock or simply water though stock adds more body. For the fat in the gravy, bacon grease adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over buttered egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes or steamed rice to soak up the tomato gravy. A side of green beans or roasted vegetables complements the rich flavors and adds freshness. For a Southern—inspired twist, dinner rolls or biscuits on the side are perfect to mop up every last bit of gravy.
Spoon the tomato gravy over the steaks and serve warm for a comforting weeknight meal. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What cut of beef is best for the steaks?
Ground beef with moderate fat content (around 80/20) works best to keep the steaks tender and juicy during cooking.
- → Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used but cooking time might be longer to achieve the right gravy thickness and flavor concentration.
- → How do I prevent the hamburger steaks from drying out?
Do not overwork the meat when mixing seasonings and cook steaks just until seared before simmering in the gravy, which finishes the cooking gently.
- → What are good side dishes to serve with this meal?
Buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice complement the rich tomato gravy and savory steaks perfectly.
- → Can I substitute chicken stock in the gravy?
Yes, vegetable stock or water can also be used, but chicken stock adds a deeper flavor to the tomato gravy.