Dinner

Southern Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy Recipe

ByElena Hart January 30, 2026January 30, 2026

Introduction

Southern Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy is a hearty, comforting dish featuring seasoned beef patties smothered in rich onion gravy. This classic Southern recipe brings together deep flavors perfect for a satisfying family meal.

The image shows a round blue cast iron pan with two handles filled with twelve brown meat patties covered in thick, shiny brown gravy. The patties are arranged closely in the pan, which has a creamy white inside. Small, chopped green onions are sprinkled on top of the patties. A wooden spoon is resting inside the pan on the right side, partially under one patty. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, with a glass cup of a light-colored drink near the top left and two silver pepper shakers to the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef (85/15 recommended)
¼ cup chopped scallions, plus more for garnish

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, plus more for gravy as desired
1 packet Sazon seasoning (about 1 ½ teaspoons)

1 tablespoon garlic paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)

1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
1 Beefy Onion soup packet (see notes)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups beef broth

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped scallions, Cajun seasoning, Sazon seasoning, garlic paste, Worcestershire sauce, maple syrup (or honey), and dried minced onion. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Step 2: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to marinate.

Step 3: Form the beef mixture into patties using a spring-loaded scoop or your hands, then flatten each patty until smooth. You should have about 12-13 patties.
Step 4: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or braiser over medium heat. When hot, add a few patties without overcrowding. Brown the patties for about 3-4 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for 2-3 minutes on the other side. Remove browned patties to a plate and repeat with remaining patties.
Step 5: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and sauté until tender and golden, about 5-6 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 6: Stir in the Beefy Onion soup packet and flour, cooking for about 1 minute until combined and starting to dissolve.
Step 7: Slowly add the beef broth while scraping the pan to lift any remaining bits. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning with more Cajun seasoning if desired.
Step 8: Reduce heat to medium-low and return the browned patties to the pan with the gravy. Gently toss to coat and simmer for 5-7 minutes for flavors to meld. Remove from heat.

Step 9: Garnish with additional chopped scallions if desired, then serve the hamburger steaks topped with onion gravy over mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, let the patties marinate overnight.
Substitute Sazon seasoning with smoked paprika and a pinch of cumin if unavailable.

Use ground chuck for more juiciness or mix ground beef with ground pork for added richness.
Add a splash of red wine to the gravy for deeper flavor.

Storage

Store leftover hamburger steaks and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white round plate holds a serving of mashed potatoes as the bottom layer, soft and creamy with a fluffy texture. On top, there are four brown meat patties covered in a thick, rich brown gravy with visible bits of onion, garnished with small green chopped scallions scattered across the meat. To one side of the plate, there is a pile of bright green peas adding a vibrant contrast to the dish. A wooden-handled spoon rests on the edge of the plate. The background is a white marbled surface with a striped cloth partially visible beside the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or pork can be used, but the flavor and texture will differ slightly. Ground beef provides the traditional rich taste this recipe is known for.

How can I make the gravy thicker?

If the gravy is too thin, sprinkle an additional teaspoon of flour and stir well, cooking a few more minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, simmer longer for natural reduction.