Pan-Seared Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy
Juicy hamburger steak pan-seared and topped with a savory caramelized onion gravy, a comforting Filipino-inspired meal. This filipino-inspired beef ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, large egg, (50 g) breadcrumbs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 medium (150 g) white onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) beef broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, soak 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup milk for 5 minutes until absorbed; add 500 g ground beef, 1 finely chopped medium white onion, 1 large egg, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; mix gently with hands until just combined.
- Step 2: Shape the mixture into four 1/2-inch thick oval patties.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through; transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Step 4: To make the gravy, melt 2 tbsp butter in the same skillet over medium heat; add 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Step 5: Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar; cook for 5-7 minutes until gravy thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 6: Return the patties to the skillet and spoon the onion gravy over them; simmer for 2 minutes to warm through before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy?
Filipino beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight meal, quick and tasty.
- ★★★★★
The best hamburger steak I've had outside the Philippines.
- ★★★★★
Easy and delicious, made it for dinner tonight.