Slow Cooker Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy

Ingredients — Serves 6

For the hamburger steaks

• 1½ lb (680 g) ground beef, 80/20 or 85/15

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp dried parsley

• ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs

• 1 large egg

For the slow cooker

• 2 large onions, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp cooking oil

 Method

1. Make the patties:
   Mix the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings gently. Don’t overmix.

2. Shape:
   Divide into 6 equal patties, about ¾-inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty so they stay relatively flat while cooking.

3. Optional but recommended—brown them:
   Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the patties for about 2 minutes per side. They don’t need to be cooked through.

4. Prepare the onions:
   Put sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.

5. Make the gravy:
   Melt butter in the skillet. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in beef broth until smooth. Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, paprika, pepper and thyme.

6. Assemble:
   Place the browned patties over the onions. Pour the gravy over everything, just like in the picture.

7. Slow cook:
   Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or until the beef reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F / 71°C.

8. Finish the gravy:
   Carefully remove the patties and stir the gravy and onions. If it’s too thin, transfer the gravy to a saucepan and simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

9. Serve:
   Spoon plenty of onion gravy over each hamburger steak. It’s especially good with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

 Approximate nutrition

Per serving, assuming 6 servings and 80/20 ground beef: