Slow Cooker Hamburger Steaks with Peppers & Onion Gravy

Ingredients

Hamburger Steaks

• 1½ lb (680 g) ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil, for searing

Peppers & Gravy

• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 tbsp cold water
• 1 tbsp butter, optional
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

 Instructions

1. Make the patties: Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t overmix.
2. Divide into 4–6 portions and shape into thick oval patties.
3. Brown the patties: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear patties for about 2–3 minutes per side, just until nicely browned.
4. Prepare the vegetables: Put sliced onion and bell peppers into the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Place the browned hamburger steaks on top of the vegetables.
6. Make the gravy: Whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, pepper, and thyme.
7. Pour the gravy mixture over the patties and vegetables.
8. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is completely cooked and tender.
9. Thicken: Mix cornstarch with cold water. During the final 20–30 minutes, stir the slurry into the gravy and let it thicken.
10. Stir in butter for extra richness, if desired.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley and spoon the gravy and peppers generously over each hamburger steak.

 Best Served With

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• White or brown rice
• Egg noodles
• Roasted potatoes
• Green beans
• Steamed vegetables

Nutrition — Approx. Per Serving

• Calories: 430–500 kcal
• Protein: 28–35 g
• Carbohydrates: 15–22 g
• Fat: 25–30 g
• Fiber: 2–3 g
• Sodium: varies depending on broth and Worcestershire sauce

 Nut & Allergen Information

• Peanuts: None
• Tree nuts: None
• Dairy: Milk and optional butter
• Egg: Yes
• Gluten: Possible — breadcrumbs and Worcestershire sauce
• Soy: Possible — check Worcestershire sauce
• Mustard: Yes — Dijon mustard

Nut-free: The basic recipe contains no peanuts or tree nuts.

Q/S — Questions & Substitutions

Q: Can I use frozen hamburger patties?
Yes. You can use frozen patties for an easier version, although homemade patties give better flavor.

Q: Can I skip browning the patties?
Yes, but browning first gives the gravy and beef a deeper flavor.

Q: Can I add mushrooms?
Absolutely. Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the peppers and onions.

Q: Can I use ground turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey works, but the patties will be leaner.

Q: How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and verify that the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are gluten-free.

Q: Can I make the gravy extra thick?
Yes. Add another 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water if needed.