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
- Make the patties: Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t overmix.
- Divide into 4–6 portions and shape into thick oval patties.
- 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.
- Prepare the vegetables: Put sliced onion and bell peppers into the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the browned hamburger steaks on top of the vegetables.
- Make the gravy: Whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, pepper, and thyme.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the patties and vegetables.
- 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.
- Thicken: Mix cornstarch with cold water. During the final 20–30 minutes, stir the slurry into the gravy and let it thicken.
- Stir in butter for extra richness, if desired.
- 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.