Hamburg Steak

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by finely chopping 1 small onion. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, the chopped onion, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
2. Mix the Ingredients: Use your hands to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the hamburg steak tough.
3. Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty about 1 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.
4. Heat the Pan: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl to coat the bottom evenly.
5. Cook the Patties: Place the patties in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for well-done. Adjust the cooking time if you prefer your hamburg steak less well-done.
6. Make the Gravy: While the patties are cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of beef broth and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth. Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside. Pour the beef broth mixture into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve the Hamburg Steak: Return the patties to the skillet, spooning some of the gravy over them. Let them simmer in the gravy for about 2 minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve the hamburg steak hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, alongside your favorite vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Additional Notes

• For a different flavor profile, try adding finely chopped mushrooms to the meat mixture. Alternatively, substitute the beef broth in the sauce with red wine for a richer taste. For a healthier version, use ground turkey instead of beef and bake the patties in the oven at 375°F for about 25 minutes.
• Add finely chopped garlic or a dash of soy sauce to the mixture for an extra flavor boost.