Dinner

Creamy Mushroom Sauerbraten Hotdish Recipe

ByIsabella Vance February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

Introduction

Hamburger steak is a classic comfort dish featuring juicy beef patties smothered in a rich mushroom gravy. It’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for cozy dinners any night of the week.

A white round plate holds a hearty meal with three main sections: on the left, a pile of bright green peas makes a vibrant base; center stage features two round meat patties covered in a thick reddish-brown mushroom and onion gravy, with visible sliced mushrooms and onion strips on top; on the right, there is a large serving of pale yellow mashed potatoes with a square pat of white butter melting in the middle, sprinkled with black pepper. A silver fork with some mashed potato is resting at the top left of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled textured surface with a small fresh thyme sprig near the peas. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
½ large onion (finely chopped)
½ cup breadcrumbs
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ large onion (sliced)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 cloves garlic (minced)
8 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced)
2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
1½ cups low-sodium beef broth

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, ¾ teaspoon salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Mix well using your hands and form the mixture into 6 evenly sized patties.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the patties and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the patties and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and ½ teaspoon salt. Cook until the onion softens, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and fresh thyme sprigs. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the flour, tomato paste, and 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, mixing until you form a thick paste coating the vegetables.
Step 5: Pour in the red wine and beef broth, raise the heat to high, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce heat to a simmer and stir frequently as the gravy thickens.
Step 6: Return the beef patties to the skillet, nestling them into the mushroom gravy. Continue to cook for 5 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the patties to warm through.

Tips & Variations

For a richer gravy, substitute beef broth with a mix of beef and mushroom stock.
Try adding a splash of soy sauce to the beef mixture for an umami boost.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover hamburger steak and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white pot filled with a thick, reddish-brown sauce containing several round, brown meat patties covered in mushroom and onion slices. The top layer shows the sauce with shiny, cooked mushrooms and soft, translucent onion rings on each patty. A wooden spoon lifts one patty from the pot, showing the rich texture of the sauce clinging to the meat and vegetables. In the background, a small bowl of fresh green herbs sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make hamburger steak ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties and gravy ahead, then store separately or together in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove before serving to retain the best texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for red wine in the gravy?

If you prefer not to use red wine, you can replace it with additional beef broth mixed with a splash of balsamic vinegar or grape juice to mimic the acidity and depth of flavor.