Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak
The Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak is a delicious and comforting dish made with juicy ground beef patties, seasoned to perfection, and topped with a rich, savory brown gravy. This dish is a favorite at Cracker Barrel and can be easily recreated at home. Whether you're serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables, this hearty meal is sure to satisfy your cravings for a classic, home-cooked comfort food.
Equipment
- 1 Skillet (12-inch): For searing the patties and making the gravy.
- 1 Mixing Bowl: For combining the ingredients for the patties.
- 1 Meat Thermometer (optional): To check the internal temperature of the patties.
- 1 Spoon or Spatula: For flipping the patties and stirring the gravy.
- 1 Whisk: For stirring the gravy to avoid lumps.
Ingredients
For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Patty Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into oval patties about 1/2 inch thick.
Cook the Patties
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil (optional) to prevent sticking. Once the skillet is hot, add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
Make the Gravy
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the flour turns a light golden color (roux). Gradually add the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Dish
- Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, spooning the gravy over the top of each patty. Let the patties simmer in the gravy for another 5 minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
- Fat Content: For a juicier patty, use ground beef with 80% lean meat and 20% fat.
- Storage: Leftover hamburger steaks and gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked patties and gravy for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet when ready to serve.
- Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thin, simmer it longer to thicken, or add a little more flour during the roux stage.
- Vegetarian Option: To make a vegetarian version, substitute the beef patties with plant-based burger patties and use vegetable broth for the gravy.