Chopped Beef Steak Recipe (Easy, with Gravy & Onions)

I've been making chopped steak for over two decades, and let me tell you - this comfort food classic never gets old.

There's something magical about taking ground beef and turning it into these thick, juicy patties that taste like restaurant-quality hamburger steaks.

This easy chopped steak recipe has become my go-to when I want something hearty that fills the house with amazing smells.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Beef Patties:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Mushroom Gravy:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, sliced thin
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup beef stock
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Beef Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, diced onions, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together gently with your hands, being careful not to overwork the meat. Form the mixture into 4 thick patties, making a small indent in the center of each one to prevent them from puffing up during cooking. This technique helps the hamburger patties cook evenly and stay flat.

Step 2: Cook the Chopped Steak

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the beef patties in the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving them - this creates a nice crust. Flip the patties and cook for another 4-5 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F on your meat thermometer. Remove the cooked patties from the pan and set them aside to rest.

Step 3: Prepare the Onions and Mushrooms

In the same pan with the beef drippings, add butter and let it melt completely. Add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become caramelized onions with a golden brown color. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown. The mushrooms and onions should be tender and fragrant at this point.

Step 4: Make the Mushroom Gravy

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and mushrooms, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the flour mixture for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth and beef stock while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the Worcestershire sauce and fresh thyme, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let the gravy thicken for 3-4 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the hamburger steaks to the large skillet with the mushroom gravy. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The gravy should coat the back of a spoon when ready. Serve the chopped steak hot with the onion gravy spooned generously over the top, alongside your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes or white rice.

"The secret to great chopped steak is treating it like you would any good steak - don't mess with it too much, give it a good sear, and let the natural flavors of the beef shine through."

- Michael Symon, Chef & Restaurateur

Recipe Notes

• Don't overmix the meat mixture: Overworking ground beef makes the patties tough and dense. Mix just until the ingredients come together, then stop.
• Use medium-high heat for proper searing: Too low and the patties won't get a good crust; too high and they'll burn before cooking through properly.
• Let the meat rest after cooking: This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the patties, keeping them moist and flavorful when you cut into them.
• Make sure the gravy is smooth: When adding flour, stir constantly and cook it briefly to eliminate any raw flour taste that could make your dish unpalatable.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 485
• Protein: 42g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbs: 18g
• Sugar: 6g
• Cholesterol: 165mg
• Sodium: 1,240mg

How to Pick the Right Ground Beef

I always tell home cooks that the quality of your ground beef makes or breaks this dish.

• Choose 80/20 ground beef: This ratio gives you enough fat for flavor and moisture without making the patties greasy or falling apart during cooking.
• Look for bright red color: Fresh ground beef should be bright red, not brown or gray, which indicates it's been sitting too long or exposed to too much air.
• Check the sell-by date: Buy the freshest ground beef possible, ideally ground the same day you plan to make chopped steak for the best flavor and texture.
• Consider having it ground fresh: Many butchers will grind beef fresh for you, which often results in better texture and flavor than pre-packaged options.

My Secret Tips for Perfect Chopped Steak

I've learned these tricks through years of making this recipe in different kitchens and for different crowds.

• Add an egg for binding: The egg acts as a natural glue that holds your patties together while adding moisture and richness to every bite.
• Use day-old breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs can make the mixture soggy, while day-old crumbs absorb moisture without breaking down completely during cooking.
• Don't skip the indent: Making a small depression in each patty prevents them from puffing up into meatballs and helps them cook evenly throughout.
• Save those drippings: The brown bits left in the pan after cooking the beef are pure flavor gold - they make your mushroom gravy taste incredible.

Best Side Dishes to Serve With

When I serve this Salisbury steak at home, these sides always disappear first from the table.

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Nothing beats fluffy mashed potatoes for soaking up that rich mushroom gravy. I like to add butter and cream cheese for extra richness that pairs perfectly with the beef.

2. Buttered Green Beans

Simple steamed green beans with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt provide a fresh contrast to the hearty main course. They add color and crunch to your plate.

3. Warm Dinner Rolls

Fresh rolls are perfect for mopping up any leftover gravy on your plate. I brush mine with butter and garlic for extra flavor that complements the dish.

4. Roasted Root Vegetables

Carrots, parsnips, and potatoes roasted with herbs make a hearty side that feels like a complete meal. The caramelized edges add sweetness that balances the savory beef.

5. Simple Mixed Salad

A light salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the chopped steak recipe. I use mixed greens with cucumber and tomatoes for freshness.

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• Chipotle Steak Taco Recipe
• Hawaiian Chop Steak Recipe
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