
Ground beef becomes a hearty meal when turned into these old-fashioned patties smothered in thick brown sauce.
Handle your meat mixture with a light touch and get those patties nice and brown for the best results.
Prime Ingredient Breakdown
- Ground Beef: Pick 80/20 fat content for juicy results
- Breadcrumbs: Homemade beats store-bought any day
- Beef Broth: Go with unsalted to manage the flavor
- Onions: Sweet or yellow ones taste better here
- Worcestershire: Brings richness to both meat and sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Patty Formation (10 minutes):
- Combine everything with minimal mixing. Form into shapes without pressing too hard. Make them thinner in the middle. Set aside before cooking.
- Searing Technique (8 minutes):
- Get your pan super hot. Leave patties untouched for 3 minutes. Look for a nice brown surface. Only flip them once.
- Gravy Making (10 minutes):
- Brown your onions until they're golden. Mix flour carefully to avoid lumps. Pour in liquids bit by bit. Let it bubble until thick.
- Final Cooking (12 minutes):
- Put patties back in the sauce. Ladle gravy over them. Taste and adjust salt. Monitor the meat temperature.

Your sauce will taste amazing if you take time to really brown those onions first. Don't rush this part.
Cooking Temperature Guide
Patties should reach 160°F inside.
Plan-Ahead Advice
Form your patties earlier and keep them in the fridge until cooking time.
Fixing Sauce Problems
Pour through a strainer if lumpy, then mix with hot broth.

This dish always takes me back to family gatherings on Sundays. You'll get the best results when you pay attention to both your patties and your sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can this be prepped in advance?
- Sure, make it up to 2 days in advance. Warm it on the stove with extra broth if needed.
- → What are good sides?
- Pair it with rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes, plus some green veggies.
- → Can I swap beef for turkey?
- Absolutely, but you might need to add more seasoning since turkey is milder.
- → How do I keep patties tender?
- Go easy on mixing the meat, and don't press them while they're cooking.
- → Are leftovers ok to freeze?
- Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge and warm it slowly when ready.