A Hearty, Comforting Classic
Chopped Steaks are the ultimate comfort food—juicy, well-seasoned beef patties smothered in a rich, savory gravy. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, bringing together bold flavors and tender texture in every bite. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that comes together in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights or when you’re craving a hearty homemade meal.
Why I Love This Recipe?
There’s something nostalgic about a plate of chopped steaks with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans on the side. Growing up, this was a go-to meal in my family, and it always brought everyone to the table. What makes this version special is the balance of seasonings and the homemade brown gravy that coats the steaks perfectly.
Unlike traditional Salisbury steak, which often includes breadcrumbs and egg as binders, these chopped steaks focus on pure beef flavor with just a few simple ingredients to enhance juiciness and tenderness.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef: Use an 80/20 blend for the best balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor.
- Onions & Garlic: Enhance the richness of both the patties and the gravy.
- Beef Broth: Forms the base of the gravy for a deep, meaty taste.
- Flour or Cornstarch: Helps thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency.
- Butter & Olive Oil: For sautéing and building layers of flavor.
Substitutions:
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or pork for a twist.
- Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make the gravy gluten-free.
- Try adding mushrooms for an extra savory element in the gravy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Patties: In a bowl, mix ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic. Form into patties.
- Sear the Steaks: Heat oil in a large skillet and cook the patties until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Gravy: In the same pan, sauté onions until soft, then stir in flour and cook briefly.
- Deglaze & Simmer: Slowly add beef broth while stirring. Let the gravy simmer until thickened.
- Return the Steaks to the Pan: Add the patties back into the gravy and let them cook for a few more minutes until fully cooked.
- Serve & Enjoy: Spoon extra gravy over the steaks and serve hot with mashed potatoes or rice.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Gently mix the beef to keep the patties tender.
- Let the Steaks Rest: Allow them to sit for a few minutes before serving so they stay juicy.
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: This helps develop a beautiful crust on the patties.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.
- Buttered egg noodles or rice for a simple, hearty pairing.
- A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked patties and gravy separately for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the patties and gravy in advance and store them separately.
What’s the difference between chopped steak and Salisbury steak? Salisbury steak usually contains fillers like breadcrumbs and eggs, while chopped steak is just seasoned ground beef.
Can I make this dish without gravy? Of course! Simply serve the seared steaks with a pat of butter or a light pan sauce.
Final Thoughts
Chopped Steaks are a timeless, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with comforting flavors. Whether you serve them with classic sides or mix it up with your own variations, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home. Let me know in the comments how you enjoyed it and any unique twists you added!
PrintChopped Steaks
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty, comforting dish features juicy, well-seasoned beef patties smothered in a rich, homemade gravy. It’s a one-pan meal that comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or when you’re craving classic comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Steaks:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Add-Ins:
- Sliced mushrooms – for extra depth in the gravy
- Dash of soy sauce – for added umami
- A pinch of cayenne – for mild heat
Instructions
-
Prepare the Steaks:
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Gently form into 4 to 6 patties, about ¾-inch thick.
-
Sear the Steaks:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned.
- Remove and set aside (they will finish cooking in the gravy).
-
Make the Gravy:
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onions until softened (3 minutes).
- Stir in garlic, then add flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add beef broth, whisking to prevent lumps.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer until thickened (5 minutes).
-
Finish Cooking:
- Return the patties to the pan, spooning gravy over them.
- Cover and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, until fully cooked.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Spoon extra gravy over the steaks.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
Notes
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Keeps the patties tender.
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: Helps develop a flavorful crust.
- Adjust Thickness of Gravy: Add more broth for a thinner gravy or simmer longer for a thicker texture.
Nutrition
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg