There’s nothing like a hearty, savory dish to warm the soul—and this Smothered Hamburger Steak with Rich Onion Gravy proves you don’t have to abandon comfort food to stay on track. Juicy hamburger steaks are seared to perfection and smothered in a velvety onion gravy, all while keeping SmartPoints in check. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep, this recipe delivers classic flavor without the guilt.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food, Lightened Up: All the richness of traditional smothered steak, but with lean protein and a lighter gravy.
- Weight Watchers-Friendly: Calculated SmartPoints ensure you stay on plan.
- Meal Prep Hero: Reheats beautifully for lunches or quick dinners.
- Family-Approved: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will adore.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (96% lean, or substitute ground turkey for fewer points)
- 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)
For the Onion Gravy:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 1.5 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Hamburger Steaks
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently (avoid overworking the meat).
- Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into 1-inch-thick patties.
Cook the Patties
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat with cooking spray.
- Sear patties for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Make the Onion Gravy
- In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Sauté over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until caramelized (add a splash of broth if sticking).
- Sprinkle flour over onions and stir for 1 minute to cook out the raw taste.
- Gradually pour in beef broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gravy thickens.
Smother and Serve
- Return patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve hot, topped with extra gravy and fresh parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information
(Per serving: 1 hamburger steak + gravy)
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- WW SmartPoints: 5 (calculated with lean beef and flour).
Tips for Success
- Lighten It Further: Use ground turkey breast and cornstarch for gravy to reduce points.
- Boost Veggies: Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the gravy for extra fiber.
- Meal Prep: Store patties and gravy separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze cooked patties and gravy for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed Cauliflower: A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Steamed Green Beans: Toss with lemon zest for brightness.
- Simple Salad: Mixed greens with a light balsamic dressing.
- Whole Grain Rice: For a heartier meal (add points accordingly).
This Smothered Hamburger Steak with Rich Onion Gravy is the ultimate comfort food makeover. With tender patties and a deeply flavorful gravy, it’s a satisfying meal that aligns with your wellness goals. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner or prepping for the week ahead, this dish proves that healthy eating can still be indulgent.
Smothered Hamburger Steak with Rich Onion Gravy
4
servings15
minutes30
minutes250
kcalIngredients
For the Hamburger Steaks:
1 lb lean ground beef
1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)
For the Onion Gravy:
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1.5 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Hamburger Steaks
In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently (avoid overworking the meat).
Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into 1-inch-thick patties. - Cook the Patties
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat with cooking spray.
Sear patties for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm. - Make the Onion Gravy
In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Sauté over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until caramelized (add a splash of broth if sticking).
Sprinkle flour over onions and stir for 1 minute to cook out the raw taste.
Gradually pour in beef broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gravy thickens. - Smother and Serve
Return patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
Serve hot, topped with extra gravy and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Lighten It Further: Use ground turkey breast and cornstarch for gravy to reduce points.
Boost Veggies: Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the gravy for extra fiber.
Meal Prep: Store patties and gravy separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze cooked patties and gravy for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.