Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks with Onion-Dill Sauce Recipe
I’m genuinely excited to share this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks with Onion-Dill Sauce Recipe with you because it’s not your everyday hamburger. The cream and dill sauce takes these humble beef patties to a whole new level of comfort and flavor, making it perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or when you want to impress without fuss. I remember first making this on a chilly evening, and my whole kitchen smelled amazing – warm, inviting, and totally homey.
What makes this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks with Onion-Dill Sauce Recipe worth trying is how effortlessly it combines simple ingredients into a rich, silky sauce that coats tender beef steaks just right. You’ll find yourself craving those creamy, herb-packed bites again and again, and because it’s quick to prep and cook, it’s a fantastic go-to when life gets busy. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balance of Flavors: The creamy onion-dill sauce perfectly complements the savory hamburger steaks without overpowering them.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Everyday pantry staples come together to create a meal that feels both special and comforting.
- Quick Cooking Time: From start to finish in about 30 minutes, it’s great for busy nights when you still want a homemade meal.
- Fresh Herb Finish: Adding fresh dill at the end brightens the sauce with a fresh, aromatic note that makes all the difference.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks with Onion-Dill Sauce Recipe relies on classic ingredients that marry beautifully, both for flavor and texture. Using ground beef with a bit of fat ensures juicy steaks, while the breadcrumbs and egg help keep them tender and shaped just right.
- Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for juicy steaks that don’t dry out during cooking.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the patties and add a nice tender bite.
- Onion: Grated for the patties, diced for the sauce – both sweet and savory flavor boosters.
- Heavy cream: The star ingredient in the sauce, creating that irresistible creaminess.
- Egg: Acts as a binder for the hamburger mixture, keeping everything together during frying.
- Butter: Used to build the base of the sauce, adding richness and depth.
- Garlic: Just a hint in the sauce to add warmth without overpowering the dill.
- Flour: For thickening the sauce smoothly without clumps.
- Chicken stock: Adds subtle savory flavor and helps balance the cream’s richness.
- Fresh dill: A must-have that brightens the dish and pairs fantastically with the creamy sauce.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
Tweak to Your Taste
This recipe is pretty forgiving and fun to personalize. I often add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce for a subtle smoky undertone, but you can easily swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Adding a splash of lemon juice right before serving can also give the sauce a lovely citrusy kick.
- Variation: I once tried mixing fresh chives with the dill – it gave the sauce a sharper, oniony freshness that my family loved.
- Dietary tweaks: For a gluten-free version, simply replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free crumbs and use gluten-free flour.
- Seasonal flair: In late summer, I sometimes toss in chopped fresh fennel fronds along with dill to add another layer of herbaceous flavor.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks with Onion-Dill Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepping the Perfect Patties
Start by combining the ground beef with the breadcrumbs, grated onion, heavy cream, egg, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. I like to mix these gently with my hands—overworking can make the steaks tough. Once combined, divide the mixture into four equal parts and gently shape each into a patty about half an inch thick. Set them aside while you prep the sauce ingredients.
Step 2: Cooking the Hamburger Steaks
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re looking to get a nice brown crust on the outside while keeping them juicy inside. Don’t crowd the pan—work in batches if necessary. Once done, transfer them to a clean plate and set aside; they’ll finish cooking in the sauce shortly.
Step 3: Making the Onion-Dill Cream Sauce
Using the same pan (hello, flavor!), melt the butter and add the finely diced onion. Cook slowly on medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and soft—this step really builds the sauce’s sweetness. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux without lumps.
Now slowly whisk in the chicken stock, then the heavy cream. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens to a lovely silky consistency. Stir in half the fresh chopped dill for that fresh herbal touch.
Step 4: Bringing It All Together
Nestle the hamburger steaks gently into the pan with your sauce and let everything simmer together for 4 to 5 minutes. This melts the flavors beautifully and ensures the patties finish cooking through without drying out. Taste and season again with salt and pepper if needed, then sprinkle the remaining dill on top before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks with Onion-Dill Sauce Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Mixing too much makes the patties dense, so combine the ingredients gently just until blended.
- Use Medium Heat: Cooking the steaks on medium heat helps develop a crust without burning before the inside is cooked.
- Deglaze the Pan: When you add the butter and onions for the sauce, use the fond (brown bits) on the pan for extra flavor.
- Fresh Dill Last: Always add some dill right at the end to preserve its bright, fresh flavor – it’s the finishing touch!
How to Serve Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks with Onion-Dill Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill and sometimes a few thin slices of fresh green onion for crunch and color. If I’m feeling indulgent, a dollop of sour cream on the side adds even more creaminess and tang.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes soaked in the dill cream sauce are a dream pairing, but buttery egg noodles or simple roasted vegetables like green beans or carrots work beautifully as well. This recipe also pairs nicely with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to plate each hamburger steak on a shallow bowl and ladle the onion-dill sauce generously on top. Garnishing with edible flowers or extra dill fronds gives it a really lovely touch that feels restaurant-worthy at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I separate the hamburger steaks from the sauce if I know I’ll reheat only one portion to help maintain texture, but you can store them together too.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these before by wrapping the cooked patties individually and freezing the sauce in a separate container. When thawed, the sauce might need a gentle stir or a splash more cream as it reheats, but it tastes just as good!
Reheating
The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, covered, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This helps the sauce stay silky and avoids drying out the hamburger steaks.
FAQs
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Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Keep in mind these leaner meats might dry out more easily, so consider adding a little extra heavy cream or even a touch of olive oil to help maintain juiciness.
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How do I avoid clumps when making the cream sauce?
Whisk continuously when adding the flour and liquid to the saucepan. Make sure to cook the roux (butter and flour) for a minute before adding liquids to eliminate the raw flour taste and prevent lumps.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the hamburger steaks and sauce up to a day ahead, refrigerate separately, then combine and gently reheat just before serving for fresh-tasting results.
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Do I have to use fresh dill?
Fresh dill really makes the flavor of this dish pop. If you can’t find fresh, dried dill can work, but use sparingly as it’s more concentrated; add it early in cooking for best results.
Final Thoughts
I hope after reading this you feel inspired to try the Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks with Onion-Dill Sauce Recipe yourself – it’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and has a special touch of fresh herbs that makes each bite memorable. When I serve this to friends or family, it always sparks “wow” moments, and I think you’ll love the way everyone perks up at the dinner table too. Give it a whirl, and I’d love to hear how it turns out in your kitchen!
PrintCreamy Dill Hamburger Steaks with Onion-Dill Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Hamburger Cream Steaks recipe features tender homemade hamburger patties cooked to perfection and served in a rich, creamy dill sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this dish combines ground beef, onions, and breadcrumbs shaped into steaks, pan-fried, and then simmered in a luscious cream sauce with fresh dill.
Ingredients
For the Hamburger Steaks
- 1.3 pounds ground beef
- 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 large onion, finely diced or grated
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, divided
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the hamburger mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, heavy cream, egg, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid compacting the meat.
- Shape the hamburger steaks: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball, then flatten each ball into a steak about 1/2 inch thick. Set aside on a plate.
- Cook the hamburger steaks: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked steaks to a clean plate and set aside.
- Make the cream sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced small onion and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and softened. Add minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Thicken the sauce: Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously until the flour lumps dissolve. Reduce the heat to medium-low, slowly pour in the low-sodium chicken stock while whisking, followed by the heavy cream. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens smoothly.
- Add dill and simmer: Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill, then nestle the hamburger steaks into the sauce. Simmer together gently for 4 to 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Finish and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of fresh dill before serving. Enjoy your creamy hamburger steaks!
Notes
- Use fresh dill for the best flavor, but dried dill can be substituted in a pinch (use half the amount).
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
- If you prefer a gluten-free recipe, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the sauce thickening.
- For a richer sauce, add a splash more heavy cream at the end of cooking.
- Be careful not to overmix the hamburger meat to keep the steaks tender.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg