If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a big warm hug, this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner rotation. The tang of fresh dill meets a luscious cream sauce, making simple ground beef taste like a culinary treat.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, the first time I made this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe, I was amazed at how such humble ingredients came together so beautifully. It’s a perfect midweek dinner that’s impressive yet totally doable.
- Rich and Comforting: The creamy dill sauce adds a fresh, flavorful twist to classic hamburger steaks, keeping every bite exciting.
- Quick to Make: From prep to table in about 30 minutes—perfect when time is tight but you still want something homemade.
- Family Friendly: My kids and guests keep asking for seconds, so it’s great for crowd-pleasing without fuss.
- Flexible and Personal: Easy to tweak with your favorite herbs or sides to suit whatever’s in your fridge or mood.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe plays a starring role, blending classic comfort in a way that feels fresh. Here's a quick look at what makes each one special and how they come together:
- Ground beef: I recommend an 80/20 blend for juiciness and flavor; leaner beef can get dry.
- Breadcrumbs: These keep the patties tender and help everything hold together without being dense.
- Onion: Grated onion adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that melts into the beef beautifully.
- Heavy cream: Adding cream both in the meat and the sauce makes this dish decadently rich but still light on the palate.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, so the steaks don’t fall apart during cooking.
- Butter: For that golden, flavorful base to build your sauce—don’t skip it.
- Garlic: Just a little to amp up the aroma and flavor without overpowering the dill.
- Flour: This thickens the sauce perfectly, giving it that silky, clingy texture.
- Chicken stock: Adds savory depth to the sauce without making it heavy.
- Fresh dill: The star herb here—adds a bright, herby note that cuts through the creaminess.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning done right brings everything together perfectly.
Make It Your Way
I love making this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe my own by switching up small things depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. Don’t be shy about customizing—this dish is forgiving and versatile!
- Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is swapping fresh dill for fresh tarragon or parsley for a different herbal twist. It changes the flavor profile but keeps it fresh and vibrant.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream if you want a lighter sauce.
- Extra hearty: Stir in some sautéed mushrooms or bacon bits into the sauce for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Dairy-free option: Replace cream with coconut milk and butter with olive oil to accommodate dairy sensitivities.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Meat Mixture Gently
First things first—you want to combine the ground beef with the breadcrumbs, finely diced or grated onion, heavy cream, egg, salt, and pepper. I like to mix everything gently by hand or with a wooden spoon until just combined. Overmixing can make the steaks tough, so just get everything evenly distributed and stop.
Step 2: Shape Your Hamburger Steaks
Divide the mixture into four even portions. Roll each into a ball, then gently flatten them into patties about a half-inch thick. I find this thickness cooks perfectly without drying out or feeling too dense. Set them aside while you prep the pan.
Step 3: Cook the Hamburgers
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You want them nicely browned and cooked through but still juicy. Once done, transfer to a clean plate and get ready for the sauce.
Step 4: Whip Up That Creamy Dill Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and add finely diced onion. Cook on medium heat until it’s golden and soft—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Then toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds (don’t let it burn!).
Season lightly with salt and pepper, then sprinkle over the flour. Whisk continuously until the flour combines smoothly with no lumps. Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream, whisking the whole time until the sauce thickens up beautifully.
Finally, stir in one tablespoon of chopped fresh dill to infuse the sauce with that signature herby brightness.
Step 5: Simmer and Serve
Gently nestle the cooked hamburger steaks into the creamy dill sauce and let everything simmer together for 4 to 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the steaks soak up some of that luscious sauce. Taste for seasoning and add salt, pepper, or more dill as needed.
Finish by sprinkling with the remaining chopped dill before serving—it adds fresh color and a final herby pop.
Top Tip
Over the years making this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help nail it every time. These simple tips can make a huge difference in flavor and texture!
- Don’t overmix: Mixing ground beef too vigorously makes the patties dense. Mix gently until combined and you’ll get tender, juicy steaks.
- Use fresh dill: Fresh herbs shine in this sauce. Dried dill just doesn’t deliver the same brightness or flavor.
- Cook sauce low and slow: After adding the liquids, keep your heat moderate. Low heat avoids curdling and keeps your sauce silky smooth.
- Don’t forget to season: Taste the sauce before serving; you might need a pinch more salt or pepper to balance out the creaminess.
How to Serve Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped dill—it brightens up the plate and pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. Sometimes I toss on a few cracked black peppercorns or a tiny lemon wedge on the side for a subtle zest if I’m feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
Comforting mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles are my go-to sides with this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe. If I want something lighter, roasted green beans or a crisp cucumber salad bring freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served these steaks over a bed of creamy polenta with a drizzle of extra dill cream sauce on top. It turns a simple weeknight meal into a dinner that wows your guests without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The patties stay moist because of the sauce, so reheating is a breeze, and the flavors actually deepen overnight.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooked hamburger steaks with sauce in a freezer-safe container. I usually freeze in individual portions so I can thaw and reheat just what I need. They keep well for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of milk or stock if the sauce thickened too much. Avoid microwaving, if possible, to keep the sauce from separating and the meat juicy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted, but I recommend adding a bit more fat like olive oil or a touch of butter since they are leaner and can dry out more easily. The cream sauce works just as well with these alternatives.
I prefer grating the onion for the patties because it distributes the moisture evenly throughout and almost melts as it cooks, keeping the burgers juicy without biting into onion chunks.
Absolutely! You can form the patties up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, which makes dinner night a breeze. Just cook them fresh when ready and proceed with the sauce.
You can use beef stock or even vegetable stock as a one-to-one substitute. If none of those are available, water with a pinch of salt works, though the flavor won’t be as rich. Adding a small splash of soy sauce can help boost flavor in that case.
Final Thoughts
Making this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe always feels like a little act of kindness to myself and everyone at the table. It's straightforward yet incredibly delicious—perfect for when you want to whip up something special without a fuss. I hope you’ll try it and find it as comforting and versatile as I do. Grab your skillet and let’s make dinner something to look forward to tonight!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hamburger Cream Steaks recipe features juicy ground beef patties cooked to perfection and simmered in a rich, creamy dill sauce. It's a comforting dish perfect for a satisfying dinner that combines tender meat with a luscious, flavorful cream sauce.
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
- ½ 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 1.3 pounds of ground beef, 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs, 1 finely diced or grated large onion, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 large egg, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough patties.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Form each into a ball, then flatten to about ½ inch thickness. Set the patties aside on a plate.
- Cook the Hamburger Steaks: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook each patty for 4 to 5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked patties to a clean plate and set aside.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 small finely diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add 1 clove minced garlic and cook for 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Thicken the Sauce: Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until the flour lumps disappear. Reduce heat to medium-low and gradually add ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock, whisking constantly. Then add 1 cup heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens.
- Add Fresh Dill and Simmer: Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill. Nestle the hamburger steaks back into the sauce and let everything simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes for flavors to meld and the sauce to coat the meat well.
- Finish and Serve: Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon fresh dill. Serve the creamy hamburger steaks hot and enjoy your comforting meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats.
- Use low-fat cream alternatives if you want to reduce richness but be mindful it may alter sauce texture.
- Make sure not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the patties tender.
- If fresh dill is unavailable, dried dill can be substituted but use half the amount as it is more concentrated.
- The sauce can be thickened further by simmering longer or adding a little more flour at the beginning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
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