Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak Recipe

Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak Recipe: This hamburger steak Restaurant Recipe is sure to bring a taste of the South right into your very home. It’s a meal that features all the hearty flavor and rich onion gravy. From this helpful handbook, even if you don’t horse around in bed (I’m thinking of some folks who stay at a hotel on Sunday and go out to breakfast there), you will still be able to please your feet with something of restaurant-quality.

What Is Cracker Barrel’s Hamburger Steak?

But this is a happy hamburger steak; juicy with even seasoning on ground beef and charred properly before being buried under thick, brown onion gravy.CGFloat infinity

A kind of hamburger, the hard Up hamburger Steak is served untethered by its buns and is sometimes given mashed potatoes or green beans, often fried okra on the side. Every mouthful tastes as good as it looks, juicy with a hint of cucumbers and streaks in homemade gravy that bring life back to food.

Fun Fact:
Cracker Barrel serves more than 11 million orders of hamburger steak annually across its U.S. locations ; making it one of their top-selling entrées.

Ingredients for the Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak Recipe

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather together everything you’ll need. The following ingredients recreate that trademark Cracker Barrel hamburger steak flavour and texture, soothing, satisfying, and well-seasoned.

For the Hamburger Steaks

For the Onion Gravy

Tip:
For a restaurant-quality version, use freshly ground black pepper and homemade beef stock ; it intensifies the gravy flavour remarkably.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s take the Cracker Barrel hamburger recipe and simplify it, write out each step so that all people can follow. Each stage adds layers of flavor and ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth result.

Step 1 – Mix and Shape the Hamburger Steaks

1. Put ground beef into a mixing bowl, break an egg over it, then add bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix lightly with your hands or a fork; overmixing can make the meat tough.
3. Divide the mixture into six evenly oval patties, each about ¾–inch thick.
4. For best results, chill the patties in the refrigerator at least 15–20 minutes. They hold their shape better when cooked this way.

Step 2 – Brown the Steaks

1. Put a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan on medium-high heat.
2. Put in olive oil or butter; then the patties.
3. Each one should be cooked 3–4 minutes per side, or until a brown crust forms.
4. Take the patties out and put them on a plate.
5. Pro Tip:
   Use a meat thermometer ; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for perfectly cooked hamburger steak.

Step 3 – Prepare the Onion Gravy

Let the gravy simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

With the Other ingredients in the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add sliced onions and sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden brown.

Flour added in Sprinkle form a roux.

Slowly pour in beef broth while whisking to prevent lumps.

Add salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

Step 4 – Combine and Simmer

1. Return browned hamburger steaks to the pan, spooning gravy over each piece.
2. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes.
3. The steaks will absorb flavour from the onion gravy, resulting in that authentic Cracker Barrel taste.

Step 5 – Serve and Garnish

Plate each hamburger steak with a generous serving of gravy. Garnish with parsley or caramelised onions for presentation.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak Recipe

Cooking a restaurant-quality Cracker Barrel hamburger steak at home isn’t difficult, but attention to detail makes all the difference.

Here are proven tips for success:

• Use 80/20 ground beef: Leaner beef dries out.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce ; it’s the key to the Cracker Barrel flavour.
• Avoid over-mixing: It tightens the texture.
• Rest before serving: Let steaks sit for 5 minutes to reabsorb juices.
• Enhance the gravy: Add mushrooms, cream, or onion jam for complexity.

“The secret to a perfect Cracker Barrel hamburger steak recipe isn’t fancy equipment ; it’s patience, a heavy skillet, and good beef.” ; Chef’s Note

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

The Cracker Barrel hamburger steak recipe pairs beautifully with many sides. Below are both traditional and healthy options.

Classic Sides (Cracker Barrel Style)

• Mashed potatoes with brown gravy
• Fried okra
• Buttered corn
• Green beans
• Biscuits or cornbread

Healthier Alternatives

• Cauliflower mash
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Quinoa salad
• Brown rice

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

The beauty of the Cracker Barrel hamburger steak recipe lies in its versatility and storage friendliness.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap steaks (without gravy) individually in foil; freeze up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
• Gravy tip: Reheat gravy separately and add back before serving.

Quick Fix:
If your gravy thickens too much in the fridge, whisk in 1–2 tablespoons of warm water to revive it.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Values vary depending on sides and gravy thickness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Burning onions: Caramelisation takes time; be patient.

Over-mixing the beef mixture.

Skipping the rest period before serving.

Using lean meat ; it dries out quickly.

Cooking on high heat only: Medium heat ensures even cooking.

Variations of the Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak Recipe

There are several fun twists you can try while keeping the soul of the Cracker Barrel hamburger steak recipe intact.

Southern Hamburger Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms during the onion sauté step.

Cheesy Hamburger Steak Version

Top with shredded cheddar and broil for 2–3 minutes before serving.

Low-Carb or Keto Hamburger Steak Recipe

Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, and replace gravy flour with xanthan gum.

Slow Cooker Hamburger Steak

Layer onions and beef patties in a slow cooker, pour broth and seasoning, and cook on low for 4 hours.

Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak Recipe

The Cracker Barrel hamburger steak recipe is a Southern-style comfort food classic made with seasoned ground beef, seared to perfection, and topped with a rich onion-brown gravy. This hearty copycat version captures the signature flavours of Cracker Barrel’s famous dish — tender, juicy, and perfect for family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 6 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 21 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Cast-iron skillet or heavy frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
• Tongs
• Plate for resting patties

Ingredients

  

• For the Hamburger Steaks
• 1½ lbs 680 g ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter for searing
• For the Onion Gravy
• 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth low sodium preferred
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Combine gently until everything is mixed well.
• Shape the mixture into six oval patties and set them aside.
• Heat a skillet with oil or butter over medium-high heat.
• Cook each patty for about three to four minutes on each side until browned. Remove and keep aside.
• In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced onions. Cook until they turn soft and golden.
• Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring to make a smooth gravy.
• Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the gravy and cook until it thickens.
• Place the browned patties back in the skillet and spoon the gravy over them.
• Cover and let everything simmer on low heat for ten to twelve minutes until the patties are cooked through.
• Serve hot with mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread, and enjoy your homemade Cracker Barrel hamburger steak recipe.

Notes

• Beef Fat Ratio: Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy results. Leaner meat tends to dry out.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Cook patties and gravy separately, then refrigerate. Reheat together before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked patties (without gravy) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of flour in the gravy.
• Add-Ons: Mushrooms or a splash of cream make the gravy richer.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with mashed potatoes, fried okra, or buttered corn for the full Cracker Barrel experience.
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Conclusion

The Cracker Barrel hamburger steak recipe is a true taste of Southern comfort – utter simplicity in ingredients and satisfying in both flavors and mouthfeel, the affectionate atmosphere that warms heart and soul. Because you just blend lean ground beef with seasonings to taste, and then pour over canned onion gravy after cooking it gently in a skillet on your own stove. It has been a restaurant favourite as far back as folks around here remember. A meal your whole family enjoys, at a price everyone can afford.

Making this dish also forces into one’s head that comfort food need not be complex. You’ll soon get the knack for the right proportion of tender steak and creamy gravy by being patient and using a few basic techniques. Serve it up with mashed potatoes, string beans, or cornbread–and you’ve got a meal that says Cracker Barrel all over it. Delicious, not-easily forgotten, and with love in every bite.

Share Your Twist!

Each person has their way of making the Cracker Barrel burger steak recipe special. Now, we would love to hear how you do it! Maybe your tasty tweaks include mushrooms or garlic butter for extra flavor, and paired with a unique side such as cheesy grits or oven-roasted vegetables. Whatever personal spin you take on this classic American dish, put down your thoughts (in the comments) or tell those close to you. Food always seems to taste better when shared and enjoyed with others!

Cooking is a creative exercise of the spirit and skill, so feel free to go with your intuition. It might just turn out that your version becomes this week’s dinner conversation at other people’s homes. So why not give your own twist to this classic Cracker Barrel hamburger steak recipe? Yes, you can. Go for it: make Friendscuisine steps one and two first!

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