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Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 6 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. Shape the mixture into six oval patties and set them aside.
  3. Heat a skillet with oil or butter over medium-high heat.
  4. Cook each patty for about three to four minutes on each side until browned. Remove and keep aside.
  5. In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced onions. Cook until they turn soft and golden.
  6. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring to make a smooth gravy.
  7. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the gravy and cook until it thickens.
  8. Place the browned patties back in the skillet and spoon the gravy over them.
  9. Cover and let everything simmer on low heat for ten to twelve minutes until the patties are cooked through.
  10. 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.
  • Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak Recipe