Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak Recipe

The Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak recipe is a classic favorite among many households for its savory flavors and hearty comfort food appeal.

Known for its simplicity, this dish can be whipped up easily on any weeknight yet still packs an impressive punch of deliciousness that’ll leave everyone craving for more.

When trying this recipe, you’ll notice how the seasoned hamburger steak is seared to perfection, forming an incredible crust that seals in all the juicy goodness.

The addition of a rich onion gravy adds depth to the dish, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.

The ingredients are simple and accessible, including ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and an assortment of seasonings to create the perfect blend of taste and texture.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak

Ingredients List

To create your very own Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or ground chuck
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (optional for onion gravy)

Step-by-step process

Step 1:

First, in a large bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, onion salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Mix them well to form a uniform meat mixture.

Step 2:

Next, shape the meat mixture into four round hamburger steak patties.

Heat a cast iron skillet or a heavy-duty pan over medium heat.

Add the butter and let it melt, swirling the pan to coat the surface evenly.

Place the hamburger steak patties onto the hot skillet.

Step 3:

Cook the patties for about 4 minutes or until they are browned on both sides.

Be sure to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 4:

Check the internal temperature of the patties with a meat thermometer, aiming for a temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.

If desired, to create a rich onion gravy for your hamburger steaks, add 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour into the same skillet after removing the patties.

Cook the flour in the remaining butter and juices over medium-high heat until it turns golden brown.

Slowly whisk in 1 cup of milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 5:

Continue cooking the gravy, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Add extra seasonings to taste if needed.

Serve your juicy and savory Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steaks hot off the skillet, with or without onion gravy.

Enjoy your delicious homemade dish!

Side Dishes for Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak

Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak is a delicious comfort food that can be enjoyed on busy weeknights or family gatherings.

To make this meal even more satisfying, consider pairing it with some of the following side dishes, commonly found at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store or easy to make at home.

Green Beans

Green beans make for a perfect side dish with the hamburger steak, as their bright color and fresh flavor help balance the rich flavors of the steak and gravy.

You can cook them with a little bit of garlic and salt for a simple and delicious preparation, or add bacon and onions for extra flavor.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that goes excellently with the Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak.

Creamy and flavorful, they are the perfect base to soak up the delicious gravy that accompanies the dish.

Prepare them with butter, cream, and seasoning to taste for a classic side dish.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw adds a crunchy and refreshing element to the meal, balancing the savory flavors of the hamburger steak.

This classic side dish, made from cabbage, carrots, and creamy dressing, can be easily adjusted to your personal taste, for example, by adding a touch of sweetness with apple cider vinegar or pineapple chunks.

These are just a few of the side dishes that can be enjoyed alongside a Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak to enhance your dining experience.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with your favorite combinations for a memorable meal.

Ingredients Substitutes

Flour

You can substitute all-purpose flour with other flour, such as whole wheat flour, rice flour, or cornstarch.

Each option will provide a slightly different texture and flavor to the dish but will still work for thickening the gravy in the recipe.

Ground turkey or Ground chicken

If you want to try making this dish with a leaner protein, ground turkey or ground chicken can be good alternatives to ground beef.

They both offer a similar texture and can be cooked and seasoned in the same way as beef while providing a lower fat content.

How to Store Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak

Storing your leftover Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak properly is essential to maintain its freshness, flavor, and overall quality.

Here are a few effective methods to store your leftover hamburger steaks:

Refrigeration

For short-term storage, place your leftover hamburger steaks in an airtight container to prevent any odors or bacteria from affecting the quality.

Ensure that your container is tightly sealed to retain moisture and flavor.

Store the container in the refrigerator, ideally at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Your leftover Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steaks should remain fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

If you plan to store your hamburger steaks for an extended period, consider freezing them.

Place the individual steaks in a freezer-safe airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Label the container with the date of storage to keep track of freshness.

Frozen hamburger steaks can last up to 3 months, maintaining their quality and taste.

Remember to thaw them properly in the refrigerator before reheating and consuming them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak:

Overloading the Onion Flavor

One common mistake to avoid is adding too many onions or using the wrong type.

While Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak is a Southern comfort food classic that features sautéed onions, be sure not to overwhelm the dish.

Choosing the Wrong Meat

Another mistake to watch out for is using the incorrect type of meat.

This recipe calls for ground beef chuck, which contains a good ratio of fat to lean that keeps the hamburger steak moist and tender.

Deviating from the recommended 1 ½ pounds of ground beef chuck could result in a subpar texture or flavor.

Insufficient Cooking of the Patties

Cooking the hamburger patties in a heavy skillet at medium heat is essential to get an even cook.

A common mistake is to cook at too high or too low a temperature, leading to uneven cooking or a poor sear on the patties.

Be sure to preheat the skillet properly and adjust the heat as needed during cooking.

By avoiding these common mistakes and carefully following the recipe, you can achieve a delicious and satisfying Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak dinner that brings the comfort food experience right to your home.