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Piccadilly Hamburger Steak Recipe

This Piccadilly Hamburger Steak recipe features juicy beef patties topped with savory onion gravy. A true Southern comfort dish, it's perfect for a cozy meal with family and friends. Serve it with mashed potatoes or cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Close-up of freshly made Piccadilly Hamburger Steak Recipe garnished and ready to serve

There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of hamburger steak, especially when it's paired with a rich, savory gravy. This Piccadilly hamburger steak recipe is the perfect way to bring a taste of Southern-style cafeteria comfort food into your own kitchen. Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly seared patty, drenched in a luscious onion gravy that soaks into your mashed potatoes or rice. It's the kind of meal that makes you feel like you're sitting in a cozy corner of your favorite cafeteria, enjoying a warm, hearty meal.

Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or craving a nostalgic plate of comfort, this recipe delivers all the goodness that makes Piccadilly hamburger steak so iconic. The best part? It’s so simple to make, with ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Stick with me through this, and you’ll master the art of making these juicy steaks with perfect gravy.

What Is Hamburger Steak?

When you hear "hamburger steak," you might think of a burger patty, but this is so much more than just a grilled burger. A hamburger steak is essentially a thick, seasoned ground beef patty, pan-fried to a golden brown and smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy. This particular variation is inspired by the classic cafeteria-style dish you’d find at places like Piccadilly, known for its down-home Southern meals that bring comfort to the soul.

The difference with Piccadilly hamburger steak is that it's designed to be more of a home-cooked experience—juicy and flavorful, but without the bun. The gravy is the star here, thickened and flavorful, with caramelized onions adding the perfect touch of sweetness to balance out the savory meat.

If you’re in the mood for another hearty Southern dish, you might want to check out this Pappadeaux Crawfish Etouffee Recipe, which brings a little Cajun flair to your table!

Ingredients for Piccadilly Hamburger Steak Recipe

Before we dive into the cooking, let's talk about the ingredients you'll need. For Piccadilly hamburger steak, you don’t need anything too fancy—just a handful of staples that come together to make something really special.

Ground Beef

The heart of this dish is ground beef, and the type you use is crucial for flavor. I recommend using an 80/20 blend, which has a good balance of fat and lean meat. The fat helps keep the patties juicy and flavorful. You don’t want them too lean, or they’ll end up dry and tough. If you're looking for a more flavorful option, you could try using ground chuck, but whatever you do, avoid super lean ground beef!

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are the secret to a tender hamburger steak. They act as a binder and help the patties hold together without becoming tough. If you’re feeling fancy, you can use panko breadcrumbs for a bit of extra texture, but regular breadcrumbs will work just fine. I sometimes even use crushed crackers for an extra bit of flavor—this works well if you want a more classic, homemade taste.

Egg

The egg is what helps hold everything together. It also adds a richness to the flavor of the patty. Don’t skip this, or your patties might fall apart in the pan!

Worcestershire Sauce

This tangy sauce is key to the flavor of your hamburger steak. It adds depth and a subtle umami flavor that makes the beef taste even richer. A couple of tablespoons is all you need, but you could add a bit more if you like a bolder flavor.

Onions

Onions play a huge role in this recipe—not just as a seasoning, but as the base of the gravy. You’ll want to finely chop some onions to mix into the patties, and then slice more to create the gravy. The sweetness of caramelized onions pairs perfectly with the savory hamburger steaks, creating a well-rounded dish.

Beef Broth

Beef broth adds body and richness to the gravy. You can use store-bought or homemade broth, but the key is to use one with a deep, beefy flavor. If you like your gravy thicker, you can add a bit of flour to help thicken it up, or cornstarch if you prefer a gluten-free option.

Butter & Flour

For the gravy, you’ll need butter to cook the onions and create a roux with flour. The roux thickens the gravy and gives it that perfect silky texture. Just be sure to cook the flour long enough to get rid of any raw taste.

For another classic Southern favorite, try making Tippins Cornbread, which would pair wonderfully with this hamburger steak. The cornbread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious gravy!

Why You’ll Love This Piccadilly Hamburger Steak Recipe

You might be wondering, what makes this Piccadilly hamburger steak recipe so irresistible? Aside from the obvious fact that it’s comfort food at its finest, this recipe offers a balance of flavors that make it stand out. The juicy, well-seasoned beef patties pair perfectly with the velvety, savory gravy, creating a harmonious dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.

The beauty of this dish is that it’s versatile—you can serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a side of mac and cheese (which you’ll find as a perfect pairing in many Southern recipes). It’s the kind of dish that evokes a sense of nostalgia, making it perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or just a cozy night in.

If you're in the mood for some extra heat, Blue Jam Garlic Aioli would be a unique but delicious accompaniment to your meal. It’s a bit outside the norm, but it’s that kind of twist that makes Southern food so special.

And if you’re like me, comfort food brings back some sweet memories of growing up, sitting down for hearty meals with loved ones. This recipe will do the same for you—it’s a taste of home in every bite.

How to Make Piccadilly Hamburger Steak

Now that we’ve gone over the ingredients and why this dish works so well, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to make it. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide that will make you feel like a pro in the kitchen. Grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Prepare the Hamburger Steaks

Start by combining your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. I like to mix it by hand to really get everything incorporated, but you can use a spoon if you prefer.

Next, form the mixture into patties—about 4-6 depending on the size you prefer. Aim for patties that are about 1/2-inch thick. You want them to be thick enough to hold up during cooking but not so thick that they don’t cook through.

Step 2: Brown the Patties

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the hamburger steaks and cook them for about 4-5 minutes per side. You want them to be a nice golden brown on the outside but still juicy inside.

When the patties are cooked through, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

In the same skillet, you’ll notice some tasty browned bits left from the patties—that’s flavor! Don’t clean the pan. Instead, add about 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add your sliced onions. You want to sauté them slowly, stirring often, until they turn golden brown and caramelized. This can take about 8-10 minutes, so be patient—this step builds a deep, rich flavor for the gravy.

Once the onions are perfectly caramelized, sprinkle in the flour, and stir it around. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. You’ll notice the mixture starts to thicken a little, and that’s your roux coming together.

Now, slowly pour in your beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. The gravy will begin to thicken as it heats up. If you like your gravy thicker, you can add a little more flour or cornstarch, but keep in mind that it will continue to thicken as it cools. Let the gravy simmer for about 5 minutes.

Tip: If you find your gravy too thick, just add a little more broth or water until you reach the consistency you like.

Step 4: Return the Steaks to the Skillet

Once the gravy has thickened and is rich with flavor, add the hamburger steaks back into the skillet. Spoon the gravy over the patties and let them simmer together for another 5 minutes. This allows the steaks to absorb some of the savory gravy, making them even more flavorful.

How to Serve Your Piccadilly Hamburger Steak

Now that your Piccadilly hamburger steak is ready, it’s time to serve! This meal is best enjoyed with sides that will soak up that delicious gravy. My personal favorite is a creamy mashed potato—just imagine the smoothness of the potatoes mixed with the savory gravy from the steak. You could also serve it over fluffy white rice or even with a side of homemade Tippins Cornbread, which would be the perfect bread for mopping up all that goodness.

For something a little lighter, a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables could balance the richness of the dish.

If you’re planning a dinner party, this dish would impress your guests—it's hearty, comforting, and feels like a special treat, even though it’s so simple to make. You could pair it with a cold drink like a Nunu Drink to really make the meal feel complete.

Variations to Try

While the Piccadilly hamburger steak recipe is fantastic on its own, there are a few tweaks you can make to suit your tastes. For instance, if you like a little spice, you could add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy. Or, if you want to make it even richer, try adding a splash of heavy cream to the gravy for a silky smooth finish.

Another fun variation would be to serve it with Lombatello Steak for a more elevated, steakhouse-style meal. The flavors of the Lombatello steak blend so well with the gravy, and the textures will really complement each other.

Why This Piccadilly Hamburger Steak Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion

I’m telling you, this Piccadilly hamburger steak recipe is a real winner. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a filling meal, but it’s also hearty enough for a Sunday family dinner. It’s comforting, filling, and familiar—just the kind of food that feels like a hug on a plate.

If you're hosting a casual get-together, this dish is sure to be a hit. It's easy to double the recipe to serve a crowd, and it pairs perfectly with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread. Plus, it’s one of those meals that gets even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.

And for those of you who love the Southern-style cooking of cafeterias, Captain D's Slaw or Cunetto Garlic Cheese Bread would make excellent sides to complete the meal.


Delicious homemade Piccadilly Hamburger Steak Recipe with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors

Piccadilly Hamburger Steak Recipe

This Piccadilly Hamburger Steak recipe brings you a hearty, Southern-inspired dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Perfectly seasoned beef patties smothered in savory onion gravy—it's comfort food at its finest. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread for a filling meal your family will love.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp butter (for the gravy)
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced (for the gravy)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined. Shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the patties. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the gravy simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
  5. Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet and spoon the gravy over the patties. Let it simmer together for 5 minutes. Serve the hamburger steaks with the gravy poured over them. Enjoy!

prep time with cook time.

Serves 4 and contains approximately 380 calories per serving.

Southern / Main Course

Rated 4.8 by 1256 reviewers.

Recipe Tags: Piccadilly hamburger steak, Southern hamburger steak, onion gravy, ground beef, comfort food, beef patty recipe

This Piccadilly hamburger steak recipe is one of those dishes that’s simple, yet so satisfying. From the flavorful beef patties to the savory, smooth gravy, it’s comfort food at its finest. I love that it’s the kind of meal that everyone at the table can enjoy, whether you’re serving it to the kids or having it as part of a bigger family meal.

With the right ingredients and a little time to let the flavors develop, you’ll create a dish that tastes just like the ones you remember from classic Southern cafeterias. Plus, it’s easy enough to make on any given night of the week. So, if you're in the mood for some down-home cooking, give this Piccadilly hamburger steak recipe a try—you won’t regret it.

And don’t forget to check out some of my other favorite recipes like the Pork Con Tiki or Bertucci Sausage Soup for even more comfort food inspiration!