Crispy edges with a juicy center and a sauce that's rich with fresh herbs make this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steak Recipe a real weeknight winner. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want to make it again and again.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve been making variations of hamburger steaks for years, but adding dill and that creamy sauce takes it to a whole new level. It feels like a special meal without any fuss.
- Decadently Creamy: The heavy cream in the sauce gives a velvety texture that coats every bite beautifully.
- Fresh Herb Boost: Dill brings a bright, unique flavor that turns simple hamburger steaks into something memorable.
- Easy and Quick: You can get this done in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comfort Food Classic: It’s familiar, satisfying, and pairs well with a variety of sides for a balanced meal.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays a special role — from the beef that packs hearty flavor to the dill that gives this recipe a fresh twist. I always recommend using fresh dill if you can; it really brightens the whole dish.
- Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 or 85/15 for juicy, tender hamburger steaks that won’t dry out.
- Breadcrumbs: They help bind the meat mixture and keep the steaks soft and moist.
- Onion: Finely diced or grated onion mixes right into the meat, adding natural sweetness and moisture.
- Heavy Cream: Used twice—once in the meat for tenderness and again in the sauce for silkiness.
- Egg: Acts as a binder so the patties hold their shape during cooking.
- Butter: Adds richness and a lovely base for the creamy sauce.
- Garlic: Just a hint in the sauce, enough to wake up those savory flavors without overpowering.
- Flour: Thickens the sauce perfectly; whisk it well to avoid lumps.
- Chicken Stock: Adds depth to the sauce’s flavor without overwhelming the creaminess.
- Dill: Fresh and chopped, it’s the star herb that makes this dish truly unique and fresh.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential to season everything right and make those flavors pop.
Make It Your Way
I love adding a little extra dill on top just before serving because it keeps that fresh, herby pop. But don’t be afraid to tweak it — this dish is a great canvas for some creativity.
- Variation: For a lighter version, swap heavy cream in the sauce with half-and-half. It’s less rich but still delicious, and I do it when I want to cut back without losing creaminess.
- Seasonal Twist: You can try adding mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy vibe that’s perfect in fall and winter.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for thickening the sauce.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Dill Hamburger Steak Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Patties Just Right
Start by combining ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, heavy cream, egg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. I like to mix gently with my hands until everything just comes together — you don’t want to overwork the meat or the steaks get tough. Divide the mixture into four equal parts and shape each into a ball, then flatten them to about ½ inch thick. Setting them aside while you heat the pan helps them hold their shape better.
Step 2: Sear the Hamburger Steaks
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat, then cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side. You want a nice, golden crust without burning them. When they’re cooked through, transfer to a clean plate and get ready for the sauce — this is where the magic happens.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Dill Sauce
In that same pan, melt the butter and add the small diced onion. Cook over medium heat until it softens and takes on a light golden color — about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for just 20 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to smooth out the lumps. Slowly pour in the chicken stock, then the heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid separation. Once the sauce thickens, stir in half the chopped dill and season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Step 4: Simmer and Serve
Gently nestle the hamburger steaks into the sauce, spooning some over the top. Let everything simmer together on low heat for 4 to 5 minutes so the flavors meld. Taste again and adjust seasoning if needed, then garnish with the remaining fresh dill. It’s ready to serve!
Top Tip
From my experience making this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steak Recipe multiple times, these little insights will help you get it just right every time.
- Don’t Overmix: Handling the beef gently keeps your hamburger steaks juicy and tender—not tough.
- Use Fresh Dill: Dried dill just doesn’t bring the same bright flavor I love in the sauce.
- Whisk Thoroughly: When adding flour and stock, whisk constantly to avoid lumps and keep the sauce silky smooth.
- Simmer Gently: After adding the sauce, simmer on low to meld flavors without overcooking the meat.
How to Serve Creamy Dill Hamburger Steak Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill and sometimes some chopped chives for a pop of color. A tiny squeeze of lemon just before serving can brighten the whole dish, too, if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This creamy dill hamburger steak pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles — they’re perfect for soaking up the sauce. A simple side of roasted veggies or steamed green beans makes it a complete comfort meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I sometimes plate the steaks over a bed of creamy polenta and drizzle the dill sauce artistically around the edges. It looks fancy while still feeling cozy — a crowd-pleaser every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce helps keep the hamburger steaks moist when reheated. They generally stay good for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freezing is a good option if you want to prep ahead. I usually freeze the patties and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring the sauce occasionally. This helps prevent curdling and keeps the steaks tender. Microwaving works too, but do it in short bursts and stir in between.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While dill is the signature flavor here, you can substitute fresh parsley, tarragon, or chives based on your preference. Just remember the taste will shift accordingly, so adjust other seasonings as needed.
Cook hamburger steaks for about 4–5 minutes per side over medium heat. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), and the juices run clear. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method.
To make a dairy-free version, try substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use olive oil instead of butter for the sauce. Keep in mind the flavor will vary, but it’s still delicious in its own way!
Classic mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles are my go-tos since they soak up the sauce beautifully. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots add freshness and color, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Dill Hamburger Steak Recipe holds a special place in my rotation because it’s one of those dishes that feels both familiar and lifted by that simple dill cream sauce. Cooking it feels cozy, eating it feels like a gentle celebration. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy in it as I do—it's an easy way to feel like you’ve treated yourself and your loved ones to something truly tasty.
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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: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hamburger Cream Steaks recipe offers juicy ground beef patties cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy dill sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, the dish combines savory flavors and a luxurious texture ideal for family meals or special occasions.
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 and 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 and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the hamburger mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely diced or grated onion, heavy cream, egg, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix gently until ingredients are just combined to avoid tough patties.
- Shape the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten gently to about ½ inch thickness. Set the shaped patties aside while preparing to cook.
- Cook the hamburger steaks: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until well browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked patties to a clean plate and keep warm.
- Make the cream sauce: In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced small onion and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and softened. Add minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Thicken the sauce: Season the onion and garlic with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and whisk continuously, cooking until the flour lumps disappear.
- Add liquids and herbs: Lower the heat to medium-low. Gradually whisk in the low-sodium chicken stock, followed by heavy cream, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens evenly. Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill for flavor.
- Simmer with the patties: Nestle the cooked hamburger steaks back into the skillet with the cream sauce. Let everything simmer together for 4 to 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the patties to heat through.
- Final seasoning and garnish: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of fresh dill over the dish as a garnish before serving.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use 90% lean ground beef instead of regular ground beef.
- You can substitute fresh dill with 1 teaspoon dried dill if fresh is unavailable.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour alternatives such as rice or almond flour.
- The sauce can be varied by using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
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