Hamburger Steak With Sweet Onion-Mushroom Gravy

This beef recipe makes the most of your busy weeknights. You can make the patties ahead, then simply thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Ingredients:

• 2 honey-wheat bread slices 
• 1 pound ground round 
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten 
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 (1.2-oz.) envelope brown gravy mix
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 (8-oz.) package sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 medium-size sweet onion, halved and thinly sliced

Directions:

1. Process bread slices in a food processor 10 seconds or until finely chopped. Place breadcrumbs in a mixing bowl; add ground round and next 4 ingredients. Gently combine until blended, using your hands. Shape into 4 (4-inch) patties.

2. Whisk together brown gravy mix and 1 1/2 cups water.

3. Cook patties in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 2 minutes on each side or just until browned. Remove patties from skillet. Add mushrooms and onion to skillet, and sauté 6 minutes or until tender. Stir in prepared gravy, and bring to a light boil. Return patties to skillet, and spoon gravy over each patty. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 8 to 10 minutes.

Note: To make ahead, proceed with Step 1 as directed. Wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap, and place in a large zip-top plastic freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw frozen patties in refrigerator 8 hours; proceed with Steps 2 and 3.

Source: Shannon White, Cumming, Georgia, Southern Living
APRIL 2008