Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak Recipe

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Last updated on November 16th, 2023

The story of country-fried steak is a bit mysterious, like its origins. A Texan is as likely as an Alabaman to disagree about the original version and where it came from. Despite its ambiguous beginnings, this American food sensation deserves our admiration for its simplicity and deliciousness. That is precisely the reason we’ve put together the Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak recipe with a new kick.

Why It’s So Good

There is so much to love about beef-fried steak, partly because of its rich history and the unique way it expresses southern culture. Among other reasons, you will love this Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak recipe because it doesn’t require much effort.

Our recipe is the ultimate dupe for the tastiest Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. It means you can enjoy the rich taste of breaded beef steak even on weeknights without leaving your home!

Besides, you can simmer these tender beef layers in a flavorful gravy of your choice, making it your pure comfort dish. So, clean up your diet and ensure you get the tastiest beef-fried steak every time by using our best beef-fried steak recipe.

What You’ll Need

You do not need multiple pieces of equipment or bowls to prepare and cook this recipe, as the instructions are pretty straightforward. 

Following are the utensils you will need to prepare this recipe:

• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Large iron skillet

What Is in a Hamburger Steak? 

Main Ingredients

This Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak recipe calls for only a handful of ingredients you can easily find in your kitchen cabinet. You will need the following:

• Ground beef – 2 pounds
• Breadcrumbs – ⅓ cup
• One egg
• Salt – to taste
• Onion powder – 1 tsp
• Ground black pepper – 1 tsp
• Garlic powder – 2 tsp
• Flour – ⅓ cup
• Milk – ⅓ cup
• Beef broth – 2 cups
• One white onion

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Sauce

• Butter, softened – ¼ cup
• Minced garlic – 1 tsp
• Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce – ¼ cup

Instructions

The recipe for beef-fried steak is both simple and low-maintenance at the same time. Follow these steps to make your style of hamburger patties.

• First, take a bowl and add the beef patty ingredients to it. Put the ground beef and seasonings into it. Use your fingertips to mix the seasonings nicely into the beef. 
• Make about six patties nearly equal to the side of your hand or about half an inch thick. Typical hamburger steaks have an oval shape, but you can form it as you like.
• Then, put a large heavy-bottom skillet on the stove and heat it well over medium-high heat. We suggest you use a cast-iron pan as it will sear the patties well. 
• Cook your hamburger patties for about four minutes in the pan. When one side is cooked, cook the other side for about three minutes. 
• Remove your hamburger steak onto the plate, having a paper towel to blot it dry. Preferably put the dish in the oven on the lowest heat setting to keep them warm for dinner. 
• Cut onion into thin round slices and put them into the same pan. Heat onion at medium-low heat. Keep stirring for even caramelization. If you want your onions to boost the flavors of hamburger steak, heat them slower, and the sweeter they will get. Once done, remove the beautifully caramelized onion onto the plate.
• Next, you need to make the sauce. For this, check if your pan is greasy enough; put butter in the pan if you feel the need to grease it more.
• Add flour to the pan with continuous stirring. Once the flour is cooked well and has a slightly brownish color, add the beef broth. 
• Make sure the flour does not stick to the bottom of the pan. Keep stirring to have a smooth and a little bit thickened gravy.
• Using a spatula, put your hamburger steaks on the serving plate. Top each patty with onions and gravy, and serve!

Storing Leftover Hamburger Steaks

Once the leftover hamburger steaks attain room temperature, pack them in an airtight container. You can store these in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store them for more than a few days, freeze the sauce and patties separately for up to two months in your freezer. 

How to Make Variations

• Instead of onion gravy, you can top your hamburger steaks with garlic butter and soy sauce dash.
• Adding bacon to the patties mixture will make your steaks slightly crunchy.
• If you want more heat, add some cayenne pepper to the mixture. 
• Gravy with sauteed mushrooms will give an umami flavor to your hamburger steaks.
• Adding salt and black pepper to the beef mixture will impart rich flavors. 
• If you love cheesy patties, try adding some shredded cheddar cheese to the beef mixture. 

Serving Suggestion

Generally, you can serve these hamburger steak patties with mashed potatoes on top and sauteed onion with brown gravy. Further, season it with pepper or salt or even smoked paprika to pull out its smoky flavor and dark color.

What Is Cracker Barrel Famous For?

Driving down the highway, there are few options but to settle for fast food or expensive meals that just don’t taste right. The best part about Cracker Barrel is that they are true to their southern-inspired recipes. Their food tastes like home, and any authentic barbecue restaurant should.

Make sure you stop by the country-themed Cracker Barrel Old Country Store when traveling. From their wide assortment of gifts and souvenirs to the delicious food on the menu, this is one store you must visit while on the road.

Conclusion

Beef-fried steak is a cornerstone of southern comfort food. Breaded and fried, served with cream gravy and mashed potatoes, this delicious American classic will take you back to your grandma’s kitchen every time.

Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak Recipe is as delicious as it is versatile; perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.