Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting, cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you *have* to try this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that’s simple enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to impress your guests. Promise, once you make these juicy hamburger steaks smothered in a luscious dill cream sauce, you’ll keep coming back for more (I know I do!). Stick with me — I’ll walk you through every step so you nail this recipe from the first try.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfectly Juicy Patties: Adding heavy cream and grated onion to the beef mix locks in moisture and keeps your hamburger steaks tender and flavorful.
- Balanced Creamy Dill Sauce: The sauce is rich but brightened with fresh dill, creating a harmonious blend that complements the beef beautifully.
- Simple Yet Elegant: This recipe uses pantry staples, making it an easy but impressive meal you can whip up anytime.
- Hands-on Comfort Food: It’s a great hands-on recipe where you can feel the doughy texture of the patties coming together, a perfect cooking therapy after a busy day.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe is in the balance of simple, quality ingredients. Each component brings its own role: moisture and binding from cream and egg, savory depth from onions and garlic, and that fresh pop from dill that elevates everything.
- Ground beef: Choose 80/20 or 85/15 beef for the perfect fat content that yields juicy hamburger steaks without being greasy.
- Breadcrumbs: They soak up juice and help hold the steaks together without making them dense.
- Yellow onion (grated and diced): Grated onion inside the patties adds moisture; diced onion in the sauce adds sweetness and texture.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every bite.
- Heavy cream: In the patties and sauce, cream enriches the flavor and tenderizes the meat.
- Egg: Acts as a binder so the patties don’t fall apart during cooking.
- Olive oil and unsalted butter: The oil prevents sticking, and the butter adds a wonderful richness to the sauce base.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic builds depth and savory aroma that pairs perfectly with dill.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the creamy dill sauce smoothly without lumps.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Adds savory liquid foundation for the sauce, allowing control over saltiness.
- Fresh dill: The star herb here, its bright and slightly citrusy notes cut through the richness for balance.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I sometimes switch up the herbs or add a splash of mustard to the sauce for a tangy twist — but feel free to make this dish your own! You can easily adapt it for your taste or dietary needs.
- Variation: I like to try swapping dill for fresh tarragon or parsley now and then, which gives a nice different flavor profile that’s still fresh and herby.
- Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use dairy-free butter for a creamy, allergy-friendly version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle, warming heat.
- Extra Veggies: Sneak in some finely chopped mushrooms or grated zucchini into the patties for added moisture and nutrition.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Patty Ingredients with Love
Start by grating a whole yellow onion right into a large bowl — my coziest kitchen task that always makes my hands smell delicious. Then add your ground beef, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, and egg. Now, here’s a tip: mix everything gently by hand until just combined. You want the ingredients to bind but don’t overwork the meat or your patties could turn out tough. Divide the mixture into four equal parts and gently shape each into a ball. Then press each ball down to about ¾ inch thick with your palm or a spatula. Set these aside on a plate — you’re off to a great start!
Step 2: Prepare Your Sauce Ingredients
While the patties rest, dice one onion finely, mince two garlic cloves, and chop about two tablespoons of fresh dill. Having these ready to go will keep your cooking flow smooth once you start the sauce. Fresh herbs make all the difference here, so don’t skip on that dill!
Step 3: Cook the Hamburger Steaks
Heat one tablespoon olive oil and one tablespoon unsalted butter together in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat — that combo gives you both the browning power and richness. Cook each hamburger steak for 4-5 minutes on each side, until nicely browned but not yet fully cooked inside. Transfer them to a clean plate; don’t worry, we’ll finish cooking them in the sauce soon.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Dill Sauce
Lower the heat to low, then add your minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet. Cook gently for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the salt, pepper, and all-purpose flour; cook this mixture briefly to get rid of the raw flour taste, stirring constantly. Now pour in half a cup of low sodium chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those golden browned bits stuck to the pan — that’s pure flavor gold right there.
Bring the sauce to a simmer for about 2 minutes, then stir in one cup of heavy cream and the chopped dill. Let it bubble gently until it thickens — usually 1 to 2 minutes. At this point, slide your hamburger steaks back into the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Simmer everything together over low heat for 5-6 minutes so the steaks finish cooking and soak up all that creamy deliciousness.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Just before serving, sprinkle more chopped fresh dill on top and a little freshly grated black pepper. I love how that fresh herb brightens the plate and makes the kitchen smell incredible. Serve immediately — this dish is best enjoyed while the sauce is warm and creamy.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Use your hands gently — too much kneading can make steaks tough.
- Scrape Every Browned Bit: Those browned bits in the pan add so much savory depth, so don’t forget to loosen them when making your sauce.
- Fresh Dill is Key: Dried dill won’t give you the same fresh brightness; if fresh isn’t an option, add it sparingly.
- Simmer Gently: Keep your sauce on low heat to prevent cream from curdling and to let flavors meld perfectly.
How to Serve Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped dill — it adds a fresh herbal aroma that just feels luxurious. Sometimes I toss a few lemon zest shavings on top to add a zingy contrast that wakes up your palate right before the first bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes — I swear, no cream sauce is complete without a cozy bed of mash. Roasted carrots or green beans with a bit of garlic and lemon work wonderfully too, giving you a colorful and balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or dinner parties, I like to make mini hamburger steaks as appetizers and serve them with the creamy dill sauce on the side in little dipping bowls. Another fun presentation is plating the steaks over a bed of buttered egg noodles, then ladling the sauce on top — it feels a bit fancy without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce thickens as it chills, so before reheating, I stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen it back up. They usually stay good for about 3 days.
Freezing
If I want to freezer-ready meals, I freeze the cooked hamburger steaks *without* the sauce, then prepare the dill cream sauce fresh when reheating. But you can freeze them in the sauce too — just cool everything completely before sealing. They keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the hamburger steaks gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of liquid to refresh the sauce. Microwaving works too, but take care to cover with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for the Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well, especially if you add a bit more fat like olive oil or a spoonful of mayo to keep the patties juicy since turkey tends to be leaner. The creamy dill sauce pairs beautifully with turkey too.
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Can I make the dill sauce ahead of time?
The sauce is best made fresh to keep the cream from separating and the dill tasting bright. However, you can prep the onion, garlic, and dill in advance and store them separately, then quickly make the sauce when you’re ready to serve.
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What do I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce thickens up too much while simmering or reheating, just stir in a little chicken broth, cream, or even milk to thin it to your preferred consistency.
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Is there a gluten-free option for this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the patties and substitute the all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry. The flavor and texture remain wonderful.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe has become one of my most cherished go-to dinners because it’s just so satisfying and approachable. It’s the kind of meal that feels homemade and special all at once — a little nostalgic, a little fancy, and entirely comforting. Trust me, once you make these hamburger steaks smothered in that dreamy dill cream sauce, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. So grab your skillet, get cozy, and enjoy every creamy, herb-kissed bite!
Print
Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and comforting hamburger steaks served in a rich and creamy dill sauce, perfect for a hearty dinner that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Hamburger Steaks
- 1.3 pounds ground beef
- 4 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 1 yellow onion – grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 egg
Creamy Dill Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion – diced
- 2 garlic cloves – minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp chopped dill – more for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, grate one yellow onion. Add ground beef, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, and one egg. Mix everything with your hands until just combined. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Flatten each ball to about ¾ inch (2 cm) thickness and set aside.
- Chop aromatics: Finely dice the second yellow onion, mince the garlic cloves, and chop the fresh dill. Set aside.
- Cook hamburger steaks: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet. Cook hamburger steaks for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a clean plate.
- Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and diced onion. Reduce heat to low and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and all-purpose flour. Stir to combine evenly.
- Add liquids: Pour in low sodium chicken broth, scraping browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Finish sauce: Add heavy cream and chopped dill to the skillet. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Combine and serve: Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet and simmer for 5-6 minutes until heated through and fully cooked in the center. Garnish with extra chopped dill and freshly ground black pepper before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh dill for the best flavor in the sauce; dried dill can be used but in smaller amounts.
- Make sure not to over mix the hamburger meat to keep the steaks tender.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the steaks, but panko can be a crunchy alternative.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a leaner option.
- The sauce thickens quickly, so stir constantly once cream is added to avoid lumps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
