Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe
If you’ve been hunting for a comforting, no-fuss dinner that feels both familiar and a bit fancy, you’re going to love this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe. Think juicy, tender hamburger steaks coated in a luscious dill cream sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. I’ve made this dish countless times as a quick weeknight fix and let me tell you, it never disappoints. So, pull up a chair, and I’ll walk you through everything to nail it perfectly at home.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple, wholesome ingredients: Ground beef, fresh dill, and cream come together in a way that just sings with flavor without any complicated steps.
- Balanced texture and richness: Breadcrumbs keep the steaks juicy but firm, while the creamy dill sauce adds a bright, smooth contrast.
- Quick and approachable: You can have this on the table in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weekdays or cozy dinners.
- Versatile comfort food: It pairs beautifully with all kinds of sides and can easily be modified to suit your taste.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe has a role in making the dish balanced, flavorful, and easy to pull off. From the grated onion that keeps the steaks moist to the fresh dill that brightens the sauce, it’s a thoughtful combo you’ll want in your dinner rotation. When shopping, I like to pick fresh dill with vivid green stems and smooth ground beef that’s not too lean — a bit of fat is a good thing here.
- Ground beef: Aim for 80/20 to get juicy but not greasy steaks; leaner blends can dry out quickly.
- Breadcrumbs: They bind the meat just enough to hold the shape without turning it dense.
- Yellow onion (grated & diced): Grating adds moisture and subtle sweetness inside the patties; diced onion flavors the sauce deeply.
- Salt and black pepper: The basics that season and balance all the flavors perfectly.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness both in the meat mixture and the sauce, making each bite satisfyingly creamy.
- Egg: Helps keep the hamburger steaks together but don’t overmix or they’ll get tough.
- Olive oil and unsalted butter: A combo for cooking and flavor—olive oil prevents burning, butter adds richness.
- Garlic cloves: Just two, but they shine in the sauce, giving it a nice depth without overwhelming.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce smoothly and catches all the yummy browned bits from cooking the steaks.
- Chicken broth (low sodium): Keeps the sauce savory and helps control saltiness.
- Fresh dill (chopped): The star herb here; it brings that beautiful fresh, slightly tangy note that cuts through the creaminess.
Tweak to Your Taste
I’m a big fan of making this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe my own depending on the season or what’s in the fridge. It’s flexible! You can easily adjust herbs, swap the cream for something lighter, or even try different toppings. Don’t hesitate to get creative—you might discover a new favorite version.
- Add a mustard twist: I sometimes stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a tangy kick—adds a surprising depth without overpowering the dill.
- Swap herbs: Fresh parsley or tarragon works if you’re out of dill, but remember it changes the flavor vibe quite a bit.
- Make it dairy-free: You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream to keep it creamy and still tasty, especially if you avoid dairy.
- Go spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the meat mix if you want a little heat.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe
Step 1: Mix your meat with love
Start by grating one yellow onion right into a large bowl—that’s key for keeping your hamburger steaks nice and juicy. Add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, heavy cream, and an egg. I love mixing everything with my hands here because you can gently fold it all without overworking the meat, which would make the steaks tough. Once combined, shape the mixture into four balls, then gently press them down to about ¾ inch thick. Set those aside while you prep the sauce.
Step 2: Get your sauce base ready
Finely dice another yellow onion and mince your garlic cloves along with chopping the fresh dill. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of unsalted butter together over medium heat in a large skillet—this combo gives you good browning without burning. Place your hamburger steaks in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned. Don’t rush this part; that crust adds incredible flavor. Remove them to a plate so you can focus on your sauce.
Step 3: Build the creamy dill sauce
Using that same skillet (and all those delicious browned bits), reduce the heat to low, then add the onions and garlic. Sauté gently for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and flour—it’ll form a roux that thickens your sauce. Stir that together well, then gradually pour in your chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to thicken, then add the heavy cream and chopped dill. Bring it all to a gentle boil and then simmer for another couple of minutes until the sauce begins to thicken luxuriously.
Step 4: Finish cooking and serve
Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top, and simmer on low for about 5-6 minutes so the meat finishes cooking through while soaking in that creamy sauce. I always check with a quick poke to make sure the center is no longer raw. When ready, garnish with extra chopped dill and a crack or two of fresh black pepper before serving up warm and cozy.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe
- Don’t overmix the meat: Use your hands to gently combine ingredients until just mixed—tough steaks happen fast if you go too far.
- Use two utensils for shaping: Instead of pressing with your hand only, I often use a spatula on top to get that perfect ¾ inch thickness without breaking the patty.
- Scrape the fond: Those browned bits left in the pan after frying the steaks give your sauce tons of flavor—don’t skip scraping them up when adding broth.
- Timing matters for sauce thickness: Letting the sauce simmer briefly after adding cream lets it get thick enough to coat but not too heavy or gloopy.
How to Serve Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe
Garnishes
I’m all about fresh herbs, so I always finish this dish with extra chopped dill—it adds vibrant color and reinforces the dill flavor beautifully. A sprinkle of fresh black pepper on top is simple but makes a noticeable difference. Sometimes I like to add a few thin lemon zest strips for a subtle brightness that plays well against the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs perfectly with buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up that luscious sauce. I’ve also served it with steamed green beans or roasted carrots for a splash of color and texture. If you’re craving something lighter, a simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette offsets the richness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, I like to serve the hamburger steaks on individual plates with the creamy dill sauce artistically drizzled over the top, then add a small dill sprig as a decorative garnish. On busy weeknights, I just spoon the sauce over the whole skillet and put it in the middle of the table for everyone to help themselves family-style—it’s always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store any leftover hamburger steaks and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge and try to eat them within 2-3 days to enjoy maximum freshness. The sauce tends to thicken, so just loosen it up gently when reheating (more on that below!).
Freezing
This recipe freezes quite well! I let everything cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. The texture remains surprisingly good, and the flavors stay intact.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover hamburger steaks is on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the sauce and cover the pan to warm evenly without drying out the meat. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stirring every 30 seconds helps prevent hot spots and keeps the sauce smooth.
FAQs
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Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can substitute well, but since they tend to be leaner, I recommend adding a bit more heavy cream or an extra egg to keep the patties moist. Also, be gentle with mixing to avoid dryness, and expect a slightly different flavor profile without that characteristic beef richness.
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How do I know when the hamburger steaks are fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should hit 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. If you don’t have one, cut into one steak near the center to check that it’s no longer pink. The sauce simmer time at the end helps finish the cooking as well.
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Can I make the creamy dill sauce in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Reheat slowly on the stove and add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up if it thickens too much.
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What can I serve instead of chicken broth in the sauce?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, beef broth or vegetable broth both work as good substitutes. Just be mindful of the salt level, especially if you are using store-bought broth varieties.
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Is fresh dill essential, or can I use dried dill?
Fresh dill is definitely preferred for that vibrant flavor and pretty color, but if you only have dried, use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. The flavor won’t be quite as fresh but still delicious in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe has been a go-to comfort meal for me ever since I first tried adding dill to a classic hamburger steak sauce. It elevates the dish with such a fresh, herbal note, and the creamy texture feels like a warm hug on a plate. I hope you give this recipe a go because it’s straightforward, satisfying, and sure to become a favorite in your family too. Happy cooking, friend!
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: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy hamburger steaks cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy dill sauce, making for a comforting and flavorful main course.
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 hamburger steaks: In a large bowl, grate the onion and add ground beef, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, heavy cream, and egg. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Flatten each ball using the palm of your hand or a spatula to about ¾ inch (2 cm) thickness. Set aside.
- Chop fresh ingredients: Finely dice the onion, mince the garlic cloves, and chop the fresh dill. Set these aside for the sauce.
- Cook the hamburger steaks: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the hamburger steaks and cook for 5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the steaks from the skillet and place on a clean plate.
- Make the creamy dill sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened. Add salt, black pepper, and all-purpose flour, stirring to combine and cook the flour slightly.
- Add liquids to the sauce: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and chopped dill. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine steaks and sauce: Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer together for 5-6 minutes until steaks are heated through and no longer pink in the center.
- Serve: Garnish with extra chopped dill and freshly ground black pepper. Serve the hamburger steaks hot, spooning the creamy dill sauce over each serving.
Notes
- To make the patties more tender, avoid overmixing the meat with the other ingredients.
- Fresh dill is key for the best flavor, but dried dill can be used in a pinch—use about 1 tablespoon if substituting.
- Ensure the sauce simmers gently to prevent the cream from curdling.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the patties but can be replaced with crushed crackers or oats if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
