01 -
First things first, grab that ground beef. Mix it with your diced onion, a good pinch of salt, and a generous grind of black pepper. Don't overmix, though, or your patties will be tough – nobody wants that! Gently form them into about 6-8 oval-ish steaks, roughly 1/2-inch thick. I usually make them a bit smaller than the pan so they have room to swim in that beautiful gravy later.
02 -
Now, in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is my absolute favorite for this, it just gets everything so perfectly browned!), heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Sear your hamburger steaks for about 3-4 minutes per side, just until they're nicely browned and have a good crust. This isn't about cooking them through; it's about building flavor. Honestly, the smell at this stage is already making my mouth water!
03 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Add a tablespoon or two of butter to the skillet, scraping up all those delicious brown bits from the bottom – that's flavor gold! Whisk in your flour and cook for about a minute, creating a roux. Slowly, *slowly* whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Let it simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a lovely, pourable gravy. This is where the magic happens; you'll see it transform!
04 -
While the gravy is doing its thing, peel and chop your potatoes into even chunks. Boil them in salted water until they're fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain them well, then mash them with milk, a knob of butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. I like mine a little rustic, with a few small lumps, but you do you! Just make sure they're seasoned well – bland potatoes are a crime.
05 -
Arrange your seared hamburger steaks back in the skillet with the gravy. Make sure they're nestled in there comfortably. Now, carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, spreading them evenly to cover the steaks and gravy. I often use a fork to create little peaks and swirls on top; they'll get beautifully golden in the oven!
06 -
Pop that skillet into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are lightly golden and the gravy is bubbly and hot. The house will smell absolutely incredible, I promise! Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. That little rest helps everything settle and makes for easier scooping.