I absolutely love making this Creamy Dill Sauce with Hamburger Steaks Recipe because it combines so many comforting flavors into one easy dish that never fails to satisfy. The tender, juicy hamburger steaks paired with a luscious, herb-infused creamy dill sauce deliver a meal that feels both homey and a little sophisticated all at once. It’s a recipe I return to when I want something warm and hearty but still fresh and flavorful. Every time I prepare this, I’m reminded just how perfect simple ingredients can be when brought together thoughtfully.
Why You'll Love This Creamy Dill Sauce with Hamburger Steaks Recipe
From the first bite, you’ll notice that the flavor profile balances rich creaminess with the bright, refreshing notes of dill, making every mouthful feel indulgent without being heavy. I love how the hamburger steaks are tender and packed with savory goodness, and then when coated in that smooth dill sauce, you get a wonderful contrast that keeps your taste buds excited.
One of the things I adore about this recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare. It feels like comfort food that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or complicated steps. Even if you’re new to making hamburger steaks or sauces, the instructions guide you through each phase with ease, and the results always impress both family and guests.
In my experience, this dish is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic for cozy weeknight dinners where you want something satisfying but not fussy. I also find it shines during holiday family gatherings or casual weekend meals. What makes it stand out is the creamy dill sauce—it’s a bit unexpected yet so complementary. It turns regular hamburger steaks into something rather special, and I’m always excited to share it with others.
Ingredients You'll Need
These ingredients come together to create a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Each one is simple but essential, playing a role in enhancing the juiciness, creaminess, and the vibrant herbal note that makes this recipe memorable.
TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below
- Ground beef: I prefer 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy, flavorful hamburgers without drying out.
- Breadcrumbs: They help bind and keep the hamburger steaks tender.
- Yellow onion (grated and diced): Fresh onion adds moisture, sweetness, and sharpness to both patties and sauce.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Heavy cream: This is key to creating the silky, rich texture of the sauce.
- Egg: Helps hold the patties together beautifully.
- Olive oil & unsalted butter: Provides the perfect fat combination for searing the steaks while building flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Adds aromatic depth and balances the richness.
- All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce for a luscious consistency.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and helps deglaze the pan.
- Chopped dill: The star herb of the sauce, giving it a fresh and vibrant kick.
Directions
Step 1: Start by grating the onion and placing it in a large bowl. Then add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, and egg. I like to mix everything gently with my hands just until combined to keep the patties tender.
Step 2: Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions. Shape each into a ball and then press them down with the palm of your hand or a spatula until they are about ¾ inch (2 cm) thick. Set these aside while you prepare the sauce ingredients.
Step 3: Finely dice the second onion, mince the garlic cloves, and chop the dill. Having these ready helps keep the cooking process smooth.
Step 4: Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter together over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet. Once hot, add the hamburger steaks and cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful brown crust and are cooked through. Transfer them onto a clean plate.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Then sprinkle the salt, pepper, and flour over the vegetables, stirring constantly to blend everything.
Step 6: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 7: Add the heavy cream and chopped dill to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil then reduce it to a simmer for about 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens. Return the hamburger steaks to the pan and simmer them for another 5 to 6 minutes until heated through and fully cooked inside.
Step 8: Finish by sprinkling more fresh dill and a little freshly grated black pepper on top before serving. This final touch brightens the dish and adds a lovely fresh aroma.
Servings and Timing
This Creamy Dill Sauce with Hamburger Steaks Recipe yields four generous servings, perfect for a hearty family meal or sharing with friends. The prep time takes about 10 minutes, mainly for mixing the patties and chopping, while cooking takes around 20 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at a total of 30 minutes from start to finish, with no additional resting time needed, which makes this recipe wonderful for busy nights when you want something delicious fast.
How to Serve This Creamy Dill Sauce with Hamburger Steaks Recipe
When it comes to serving this dish, I love pairing the hamburger steaks with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles because both soak up the dill sauce perfectly. Roasted or steamed green vegetables like asparagus or green beans add a fresh, crisp contrast that balances the richness beautifully. For a heartier option, I sometimes serve it with sautéed mushrooms alongside for an earthy touch.
I like to garnish the dish with extra chopped dill and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving. It makes the plate pop with color and adds an inviting aroma that gets everyone hungry! Serving the steaks warm, straight from the skillet, preserves their juicy texture and keeps the sauce velvety.
In terms of beverages, a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the dill sauce wonderfully, or for a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with lemon zest keeps the palate refreshed. This meal fits a fancy dinner or a casual family weekend, making it very adaptable and always crowd-pleasing.
Variations
I love experimenting with this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For instance, you can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option; just make sure to keep an eye on cooking time to preserve moisture. If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice or oat flour.
If you’re feeling adventurous with flavors, adding a splash of lemon juice or a small amount of Dijon mustard to the creamy dill sauce gives it a zesty boost that brightens the entire dish. For a richer sauce, I sometimes stir in a little grated Parmesan cheese at the end, which brings another layer of savory depth.
For cooking methods, while I usually pan-fry the hamburgers for the best crust, you can also bake the patties in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes before making the sauce on the stovetop. It’s a great hands-off method if you’re multitasking in the kitchen.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, I recommend storing them in an airtight container and refrigerating promptly. The hamburger steaks and creamy dill sauce will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and steaks together ensures the flavors meld beautifully as they rest. Just make sure the container is sealed well to prevent any absorption of other fridge odors.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but I find it best to freeze the hamburger steaks and sauce separately, if possible. Pack the steaks in a freezer-safe container or bag, and do the same with the sauce in a separate container. The sauce keeps well for up to 2 months in the freezer. When freezing, leave a little headspace for expansion and make sure everything is fully cooled before sealing to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or cream if it’s too thick. Heat the hamburger steaks separately in a skillet until warmed through to avoid overcooking. Avoid microwaving directly as it can make the meat rubbery and separate the sauce’s creaminess. Slow and gentle reheating always brings back the dish’s fresh flavors and creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other herbs instead of dill in this recipe?
Absolutely! While dill gives this dish its signature fresh and bright flavor, you could substitute with fresh parsley, tarragon, or chives to create slightly different herbal notes. Just adjust quantities to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this Creamy Dill Sauce with Hamburger Steaks Recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can prepare the hamburger steaks in advance and store them in the fridge, then reheat with the sauce just before serving. It reheats well without losing quality.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free or vegan?
To make a dairy-free version, try swapping heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. For the hamburger steaks, using a plant-based ground meat substitute and an egg replacer can make this recipe vegan-friendly with a few adjustments.
What is the best way to get a crispy crust on the hamburger steaks?
Use a hot skillet with a combination of oil and butter as in the recipe. Don’t overcrowd the pan and avoid moving the steaks too early. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms before flipping.
Can I prepare the hamburger steaks without the sauce?
Definitely! The hamburger steaks themselves are delicious on their own, seasoned and cooked well. The creamy dill sauce is an added touch that elevates the dish but you can serve the patties with other sauces or enjoy them simply grilled or pan-fried.
Conclusion
I genuinely hope you give this Creamy Dill Sauce with Hamburger Steaks Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate and yet feels special enough for sharing. The creamy herb sauce mixed with the juicy, flavorful hamburger steaks is a combination I find myself craving again and again, and I can’t wait for you to experience the comfort and joy it brings to your table.
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Creamy Dill Sauce with Hamburger Steaks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Dill Sauce recipe features juicy hamburger steaks cooked in a rich, flavorful dill-infused cream sauce. Combining fresh herbs, tender ground beef, and a luscious sauce made with onions, garlic, and chicken broth, it’s a comforting and elegant dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
For the 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
For Cooking and 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 (plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Prepping the Hamburger Steaks: In a large bowl, grate the yellow onion. Add ground beef, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, heavy cream, and egg. Use your hands to mix everything together until just combined. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each into a ball. Flatten each ball to about ¾ inch (2 cm) thickness using your palm or a spatula. Set aside.
- Chopping Aromatics: Finely dice the second yellow onion, mince the garlic cloves, and chop fresh dill. These will be used for the flavorful sauce.
- Searing the Hamburger Steaks: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add the hamburger steaks and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Transfer the cooked steaks onto a clean plate.
- Cooking the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, lower the heat to low and add the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened. Stir in salt, pepper, and the all-purpose flour, mixing until the flour is well incorporated.
- Deglazing and Simmering: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the skillet using a wooden spoon. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Adding Cream and Dill: Stir in the heavy cream and chopped dill. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Finishing the Dish: Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer gently for 5-6 minutes until the meat is heated through and no longer raw in the center. Garnish with additional chopped dill and freshly grated black pepper before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the hamburger steaks are not overmixed to keep them tender.
- Adjust the amount of dill according to your preference for a stronger or milder herb flavor.
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the sauce.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
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