Growing up, my mom’s homemade chopped steak was my go-to comfort food. The juicy hamburger patties and rich mushroom gravy were unbeatable. Now, as an adult, I make it in my kitchen, keeping that nostalgic taste alive.
This recipe is quick, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, tasty meal.
Key Takeaways
- Chopped steak recipe ready in 30 minutes or less
- Made with simple, pantry-staple ingredients
- Juicy hamburger patties cooked on the stovetop
- Smothered in a rich, creamy mushroom gravy
- Comfort food classic that’s perfect for busy weeknights
What is Chopped Steak: Understanding the Basics
Chopped steak is a classic American diner dish loved for decades. It started in the early 1900s and is now a favorite on menus everywhere. But what is chopped steak, and how does it differ from hamburger steak?
Difference Between Chopped Steak and Hamburger Steak
Chopped steak and hamburger steak may look alike, but they’re not the same. Chopped steak comes from a single steak cut, finely minced or ground. Hamburger patties, on the other hand, are made from a mix of ground beef and trimmings from different cuts. The perfect chopped steak has about 15-20% fat.
Best Meat Cuts for Chopped Steak
The top cuts for chopped steak are chuck roast, sirloin, and ribeye. These cuts are tender and have a rich, beefy taste. This makes for a juicy and flavorful chopped steak.
Key Ingredients Overview
For a tasty chopped steak, you need high-quality ground beef. You also need eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Some people add rosemary, mustard, paprika, and dill weed for extra flavor.
The ground beef is mixed with these ingredients and formed into patties. This ensures a tender and juicy result.
Chopped Steak Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the perfect chopped steak is simple. Just follow these easy steps to make a tasty, juicy dish in 30 minutes.
- Mix ground beef with eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings in a big bowl. Mix gently until everything is well combined, without overmixing.
- Split the seasoned beef into equal parts and shape into patties. Make them 4-5 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add oil or butter. Place the patties in the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side. This will give them a golden-brown crust.
- Take the seared steaks out of the pan and keep them warm.
Now, let’s make the gravy that will go perfectly with your chopped steak.
Creating the Gravy
In the same skillet, cook onions and mushrooms until they’re soft and caramelized. Add a bit of flour and cook for a minute to get rid of any raw taste.
Pour in beef broth slowly, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. You can add a bit of red wine for more flavor if you like. Let the gravy simmer, stirring now and then, until it’s the right thickness.
When the gravy is ready, put the chopped steak patties back in the skillet. Cook until they reach 160-165°F inside. This should only take a few more minutes.
Now, serve your chopped steak with the rich, savory gravy. Enjoy this tasty meal in about 30 minutes!
Creating the Perfect Mushroom Gravy
When making a tasty chopped steak and gravy dish, the mushroom gravy is the main attraction. It’s made with a few simple ingredients and some cooking skills. Let’s look at how to make the best mushroom gravy recipe.
Essential Gravy Ingredients
The base of a great mushroom gravy is straightforward. You’ll need butter, onions, mushrooms, flour, beef broth, and a bit of dry sherry or Marsala wine. These ingredients create a rich, creamy flavor.
Gravy Making Technique
To make your chopped steak and gravy, start by melting butter in a skillet. Cook the onions and mushrooms until they’re soft and smell good. Then, add flour and whisk it well to avoid lumps.
Slowly add the beef broth and sherry or Marsala. Let the gravy simmer until it’s the right thickness.
Troubleshooting Common Gravy Issues
If your gravy is too thin, just simmer it longer. This will help it thicken. If it’s too thick, whisk in a bit more broth to thin it out.
For a smoother gravy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. This removes any onion or mushroom bits.
With these tips, you’ll make the perfect mushroom gravy for your chopped steak. Enjoy!
Tips for Tender and Juicy Results
When making how to get cubed steak tender or tender chopped steak tips, treat the meat carefully. Overworking the ground beef can make it tough. Gently mix the ingredients until they just come together.
Choose lean ground beef for the tastiest and tenderest chopped steaks. Aim for 85-90% lean. This ensures juicy patties without too much grease.
- Sear the chopped steak patties over high heat to lock in the juices, then finish cooking them in the gravy at a lower temperature.
- Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature, aiming for 160-165°F to avoid overcooking.
- Let the steaks rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
For an even more tender texture, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs in your chopped steak mixture. Panko helps keep the patties light and tender.
“The key to tender, juicy chopped steaks is to handle the meat gently and use the right cuts. With a few simple techniques, you can achieve mouthwatering results every time.”
Conclusion
The chopped steak recipe in this article is perfect for a quick dinner. It’s ready in 30 minutes and tastes amazing. The patties are tender and the mushroom gravy is rich and savory.
It’s great with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or any side dish you like. The ground beef, caramelized onions, and mushrooms make it flavorful and satisfying.
Follow the steps and tips in this article for the best results. This chopped steak recipe is easy to make and perfect for any weeknight. Enjoy your delicious dinner!