If you’re craving something comforting with a touch of fresh herbs, this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s all about juicy, tender beef patties swimming in a luscious dill-infused cream sauce that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I first made this creamy dill hamburger steaks recipe on a chilly evening when I wanted something cozy but not overly complicated. Since then, it’s become my go-to for a weeknight dinner that feels like a hug on a plate.
- Rich, Creamy Sauce: The dill cream sauce is silky and packed with flavor, elevating simple beef patties to something special.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your fridge and pantry, making this perfect for last-minute meals.
- Comfort Food with a Fresh Twist: Dill adds a bright, herbaceous note that balances the richness beautifully.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you want to swap beef for turkey or skip the cream for a lighter sauce, this recipe is super adaptable.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient here plays a part in making this dish both hearty and elegant. From the beef’s juicy texture to the fresh dill’s bright note, they come together like an orchestra of flavors.
- Ground Beef: I prefer 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy, flavorful patties that stay tender while cooking.
- Breadcrumbs: Acts as a binder to keep the steaks tender and prevents them from falling apart.
- Onion (for patties): Finely diced or grated onion adds subtle sweetness and moisture inside the patties.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness to both the patties and the sauce, making the dish creamy and luscious.
- Egg: Another binder that holds everything together, so you get perfectly shaped hamburgers.
- Butter: Helps sauté the onions and garlic, lending a rich base for the cream sauce.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the sauce without overpowering the dill.
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce to just the right consistency so it coats the hamburger steaks beautifully.
- Chicken Stock: Adds savory flavor and balances the richness of the cream.
- Fresh Dill: The star herb here—its fresh, slightly citrusy flavor cuts through the cream and beef beautifully.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavor, essential for seasoning properly.
Make It Your Way
I love experimenting with this dish by switching up the herbs or adding a bit of spice—it’s really forgiving and welcomes customization. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Variation: I sometimes swap the fresh dill for tarragon or fresh thyme; it changes the aroma but still pairs wonderfully with the cream sauce.
- Dietary Modification: For a lighter version, you can reduce the cream in the sauce and use milk or half-and-half instead, though it won’t be quite as rich.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe
Step 1: Combine and Shape Your Patties
Start by gently mixing ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, heavy cream, egg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Don’t overmix—just bring everything together to keep the patties tender. Divide the mixture into four equal portions, then flatten each one to about half an inch thick. Setting them aside at this stage helps them hold their shape better when cooking.
Step 2: Cook Your Hamburgers to Juicy Perfection
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sear your patties for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful crust and reach an internal temperature of about 160°F. Then transfer them to a clean plate. This rest period lets juices redistribute and keeps the steaks moist.
Step 3: Whip Up that Creamy Dill Sauce
In the same pan (don’t clean it – all those browned bits add flavor!), melt butter and sauté finely diced onion over medium heat until golden and soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook just 20 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle in flour while whisking to dissolve lumps.
Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in chicken stock, whisking constantly. Follow with heavy cream, stirring until the sauce thickens. Stir in a tablespoon of fresh dill to infuse that lovely herbal note.
Step 4: Let It All Simmer Together
Gently nestle your hamburger steaks into the sauce and let everything simmer for 4 to 5 minutes so flavors meld. Before serving, give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Finish with a sprinkle of the remaining fresh dill for a pop of color and freshness.
Top Tip
I’ve cooked this recipe dozens of times, and a few things really make a difference. Getting the patties just right—neither too compact nor too loose—is key. Also, using the pan drippings for your sauce layers in rich flavor that you’d miss if you wiped the skillet clean.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the meat and ingredients gently to keep your hamburger steaks juicy and tender.
- Use Residual Flavors: Leave the browned bits in the pan when making your sauce for deeper flavor.
- Fresh Dill Is Essential: Dried dill just doesn’t give the same bright, fresh burst of flavor—I always recommend fresh if you can find it.
- Simmer Time Matters: Letting the patties gently simmer in the sauce infuses them with flavor and keeps everything moist.
How to Serve Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these with a little extra fresh dill and sometimes a lemon wedge on the side to brighten things up. A sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley can also add nice color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce, buttered egg noodles for a hearty feel, or simple steamed veggies like green beans or asparagus to lighten the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving the hamburger steaks stacked over a fluffy mound of mashed potatoes or nestled atop buttery polenta, then draped generously with sauce and garnished with dill sprigs. It makes a humble dish feel upscale and extra inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover hamburger steaks and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to three days. Keeping them sealed prevents the sauce from drying out.
Freezing
If I want to freeze this dish, I hold off on adding fresh dill until reheating, since freezing fresh herbs can dull their flavor. I freeze the patties and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the hamburgers and sauce in a low oven or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of extra cream or chicken stock helps restore creaminess without breaking the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can use leaner ground beef, but keep in mind that the patties might be less juicy. To compensate, consider adding a bit more cream or an extra egg to keep them moist.
Fresh dill is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor. Dried dill can be used in a pinch but won’t provide the same brightness and aroma to the cream sauce. If you use dried, use less and add it earlier during cooking to enhance flavor release.
You can prepare the creamy dill sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove before adding the hamburger steaks to avoid curdling or separation.
Mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed green beans are classic pairings. The creamy sauce is perfect for soaking into these sides, rounding out the meal nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe is one of those dishes I always return to when I want something that feels homemade and comforting but also a bit special. The way the cream and fresh dill lift those simple hamburger steaks makes it a wonderful crowd-pleaser. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do — plus, it’s just plain satisfying to have a recipe that’s so straightforward yet so impressive.
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hamburger Cream Steaks recipe features tender ground beef patties cooked to perfection and served in a rich, creamy dill sauce. Perfect for a comforting main course, this dish combines savory flavors with a smooth, velvety sauce that will satisfy any craving.
Ingredients
For the Hamburger Steaks
- 1.3 pounds ground beef
- 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 large onion, finely diced or grated
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, divided
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Hamburger Mixture: In a large bowl, combine 1.3 pounds ground beef, 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs, 1 large finely diced or grated onion, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 large egg, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough patties.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and flatten to about ½ inch thickness. Set aside while you prepare to cook.
- Cook the Hamburger Steaks: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked patties onto a clean plate and keep warm.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 small finely diced onion and cook until golden and softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add 1 clove minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds.
- Make the Sauce: Season the onion and garlic with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, whisking constantly until any lumps disappear. Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly add ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock, followed by 1 cup heavy cream, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Simmer: Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill. Nestle the cooked hamburger steaks into the sauce and let everything simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the sauce and season again with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon chopped dill and serve the hamburger cream steaks hot.
Notes
- Use fresh dill for the best flavor in the cream sauce; dried dill can be substituted but use about one-third the amount.
- Do not overmix the hamburger mixture to keep the steaks tender and juicy.
- For a richer sauce, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream but the sauce will be less thick.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the patties, but gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used for a gluten-free variation.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to complement the creamy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
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