Chopped steak is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook chopped steak to get that juicy, tender texture with rich, savory gravy, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, with tips and tricks to make your chopped steak delicious every time.
What Is Chopped Steak?
Chopped steak is essentially ground beef shaped into patties, similar to hamburger steaks, but often cooked with a rich onion and mushroom gravy. It’s a classic American comfort food that combines simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. The key to a great chopped steak is seasoning, proper searing, and slow simmering in a flavorful sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Ground beef or ground sirloin (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
– Onions (yellow or sweet)
– Mushrooms (button, cremini, or baby bella)
– Garlic
– Beef stock or broth
– Worcestershire sauce
– Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley
– Salt and pepper
– Olive oil or butter for cooking
– Optional: breadcrumbs, egg (for binding), and seasonings like paprika or Italian herbs
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Chopped Steak
1. Prepare the Meat Patties
Start by gently mixing your ground beef with seasonings. Some recipes suggest adding grated onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and optional binders like breadcrumbs and egg to keep the patties tender and juicy. Be careful not to overwork the meat to avoid tough steaks.
Divide the mixture into equal portions (about 4 to 8 ounces each) and shape them into oval or round patties about half an inch thick.
2. Sear the Patties
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil or bacon fat for extra flavor. Sear the patties for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a nice brown crust but are not fully cooked through. This step locks in the juices and adds a delicious caramelized flavor.
Remove the patties from the pan and set them aside, keeping them warm.
3. Cook the Onions and Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add butter or oil if needed and sauté sliced onions and mushrooms over medium heat. Cook them until they’re softened and golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes. This slow caramelization brings out their natural sweetness and deepens the flavor of your gravy.
Add minced garlic towards the end and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute.
4. Make the Gravy
Sprinkle flour over the cooked onions and mushrooms and stir to coat. This will help thicken the gravy. Then slowly whisk in beef stock or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Add Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until the gravy thickens to your liking.
For extra richness, some recipes add half-and-half or cream to the gravy at the end.
5. Simmer the Chopped Steaks in Gravy
Return the seared patties to the skillet with the gravy. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 5 to 25 minutes, depending on the recipe, until the steaks are cooked through and tender. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the meat to absorb the savory sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Chopped steak is traditionally served with mashed potatoes, noodles, or even crispy hash browns. Spoon plenty of the mushroom and onion gravy over the top for a comforting, satisfying meal.
Tips for Perfect Chopped Steak
– Don’t overwork the meat when mixing to keep the patties tender.
– Sear the patties well to develop flavor but avoid cooking them fully before simmering.
– Caramelize onions and mushrooms slowly to deepen the gravy’s taste.
– Simmer gently to allow flavors to blend and meat to become tender.
– Use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a bright, fresh note.
– Add a splash of wine or sherry to the gravy for an extra layer of flavor (optional).
Variations to Try
– Add diced bacon to the pan before cooking the patties for smoky flavor.
– Mix in different seasonings like paprika, oregano, or coriander for a spiced twist.
– Use different mushrooms like shiitake or portobello for varied textures.
– Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crispy hash browns as sides.
Chopped steak is a versatile, comforting dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and some attention to technique, you can create a meal that’s both nostalgic and delicious.
Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Chopped steak is a simple, satisfying meal that combines juicy beef patties with rich mushroom gravy, perfect for any night of the week.