3-Ingredient Hamburger Steaks with Onions

This is one of those simple, budget-friendly dinners that still feels like a treat at the table. My uncle made hamburger steaks with onions every week when money was tight—just a few basic ingredients that somehow tasted like a cozy diner meal. The patties develop a rich, browned crust, then cook down with soft, caramelized onions, all in their own savory juices. It’s low carb, affordable, and comforting enough to make again and again.

Serve them straight from the pan, spooning the onions and juices over each patty. For a low-carb option, pair with roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or a fresh salad. For heartier plates, add mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. A side of mustard or hot sauce adds an extra kick.

Oven-Baked Hamburger Steaks with Caramelized Onions (3 Ingredients)

Ingredients
2 lb ground beef (80/20)
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)

Directions

1. Prepare the pan
   Line a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with foil and lightly grease if desired.
2. Preheat the oven
   Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half of the sliced onions across the bottom of the pan.
3. Shape the patties
   Gently mix the ground beef with salt. Divide into 4–6 portions and form into thick patties, pressing a slight indentation in the center of each.
4. Assemble
   Place the patties on top of the onions, then scatter the remaining onions over and around them.
5. Bake
   Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the pan and spoon some of the juices over the patties.
6. Finish cooking
   Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the patties are browned, the onions are soft and caramelized, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Rest and serve
   Let rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Serve hot, spooning the onions and pan juices over each patty.