Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty, cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug, you’re going to love this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe. It’s one of those classic comfort food dishes that’s easy to make but tastes fresh and special every time, thanks to that tangy dill cream sauce. I remember the first time I tried this recipe—I was blown away by how simple ingredients come together to create something so rich and satisfying. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your hamburger steaks turn out tender and that sauce is perfectly creamy with just the right touch of dill.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavor Profile: The creamy dill sauce perfectly complements the savory, juicy hamburger steaks without overpowering them.
- Simple Ingredients: Using everyday pantry staples and fresh dill makes this recipe accessible and fresh tasting.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste.
- Tender, Juicy Steaks: Mixing breadcrumbs, egg, and cream into the beef keeps everything moist and tender.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe hits all the right notes thanks to a handful of simple, thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a role, helping you achieve that perfect texture and flavor every time. A quick heads-up: whenever I shop for ground beef, I look for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio to get the juiciest results without too much grease.

- Ground beef: Your base protein—look for something with a bit of fat for flavor and moisture.
- Breadcrumbs: These act as a binder, keeping the hamburger steaks tender and preventing them from falling apart.
- Yellow onion: Grated into the meat for moisture and diced for the sauce—adds sweetness and depth.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of flavor.
- Egg: Helps bind the steak mixture so they hold their shape during cooking.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness inside the meat mixture, and creates the luscious texture in the sauce.
- Olive oil & unsalted butter: Used for cooking both the steaks and the sauce, offering tasty browning and flavor.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic punch to the sauce—fresh is best!
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to that irresistible creamy consistency.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Builds a flavorful base for the sauce without overpowering the dill.
- Fresh dill: The hero herb here—its bright, slightly grassy flavor makes this sauce unique and memorable.
Tweak to Your Taste
What I love most about this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe is how inviting it is to customize. Over the years, I’ve played with different herbs and even protein blends, and honestly, it just gets better with your personal touch. Don’t hesitate to mix and match flavors to find your perfect version.
- Variation: I sometimes swap out the ground beef for a mix of beef and pork to add a touch more flavor depth and tenderness; it’s a game-changer if you like your steaks extra juicy.
- Dietary swaps: If you want a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or try replacing the breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko to keep it friendly for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Herb switch-up: Dill is star here, but tarragon or fresh parsley give a nice twist if you’re feeling adventurous or want something a bit milder.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe
Step 1: Mix & Shape the Hamburger Steaks
First, grate the yellow onion—this adds moisture and sweetness directly into the meat. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, heavy cream, and egg. I always use my hands for this step; it helps to mix everything just until combined so the meat stays tender. Divide the mixture into four even portions, then shape each into a round ball and gently press down with your palm or a spatula until about ¾ inch thick. Don’t press too hard or your steaks can become dense!
Step 2: Sear the Steaks to Perfection
Heat olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat—you’ll want the pan hot enough to get a nice brown crust, which adds flavor. Cook the hamburger steaks for about 4-5 minutes each side without moving them around too much. Patience here is key to avoid soggy, steamed meat. Once browned, transfer them to a clean plate but keep all those tasty browned bits in the skillet—they’ll flavor your sauce beautifully.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Dill Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes, stirring frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and all-purpose flour—this will help thicken the sauce. Stir everything together and gradually pour in chicken broth, scraping up those browned bits stuck to the pan—they provide incredible flavor. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream and chopped dill. Bring it to a gentle boil and simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely.
Step 4: Finish Cooking & Serve
Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, and simmer for 5-6 minutes until the steaks are heated through and cooked to your preferred doneness (no longer raw in the center). Finish with extra chopped dill and a little fresh black pepper for a pop of flavor and freshness. Serve it all up warm and get ready to swoon over the creamy comfort!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe
- Grate, Don’t Dice Onion for Meat: Grating onion into the beef keeps moisture evenly distributed without big chunks breaking apart the patties.
- Don’t Over-Mix the Meat: Combine ingredients gently to avoid toughening the steaks—when in doubt, stop mixing sooner rather than later.
- Use the Brown Bits in the Skillet: Those browned bits add rich depth to the sauce—scrape them up well during sauce prep for maximum flavor.
- Let the Sauce Thicken Before Adding Meat Back: Give the sauce time to simmer and thicken so it clings beautifully to your steaks.
How to Serve Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish my creamy dill hamburger steaks with a sprinkle of fresh chopped dill and a quick grind of black pepper right before serving—it adds that fresh, vibrant note that lifts the whole dish. Sometimes I also add a little lemon zest for a sunny brightness, which works amazingly well with the creamy dill sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic mashed potatoes—they soak up that luscious sauce like a charm. For a lighter balance, steamed green beans or a crisp mixed green salad with vinaigrette add freshness and texture. Roasted carrots or sautéed mushrooms are also favorites of mine on the side when I want a bit more vegetable variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served these hamburger steaks on a simple wooden board with little ramekins of extra dill sauce on the side so guests can drizzle more if they want. Layering the steaks on a bed of mashed potatoes and garnishing with microgreens or edible flowers adds a beautiful touch that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover hamburger steaks in an airtight container with the sauce poured over them to keep everything moist. Refrigerate and use within 3 days for best quality. Keeping the sauce with the steaks prevents drying out and makes reheating easier.
Freezing
Freezing works well, too—just cool the steaks and sauce completely, then freeze in a sealed container or heavy-duty zip bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. From my experience, the sauce holds up nicely with just a slight need to stir and refresh during reheating.
Reheating
I gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, covered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain sauce creaminess. A splash of additional cream or broth can revive the texture if needed. Microwave works in a pinch but be careful not to overcook the meat.
FAQs
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Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for this Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used, but keep in mind they’re leaner and can dry out more easily. To combat that, I recommend adding a bit more cream or an extra egg, and maybe some finely chopped mushrooms or grated zucchini for added moisture.
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What’s the best way to make sure my hamburger steaks don’t fall apart?
Use a binder like breadcrumbs and an egg, but mix just until combined to avoid compacting the meat. Also, don’t move them around too much while cooking—let them develop a crust to hold their shape.
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How do I know when the creamy dill sauce is thick enough?
The sauce should coat the back of a spoon—if it’s still too runny, simmer it for a minute or two longer. Keep an eye on it, as it can thicken quickly once it reaches a boil.
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Can I prepare the hamburger steaks ahead of time?
You can mix and shape the hamburger steaks up to a day before cooking—just cover tightly and refrigerate. Cooking them fresh, though, gives the best texture and flavor.
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What if I don’t have fresh dill on hand?
Fresh dill really shines in this recipe, but if you have dried dill, use about a third of what fresh calls for since dried is more concentrated. Adding it during sauce simmering works best.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it strikes that magical balance between comforting and fresh. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something homestyle without a fuss, yet special enough to feel like a treat. I hope you’ll try it soon—and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a requested staple in your home, just like it did in mine. Happy cooking, friend!
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Creamy Dill Hamburger Steaks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Hamburger Steaks cooked to juicy perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy dill sauce. This comforting dish combines simple ingredients for a hearty meal that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
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
Creamy Dill 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 – more for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the hamburger steaks: In a large bowl, grate the yellow onion. Add ground beef, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, heavy cream, and egg. Mix gently with your hands until just combined to avoid overworking the meat. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Flatten each ball with your palm or a spatula until about ¾ inch (2 cm) thick. Set them aside.
- Chop aromatics: Finely dice the yellow onion, mince the garlic cloves, and chop the fresh dill. Set aside for the sauce.
- Cook the hamburger steaks: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter together over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add the hamburger steaks and cook for 5 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the steaks from the skillet and place on a clean plate.
- Make the creamy dill sauce: Reduce heat to low and add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant and soft. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and flour, stirring continuously until the flour is incorporated and forms a roux.
- Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add cream and dill: Stir in the heavy cream and chopped dill. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Finish the dish: Return the hamburger steaks to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer for 5-6 minutes until the steaks are warmed through and cooked thoroughly. Garnish with additional chopped dill and freshly ground black pepper before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh dill for the best flavor in the sauce, but dried dill can be substituted if necessary—use about 1 tbsp dried.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the steaks tender and juicy.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a bit longer before adding the steaks back in.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hamburger steak with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg

