Skillet Beef Patties with Peppers and Onions in Gravy

There’s something incredibly soul-satisfying about a classic comfort meal, and these Skillet Beef Patties with Peppers and Onions in Gravy deliver exactly that. This old-fashioned dish brings back memories of home-cooked goodness, offering juicy, perfectly seasoned beef patties pan-seared to perfection. They are then lovingly simmered in a rich, homemade gravy, infused with the sweet aroma of tender sautéed onions and colorful bell peppers. It’s a meal that feels both special and deeply familiar, perfect for a hearty family dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds. Simple to prepare, yet bursting with savory flavors, it’s a go-to recipe for those seeking warmth and satisfaction.

Ingredients

For the Beef Patties:

• 1 pound (approx. 450g) lean ground beef (e.g., 80/20 or 85/15)
• ⅓ cup plain breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste

For Searing and Sautéing:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
• 1 large onion, sliced (about 1½ cups)
• 1 bell pepper (any color, e.g., green, red, or yellow), cored and sliced (about 1 cup)

For the Rich Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth (low sodium recommended)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions & Garnish:

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (added with peppers and onions)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Patties:
   • In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
   • Use your hands to mix the ingredients just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
   • Divide the mixture into 4 to 6 equal portions and gently shape each portion into a patty, about ¾ to 1 inch thick. Try to make them uniform in size for even cooking.
2. Sear the Beef Patties:
   • Heat the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron or a heavy-bottomed pan) over medium heat until shimmering.
   • Carefully place the shaped beef patties into the hot skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
   • Sear the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, until they are beautifully browned and have a nice crust. The goal here is to develop flavor and color, not to cook them through completely.
   • Once browned, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a clean plate.
3. Cook Peppers and Onions:
   • Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (these bits add wonderful flavor to the gravy!).
   • If using, add the sliced mushrooms at this stage as well.
   • Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and the onions become translucent.
4. Make the Gravy:
   • Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sautéed peppers and onions in the skillet.
   • Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. This step, called making a “roux,” helps to cook out the raw flour taste and creates the base for your gravy.
   • Gradually pour in the 2 cups of beef broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
   • Stir in the 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. This adds a depth of savory, umami flavor.
   • Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. It will begin to thicken as it heats.
5. Simmer the Patties in Gravy:
   • Carefully return the seared beef patties to the skillet, nestling them into the simmering gravy with the peppers and onions.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the patties simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the patties to cook through completely, become incredibly tender, and absorb the rich flavors of the gravy.
   • Halfway through simmering, you can gently flip the patties if you wish, to ensure they are fully immersed in the gravy.
6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
   • Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
   • Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
   • Serve hot with your preferred side dishes.

Tips, Variations, and Storage

• Meat Choice: While ground beef is traditional, you can experiment with ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and pork for a different flavor profile.
• Gravy Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, add a splash more beef broth until desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can remove the patties, bring the gravy to a simmer, and let it reduce for a few minutes, or mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then whisk into the simmering gravy until thickened.
• Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced carrots or celery to the skillet with the peppers and onions for more depth.
• Extra Flavor: For an even richer gravy, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine after searing the patties and before adding the onions.
• Make Ahead: The beef patties can be prepared and shaped a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The entire dish reheats well.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Pairings

This hearty dish is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Starchy Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes (a classic!), fluffy white rice, egg noodles, or even polenta. These are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious gravy.
• Vegetables: Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing to add a fresh contrast.
• Bread: Crusty bread or dinner rolls for mopping up the gravy.

Quick Info

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Cuisine: American Comfort Food