Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (80–85% lean)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp oil or butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
Make the patties:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) (optional if pan-searing only).
In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let sit 2–3 minutes.
Add ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce; mix gently.
Form into 4–6 oval patties.
Sear the patties:
Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear patties 3–4 minutes per side until browned.
Make the gravy:
Remove patties to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium.
If using mushrooms, sauté in the same skillet 5–7 minutes.
Sprinkle flour over the remaining drippings; stir 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in beef broth (and soy sauce if using) until smooth.
Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened; season with thyme if using.
Finish cooking:
Return patties to the skillet.
Simmer in gravy 10–15 minutes, or until cooked through (160°F / 71°C internal).
If desired, bake instead: transfer patties and gravy to a baking dish and bake 20–25 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Serve:
Spoon gravy over patties.
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.