Description

Tuscan Hamburger Steaks combine juicy ground beef patties with savory Italian-inspired flavors, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with garlic, herbs, and tender vegetables. This comforting main-course dish brings classic Tuscan flair to weeknight dinners and is perfect served over mashed potatoes, polenta, or pasta.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Hamburger Steaks

1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/4 cup whole milk
1 large egg
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Tuscan Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 large onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small red bell pepper, sliced
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup beef broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving (Optional)

Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Make the Hamburger Steaks: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands just until combined—take care not to overmix, as this can make the patties dense. Shape the mixture into 4 to 6 oval patties, about 3/4-inch thick.
Sear the Patties: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the hamburger steaks and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned but not cooked through. Transfer the seared patties to a plate and set aside.
Prepare the Tuscan Sauce: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add sliced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Simmer with Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Return Patties to Sauce: Nestle the browned hamburger steaks back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top of each patty. Cover and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the steaks are cooked through (an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C).
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and grated Parmesan, if desired. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, polenta, or pasta.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to ensure tender steaks.
Feel free to add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to the sauce for extra Tuscan flavor.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
The hamburger steaks and sauce can be prepared in advance and gently reheated before serving.
Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for a hint of heat.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 hamburger steak with sauce
Calories: 420
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 670mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 120mg