Easy Weeknight Hamburger Steak with Cabbage and Mashed Potatoes

Hamburger Steak with Cabbage & Mashed Potatoes

A hearty, comforting classic! Juicy hamburger steak, buttery mashed potatoes, and tender cabbage come together for the perfect cozy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp cooking oil

• 3 cups green cabbage, shredded

• 2 tbsp butter

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1/4 cup milk

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for potatoes)

• 1/4 cup beef broth

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 patties. (Prep Time: 10 minutes)

2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove and keep warm. (Cooking Time: 10 minutes)

3. In the same skillet, add cabbage and 2 tbsp butter. Sauté until tender, about 6–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. (Cooking Time: 7 minutes)

4. Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–18 minutes. Drain well. (Cooking Time: 18 minutes)

5. Mash potatoes with milk and 2 tbsp butter until creamy. Season with salt and pepper. (Prep Time: 5 minutes)

6. Return patties to skillet, add beef broth, and simmer for 2–3 minutes to coat with flavor. (Cooking Time: 3 minutes)

7. Serve hot with creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed cabbage on the side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 4 servings.

Hamburger Steak with Cabbage & Mashed Potatoes: A Comfort Food Classic

Few meals capture the heart of comfort food better than Hamburger Steak with Cabbage and Mashed Potatoes. This timeless combination blends the savory flavors of a perfectly seasoned hamburger steak with buttery, tender cabbage and creamy mashed potatoes. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, seeking a hearty one-pan meal, or simply craving old-fashioned home cooking, this dish never disappoints.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about hamburger steak and its best accompaniments—cabbage and mashed potatoes. From learning how to make the perfect patty to answering common questions like “Do mashed potatoes go with cabbage?” and “What’s the difference between hamburger steak and Salisbury steak?”, you’ll walk away with not only a recipe but also a deep understanding of this comfort food staple.

What Is Hamburger Steak?

At its core, hamburger steak is a simple dish made from ground beef formed into patties and pan-fried or grilled. Unlike a traditional burger, hamburger steak is usually served without a bun and often paired with gravy, onions, or vegetables.

It has long been a staple in American home cooking, especially in Southern kitchens, where hamburger steak and gravy or hamburger steaks with onion gravy are common family favorites.

What’s the Difference Between Hamburger Steak and Salisbury Steak?

A common question is: “What is hamburger steak, and how does it differ from Salisbury steak?”

• Hamburger steak: Purely ground beef, seasoned, shaped into a patty, and cooked. It can be topped with onions, mushrooms, or gravy.

• Salisbury steak: Includes binders and fillers like breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, creating a softer texture and slightly different flavor.

So, if you enjoy a meaty, no-fuss beef patty, hamburger steak is your dish. If you want something closer to a “meatloaf in patty form,” go for Salisbury steak.

The Perfect Sidekicks: Cabbage and Mashed Potatoes

When paired with cabbage and mashed potatoes, hamburger steak transforms into a complete comfort meal. Let’s explore why.

Do Mashed Potatoes Go with Cabbage?

Absolutely! The creamy, buttery richness of mashed potatoes balances the earthy, slightly sweet bite of cabbage. Together, they create a harmony of textures and flavors.

What Do You Call Mashed Potatoes and Cabbage?

In Irish cuisine, mashed potatoes and cabbage combined into one dish are called Colcannon. This traditional recipe blends buttery mashed potatoes with sautéed cabbage or kale, often enjoyed with a knob of butter melting in the center.

Do Cabbage and Potato Go Together?

Yes, they are a classic pairing in many cultures. In Irish, German, and Eastern European cuisines, cabbage and potatoes are often cooked together in soups, stews, and side dishes. Their flavors complement each other naturally, making them a comforting and economical duo.

This combination creates the Best Hamburger Steak Recipe with Cabbage & Mashed Potatoes—hearty, flavorful, and comforting.

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancements

What Seasoning Is Good for Hamburger Steak?

• Salt and pepper (the basics)

• Garlic powder or fresh garlic

• Paprika for smokiness

• Worcestershire sauce for umami depth

• Onion powder or sautéed onions for sweetness

What Does Gordon Ramsay Put in His Burger Patty?

Chef Gordon Ramsay often uses a mix of ground beef with high fat content, seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes garlic. He emphasizes not overmixing the meat to keep it juicy. While his style leans toward gourmet burgers, these tips apply beautifully to hamburger steak.

Variations of Hamburger Steak with Cabbage & Mashed Potatoes

This classic dish is versatile. Here are some delicious variations:

1. Old-Fashioned Hamburger Steak, Buttered Cabbage, and Mashed Potatoes

   • Stick to simple seasonings, pan-fry the patties, and serve with plain buttered cabbage.

2. Hamburger Steak with Cabbage and Garlic Mashed Potatoes

   • Roast garlic cloves and mash them into the potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.

3. One Pan Hamburger Steak, Cabbage, and Mashed Potatoes Dinner

   • Cook everything in a large skillet or Dutch oven for minimal cleanup.

4. Easy Hamburger Steak with Cabbage and Mashed Potatoes for Family Dinner

   • Make smaller patties and serve buffet-style, perfect for kids and busy weeknights.

5. Hamburger Steak with Pan-Fried Cabbage and Mashed Potatoes

   • Give the cabbage a golden-brown crispness for more texture.

Cabbage, Potatoes, and Hamburger Meat: More Meal Ideas

If you’re wondering, “What to do with cabbage and hamburger meat?”, here are a few creative dishes:

• Cabbage rolls stuffed with beef and rice, simmered in tomato sauce.

• Beef and cabbage stir-fry with soy sauce and garlic.

• Cabbage and hamburger soup for a hearty, budget-friendly meal.

• Colcannon with beef patties for a St. Patrick’s Day twist.

What All to Make with Hamburger Meat?

Ground beef is one of the most versatile proteins. In addition to hamburger steak, you can make:

• Meatloaf

• Chili

• Spaghetti Bolognese

• Tacos

• Burgers

• Shepherd’s pie

Cabbage in World Cuisine

What Is a Traditional Irish Dish with Cabbage?

Aside from colcannon, corned beef and cabbage is the most iconic Irish dish. Often served on St. Patrick’s Day, it combines brined beef with boiled cabbage and potatoes.

What Protein Goes with Cabbage?

Cabbage pairs well with:

• Beef (hamburger steak, corned beef, pot roast)

• Pork (sausages, bacon, pork chops)

• Chicken (roast or fried)

• Fish (especially cod or salmon in European cuisine)

What Main Dish to Eat with Cabbage?

Besides hamburger steak, cabbage complements:

• Roasted chicken

• Pork tenderloin

• Beef stew

• Grilled sausages

What’s the Best Meat to Eat with Cabbage?

Pork and beef are the most common, but any hearty protein pairs well with cabbage’s natural sweetness.

Do You Need to Wash Cabbage?

Yes, always. Peel away the outer leaves, then rinse the inner layers to remove dirt or any pesticide residue.

Restaurant Versions of Hamburger Steak

What Is Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak?

At Cracker Barrel, their Hamburger Steak is a grilled ground beef patty served with onions, mushrooms, and brown gravy. It’s a Southern comfort classic that’s quite similar to homemade versions.

Japanese Hamburger Steak (Hambāgu)

In Japan, Hambāgu is a popular dish similar to Salisbury steak. It’s seasoned ground beef mixed with breadcrumbs, onions, and eggs, then served with a demi-glace-style sauce.

Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Cabbage and Potatoes

If you’re building a complete meal, consider adding:

• Cornbread or dinner rolls for soaking up gravy

• Pickles or sauerkraut for tanginess

• Green beans or carrots for more color on the plate

• A fresh salad to lighten the heaviness of the meal

Comfort Food at Its Best

There’s a reason why Delicious Hamburger Steak, Cabbage, and Mashed Potatoes Combo has stood the test of time. It’s economical, hearty, and endlessly customizable. Whether you make it in a single pan, jazz it up with garlic mashed potatoes, or stick to the old-fashioned buttered cabbage method, this dish brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table.

Final Thoughts

So, how do you make hamburger steak? With just ground beef, simple seasonings, and a skillet, you can prepare a dish that feels gourmet yet remains humble. Pair it with cabbage and mashed potatoes, and you’ve got one of the best comfort food dinners around.

From Irish traditions like colcannon to American classics like Cracker Barrel hamburger steak, this dish adapts across cultures and generations. Whether you’re searching for the best hamburger steak recipe with cabbage & mashed potatoes, curious about what protein pairs with cabbage, or simply hungry for a hearty meal, this guide has given you the tools to make it happen.

FAQs

1. What is hamburger steak?

Hamburger steak is a seasoned ground beef patty, usually pan-fried or grilled, and served without a bun. It is often paired with gravy, onions, or vegetables.

2. What’s the difference between hamburger steak and Salisbury steak?

Hamburger steak is simply ground beef shaped into a patty, while Salisbury steak includes fillers such as breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, giving it a softer texture.

3. Do mashed potatoes go with cabbage?

Yes! Mashed potatoes and cabbage are a classic pairing in many cuisines. Together, they create a rich, hearty, and comforting side dish.

4. What do you call mashed potatoes and cabbage mixed together?

This dish is traditionally called Colcannon in Irish cuisine. It’s a comforting mix of creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed cabbage or kale.

5. Do cabbage and potato go together?

Absolutely. Cabbage and potatoes are often cooked together in stews, soups, and sides, especially in Irish and German cooking.

6. What protein goes with cabbage?

Cabbage pairs well with beef, pork, chicken, and even fish. One of the best matches is ground beef, as in hamburger steak with cabbage.

7. Do you need to wash cabbage before cooking?

Yes. Always remove the outer leaves and rinse the inner layers to remove dirt and any potential pesticide residue.

8. What to do with cabbage and hamburger meat?

You can make hamburger steak with sautéed cabbage, cabbage rolls stuffed with ground beef, stir-fried cabbage with beef, or even a hearty beef and cabbage soup.

9. What to serve with cabbage and potatoes?

Great side dishes include cornbread, green beans, carrots, fresh salad, or pickles to balance the richness of the meal.

10. What is a traditional Irish dish with cabbage?

The most well-known is corned beef and cabbage, served with potatoes. Colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale) is another traditional Irish favorite.

11. What seasoning is good for hamburger steak?

Salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce are classic seasonings. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley also work well.

12. What does Gordon Ramsay put in his burger patty?

Chef Gordon Ramsay usually uses ground beef with higher fat content, seasoned simply with salt and pepper. He stresses not to overmix the meat to keep it tender.

13. What is Cracker Barrel hamburger steak?

It’s a grilled ground beef patty served at Cracker Barrel restaurants, typically topped with onions, mushrooms, and brown gravy—classic Southern comfort food.

14. How do I make hamburger steak with gravy?

Cook hamburger patties, then prepare a pan gravy using beef drippings, flour, and broth. Pour the gravy over the patties before serving.

15. What’s the best meat to eat with cabbage?

Pork and beef are the most traditional pairings, though chicken and fish also work well with cabbage.

Link source:

• Health Benefits of Cabbage 

  • Anchor Text: health benefits of cabbage

• Perfect Mashed Potatoes Tips

  • Anchor Text: tips for creamy mashed potatoes

• Ground Beef Cooking Safety

Anchor Text: ground beef cooking safety