This is one of those hard-times suppers that still feels special when it hits the table. My uncle made these hamburger steaks with onions every week when money was tight—three simple ingredients that filled everyone up and tasted like something from a cozy diner. The beef patties brown up beautifully, then settle under a blanket of soft, caramelized onions, all swimming in their own rich pan juices. It’s low carb, budget-friendly, and comforting enough to keep in regular rotation.

Serve them right in the foil-lined pan, spooning the juices and onions over the top. For a low-carb plate, pair with roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or a crisp salad. For kids or non–low carb eaters, add mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the savory juices. A little mustard or hot sauce on the side makes the grown-ups happy too.

3-Ingredient Hamburger Steaks with Onions

Ingredients

Directions

1. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with foil; grease lightly if desired.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half the onions over the bottom of the pan.
3. Mix ground beef with salt gently; divide into 4–6 portions. Shape into thick patties, pressing a shallow dent in the center.
4. Place patties on onions; scatter remaining onions over and around them.
5. Bake 20 minutes. Remove pan and baste patties with juices.
6. Return to oven 15–20 minutes, until patties are browned, onions caramelized, and internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Rest 5 minutes in the pan. Serve hot, spooning onions and juices over each patty.