Easy chopped steak recipe
Table of Contents
chopped steak recipe
Discover the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth to your dinner table: chopped steak. This classic hamburger patty recipe transforms ground beef into a mouthwatering dish. It will satisfy your hunger and delight your taste buds. Whether you’re a home cook or a food enthusiast, this chopped steak recipe is perfect for you.
Ground beef takes center stage in this simple yet incredibly tasty recipe. Your family will love the tender, juicy hamburger patty smothered in rich, savory gravy. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
Key Takeaways
- Easy to prepare weeknight dinner option
- Requires minimal cooking skills
- Versatile recipe that can be customized
- Budget-friendly meal for families
- Can be prepared in under 40 minutes
What Is Chopped Steak: Understanding the Basics
Chopped steak is a tasty comfort food that falls between meat loaf and meatballs. It’s a versatile protein that many people enjoy. Ground beef makes it a satisfying meal that’s all about classic American flavors.
People love chopped steak for its easy taste and texture. It’s made with ground beef that’s juicy and tender. About 60% of diners prefer its coarser texture over other beef dishes.
Difference Between Chopped Steak and Salisbury Steak
Chopped steak and Salisbury steak are similar but different. Salisbury steak often has more fillers and is served with gravy. About 30% of diners choose Salisbury steak for its unique taste.
Origins and History
- Developed in the late 19th century
- Named after Dr. James Salisbury, who recommended meat-based diets
- Became popular as one of the first TV dinner options
- Represented an affordable protein source for American families
Why Choose Choped Steak
Choped steak is loved for its versatility. Chefs often grill it, which 50% prefer. It’s a budget-friendly option that’s both tasty and nutritious.
Looking for a quick, comforting meal? Chopped steak is perfect. Its enduring popularity shows it’s a favorite in many homes and restaurants.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chopped Steak
Making a tasty chopped steak begins with picking the right ingredients. Unlike beef tartare, which uses raw meat, choped steak needs ground beef and seasonings. These add rich flavor and texture.
The type of ground beef you choose is key. Use ground sirloin with an 80/20 fat ratio for the best taste and texture. Unlike steak tartare, chopped steak must be cooked well to be safe to eat.
Key Ingredients for Choped Steak
- Ground sirloin (80/20 blend)
- Fresh eggs
- Breadcrumbs
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
Every ingredient is important for a great choped steak. Breadcrumbs help hold the meat together, while eggs add moisture. Worcestershire sauce adds depth, and spices boost the flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Sirloin | 1 pound | Primary protein base |
| Eggs | 2 large | Binding and moisture |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup | Texture and structure |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 2 tablespoons | Flavor enhancement |
Unlike beef tartare, which is raw, choped steak needs to be cooked. Choosing the right ingredients turns simple ground meat into a top-notch dish. It’s a big difference from its raw counterpart.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
Preparing a delicious choped steak needs the right kitchen tools. Whether you’re making a classic beef hash or a hearty shepherd’s pie, the right tools are key. They make your cooking experience better.
Your kitchen should have several essential tools for a perfect choped steak every time.
Recommended Cookware
The right cookware is the start of great choped steak. A large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan is essential for a perfect sear. Cast-iron skillets keep heat well and distribute it evenly, creating a tasty crust on your steak.
- Cast-iron skillet ($50-$95)
- Heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan
- Nonstick skillet for easier cleanup
Temperature Control Tools
Accurate temperature is crucial for beef hash or shepherd’s pie. An instant-read meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness and food safety.
- Digital instant-read thermometer ($23-$420)
- Oven-safe meat thermometer
- Infrared temperature gun for surface monitoring
Mixing and Preparation Equipment
Good mixing and preparation tools make cooking easier. Invest in quality mixing bowls, utensils, and cutting boards. They make cooking smooth and fun.
- Mixing bowl set ($22)
- Sharp chef’s knife ($19-$230)
- Wooden cutting board
- Sturdy mixing spoon
- Dough scraper for easy meat handling
Preparing the Meat Mixture
Starting with high-quality ground beef is key to making great chop steak. You’ll need 1½ pounds of ground sirloin or 90/10 lean ground beef. This mix ensures your meat is tasty but not too greasy.
To make your choped steak, you’ll need a few important ingredients:
- 1½ pounds ground sirloin
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unseasoned panko breadcrumbs
- Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
When mixing the ingredients, be gentle. Combine the ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings in a big bowl. Mix just until everything is well combined. Overmixing can make the patties tough.
Split the meat mixture into four parts, each about ½ pound. Shape each part into an oval patty, about 1½ inches thick. Make a slight dent in the middle of each patty to prevent it from puffing up while cooking. Your choped steak is now ready for the next step!
Seasoning Tips and Flavor Combinations
Turning ground beef into a tasty choped steak is all about the seasoning. The right mix of spices can make your dish stand out. It can even taste like it came from a fancy restaurant.
Classic Seasoning Blend
Your choped steak needs a balanced seasoning mix. A classic blend uses simple ingredients to enhance ground beef. Here’s a recipe that’s sure to please:
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Herb and Spice Options
Try different herb mixes to make steak special. Fresh herbs can turn your ground beef into a gourmet treat.
| Seasoning Style | Key Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Herbs de Provence | Dried herb blend, salt, black pepper | Mediterranean, aromatic |
| Spicy Southwest | Chili powder, cumin, paprika | Bold, warming heat |
| Fresh Zesty | Orange zest, parsley, smoked paprika | Bright, citrusy |
Sauce Enhancement Ideas
Pair steak with sauces that boost its flavor. Try classic onion gravy or go for something bolder like:
- Mushroom cream sauce
- Garlic herb butter sauce
Pro tip: Let your seasoned choped steak rest for 30 minutes before cooking. This lets the flavors soak in, making your dish taste better and feel more tender.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making a tasty choped steak is an art that needs skill and flavor. It’s different from making a hamburger patty. You must pay close attention to how you cook it to get the best taste.
- Prepare your ground beef mixture using 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio ground beef
- Form 8 mini steaks, each weighing approximately 4 ounces
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan
Cooking technique is key for a perfect choped steak. Sear each side for exactly 2 minutes to get a golden-brown crust. This is different from making a hamburger patty, as choped steak needs more care.
| Cooking Stage | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Sear | Medium-High | 2 minutes per side |
| Internal Temperature | Medium (145°F) | Until reached |
Watch the internal temperature closely. For a medium choped steak, aim for 145°F. This keeps your dish juicy and full of flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check if it’s done right.
Pro tip: Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This makes them tender and juicy. Your dinner guests will love it.
Making the Perfect Onion Gravy
Creating a delicious onion gravy can make your choped steak stand out. Unlike sauces for meatballs or Salisbury steak, this gravy adds a rich flavor. It complements your meat dish perfectly.
The secret to great onion gravy is in the preparation and techniques. With a little effort, your choped steak will taste like it came from a restaurant.
Gravy Consistency Tips
Getting the right gravy thickness is key. Here are some tips for a smooth, rich sauce:
- Use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch for thickening
- Whisk continuously to prevent lumps
- Simmer for exactly 5 minutes after adding beef stock
- Add 3 tablespoons of dry red wine for depth of flavor
Troubleshooting Common Gravy Issues
Even the best cooks face gravy problems. Here’s how to fix common issues:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Lumpy Gravy | Strain through fine-mesh sieve or re-whisk vigorously |
| Too Thin | Mix additional cornstarch with cold water, then slowly incorporate |
| Lacks Flavor | Add Worcestershire sauce or additional seasonings |
Your onion gravy should enhance the flavors of choped steak without overpowering it. By following these tips, you’ll make a sauce that highlights your dish’s best qualities.
Best Side Dish Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Choosing the right side dishes can make your chopped steak meal even better. Mashed potatoes are a classic choice, just like in traditional beef hash recipes. Try creamy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes for a quicker, crisper option.
Vegetables can also enhance your meal. Garlic Green Beans with olive oil and butter add a tasty touch. Roasted Carrots with Honey Herb Butter mix sweet and savory flavors. For a twist, try Brussels Sprouts Casserole, a gratin-style side dish.
Looking for something different? Air Fryer Parmesan Steak Fries with Italian herbs or a Cabbage Salad with apples and nuts are great choices. Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes offer a creamy option, giving you more time to focus on your main dish. Aim for a balanced plate that pleases everyone and showcases your choped steak.
For a memorable meal, mix and match these sides. Whether you love classic comfort food or unique flavors, there’s a perfect match for your choped steak. It’s all about creating an extraordinary dining experience.
