In a large bowl, use your hands to blend together the beef, bread crumbs, tomato paste, worcestershire sauce, ground mustard, onion powder, pepper and salt until well combined. Divide the beef mixture into four equal size portions and form into oval patties about 1/2 inch thick.
Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat in a large cast iron or heavy bottomed skillet. Add the patties to the pan and cook until browned, approximately 2-3 minutes. Turn the patties over and cook for 3-4 minutes longer or until browned. Transfer to a platter and keep warm.
Pour off the fat in the pan and return to the heat. Add the onions to the pan and cook until translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook until softened. Stir in the thyme, garlic powder and flour. Cook for 1 minute.
Slowly add the beef stock scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen the brown bits. Stir in the worcestershire sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. When the gravy begins to thicken, turn the heat down and stir in the butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Return the beef patties to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they are no longer pink in the middle.
Sprinkle with parsley or chives, if desired. Serve immediately
Video
Notes
Internal Temperature
Field/value:Target internaltemp: 160–165°F (insert as a note or dedicated field in the card)
Chef Tips
Finish in the gravy: Sear patties, then simmer in the sauce to lock in moisture.
Brown well first: Deep browning (3–4 minutes per side) builds the foundation for a richer gravy.
Use low‑sodium stock: Season the gravy with salt and pepper at the end to taste.
Binder ratio matters: Don’t over‑mix; combine just until the mixture holds.
Rest 5 minutes: Let patties sit in the gravy off heat before serving for juicier results.