Country Fried Steaks with Chipotle Gravy

If you're looking for recipes using ground beef, you'll love this recipe for Country Fried Steaks with Chipotle Gravy! Instead of using steaks, this is a more budget-friendly version of the classic recipe that the whole family will be sure to love.

Serves: 4

Cooking Time: 28 min
Ingredients

* 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, divided
* 1 pound lean ground beef
* 1 1/2 cups saltine crackers (about 37 crackers), finely crushed, divided
* 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, divided
* 1 egg
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; coarsely ground
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 3/4 cup beef broth

Instructions

To prepare patties:

1. Finely chop chipotle pepper.

2. In a seperate bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of the chipotle pepper, beef, ½ cup of the crackers, ¼ cup of the buttermilk, egg, salt and black pepper; mix well.

3. Shape beef mixture into four irregular-shaped patties, about ½ inch thick.

4. Place flour in first tray. Pour ¾ cup of the buttermilk in second tray and place remaining 1 cup cracker crumbs in third tray.

5. Lightly dredge each patty in flour, shaking off excess; dip into buttermilk and then into crackers, pressing gently to secure crumbs to patty.

To cook patties:

1. Add oil to skillet (do not use stainless cookware); heat over medium heat 1-3 minutes or until shimmering.

2. Place patties in skillet; cook 4-6 minutes on each side or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F and patties are no longer pink in center.

3. Remove patties from skillet to paper towel-lined plate (do not wipe out skillet).

To prepare gravy:

1. Add 2 tablespoons of the flour from the tray to the skillet, whisk until smooth.

2. Gradually add broth and remaining 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper, whisking until smooth.

3. Cook 1-3 minutes or until gravy comes to a boil, whisking constantly. Whisk in remaining ½ cup buttermilk.

4. Cook 1-3 minutes or until thickened, whisking constantly.

5. Serve gravy over steaks.

Notes:

Typically made with cube steak, ground beef is used here to make this a more budget-friendly recipe.

In a pinch, you can make a quick buttermilk substitute. Combine 1½ tablespoon white vinegar with enough milk to measure a total of 1½ cups. Let stand 5 minutes. The acid will sour and slightly thicken the milk.