Burgers with Onion Gravy and Mashed Potatoes

I love burgers, but sometimes it's fun to serve them up a different way.  Here, they're paired with mashed potatoes instead of a bun, and they're smothered in a savory onion gravy.  I was worried that cooking the burgers in the gravy might dry them out or make them a little tough, but it didn't - they were juicy and flavorful! I totally fell in love with the gravy; while it never thickened up as much as a turkey gravy would, it was really delicious and full of sweet onion flavor.  This simple supper was definitely a winner in my book; serve with salad or roasted veggies on the side to make it a complete meal.

Burgers with Onion Gravy and Mashed Potatoes (adapted from Cooking Light)
Serves 4

1 pound ground beef
Salt and pepper
oil
1-1/2 cups sweet yellow onion, sliced
2 tsp flour
1 cup low-sodium beef stock
Mashed potatoes, to serve (I made mine with buttermilk, butter, and minced chives)

1. Divide the ground beef into four patties, each about 1/2-inch thick.  Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add just enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. When the oil is hot, add the burgers.  Cook 3 minutes on each side, and then remove to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain off any excess fat.
3.  Add the onion to the pan, along with a bit more oil if needed to keep the onion from sticking.  Saute about 10-15 minutes, until lightly browned and tender.  Sprinkle with the flour and cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly.  Add the stock and season with salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil.
4. Return the burgers to the pan and reduce heat to medium.  Cook for 5 minutes, flipping the burgers once, until the gravy is slightly thickened.
5. Serve over mashed potatoes.