In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and milk. Mix gently until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can result in tough steaks. Form the mixture into 6-8 oval patties and set them aside.

Step 2: Brown the Patties

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the pan with butter or oil, then add the patties, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they develop a deep golden-brown crust. They don’t need to be cooked through at this stage, as they will finish in the oven. Transfer the browned steaks to a baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Gravy

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Continue to stir until the gravy thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the creamy gravy over the hamburger steaks in the baking dish, ensuring they are well coated. Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the steaks to finish cooking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.