Combine the beef, bread crumbs, 1/4 cup of the tomato sauce, the Worcestershire or soy, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to a large bowl and mix thoroughly with your hands.

Heat the oil over medium heat in a 12" nonstick skillet that has a lid.

Meanwhile, shape the meat into four 3-1/2" patties, about 1/2" thick, adding them to the skillet as you make them. Cook the patties for 5 minutes on the first side.

While the patties cook, pour the remaining tomato sauce into a 2-cup measure. Add enough water (about 1/4 cup) to make 1-3/4 cups sauce. Stir to blend and set aside. After 5 minutes, when the juices have risen to the surface of the patties, carefully turn the patties over.

Cover and continue to cook until the meat is cooked through to personal preference, 4 to 7 minutes. Place each patty on a serving plate. Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet. Cook until the sauce is heated through, 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly and scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Season with black pepper, spoon the gravy over the patties and serve.

Poster's Notes: Great for weekday dinner.

Posted by Raquel Schnitzer