Introduction
Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for family meals, gatherings, or anyone craving a satisfying home-cooked meal. Combining the savory flavors of ground beef, rich gravy, and tender vegetables, this dish is a one-pan wonder that offers both convenience and deliciousness. The tender hamburger patties are baked in a creamy gravy, creating a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the meat and vegetables, ensuring every bite is full of warmth and comfort.
Inspired by traditional Amish cooking, which focuses on simple ingredients and wholesome flavors, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re new to Amish-style cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe is easy to follow and yields a meal that feels like a hug in a bite.
Why You’ll Love Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
- Rich, Savory Flavor: The hamburger patties, cooked in a delicious gravy, have a perfect balance of savory flavors. The gravy adds a creamy and rich texture, making each bite indulgent and satisfying.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of basic ingredients like ground beef, onions, potatoes, and gravy, this dish is easy to prepare and budget-friendly. You likely already have many of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge.
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of ground beef and potatoes makes this bake filling enough to serve as a complete meal. The gravy helps bind everything together, ensuring that each bite is a comforting experience.
- One-Pan Meal: Fewer dishes to clean is always a plus! With just one pan needed to bake everything, this meal is easy to prepare and clean up after, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Perfect for Family Meals: This recipe makes enough to serve a crowd, making it great for family dinners or special occasions. The simple, satisfying flavors are sure to please everyone at the table.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 6 servings
- Calories per Serving: Around 400-450 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400-450 kcal
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Protein: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5-7g
Ingredients
For the Amish Hamburger Steak Bake:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably plain)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix (or homemade gravy)
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Special Equipment
Although you don’t need any special equipment to make Amish Hamburger Steak Bake, a few kitchen tools can help you make the process smoother and ensure better results:
- Large Skillet: A large skillet is ideal for searing the hamburger patties before baking. It helps brown the patties evenly and develop a delicious crust on the outside.
- Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe, giving enough space for the patties, potatoes, and gravy to bake evenly. Ensure the dish is oven-safe and can hold the full amount of ingredients.
- Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will help you slice the potatoes thinly and evenly, ensuring they cook through while baking.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board is essential for chopping vegetables and slicing potatoes safely and efficiently.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are important for balancing the flavors of the gravy and seasonings. Standard measuring cups and spoons will help achieve the right proportions.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of bowls to mix the beef mixture and prepare the gravy. Opt for medium-sized mixing bowls for ease of use.
- Spoon or Tongs: To handle the hamburger patties, a spoon or tongs will help transfer the meat from the skillet to the baking dish without breaking them.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Hamburger Patties
Start by making the hamburger patties. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined.
Divide the beef mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty. Ensure that the patties are even in size to promote even cooking.
2. Brown the Patties
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice brown crust. This step adds flavor and helps the patties hold their shape while baking. You don’t need to cook the patties all the way through, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
Once browned, transfer the patties to a plate and set aside.
3. Prepare the Gravy
In the same skillet, add the beef broth and brown gravy mix. Stir to dissolve the gravy mix and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. If you’re using homemade gravy, simply combine the beef broth with the gravy ingredients and cook until thickened.
Simmer the gravy for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken. Once thickened, remove the skillet from the heat and set the gravy aside.
4. Assemble the Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange the sliced potatoes in a single layer at the bottom of the dish. You may need to overlap some of the potato slices to fit them all in. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the potatoes for added flavor.
Place the browned hamburger patties on top of the potatoes in the baking dish.
Pour the prepared gravy over the patties and potatoes, ensuring everything is evenly covered. If you’re using frozen peas, sprinkle them on top of the gravy for added color and flavor.
5. Bake the Dish
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The hamburger patties will finish cooking during this time, and the flavors will meld together.
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly and the gravy to thicken further. If you like, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy finish.
6. Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the gravy to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Serve hot, with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy the comforting, rich flavors of Amish Hamburger Steak Bake!
Tips for Perfect Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
- Use Lean Ground Beef: While 80% lean ground beef is ideal for juicy patties, you can use leaner ground beef if you prefer a lower-fat option. Just keep in mind that leaner beef may result in slightly drier patties.
- Slice Potatoes Thinly: To ensure the potatoes cook evenly, slice them as thinly as possible. Thin slices will cook faster and absorb more of the gravy, making the dish more flavorful.
- Don’t Skip the Browning Step: Browning the patties in a skillet adds a lot of flavor and depth to the dish. It helps create a savory crust on the meat that enhances the overall taste.
- Customize the Gravy: Feel free to make your own gravy from scratch using beef broth, butter, flour, and seasoning. Homemade gravy will add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
- Add Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like carrots, corn, or green beans for more variety. Just ensure they’re cooked through by the time the dish is done baking.
Variations of Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
- Cheesy Hamburger Steak Bake: Top the casserole with shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend) during the last 10 minutes of baking. The melted cheese adds a creamy texture and a rich flavor.
- Mushroom Hamburger Steak Bake: Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for a deeper, earthy flavor. The mushrooms will absorb the gravy and add another layer of texture to the dish.
- Vegetable Hamburger Steak Bake: Incorporate more vegetables, such as carrots or green beans, into the casserole. These vegetables will cook in the gravy and add more color and nutrients to the dish.
- Spicy Hamburger Steak Bake: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the gravy for a spicy kick. The heat will complement the savory flavors of the beef and potatoes.
Storage and Shelf Life
Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-45 minutes, or until heated through.
Side Dishes and Pairings for Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
Pair this hearty dish with sides that complement its rich flavors:
- Green Salad: A crisp, refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the bake.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the flavorful gravy.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus would be perfect alongside this comforting meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: For even more potato goodness, serve with creamy mashed potatoes to make the meal even more indulgent.
Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Description
A hearty and comforting casserole made with seasoned hamburger patties, smothered in a savory brown gravy and baked with a layer of mashed potatoes. This simple, satisfying dish is a family favorite that’s both filling and flavorful.
Ingredients
For the Amish Hamburger Steak Bake:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably plain)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix (or homemade gravy)
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Start by making the hamburger patties. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined.
Divide the beef mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty. Ensure that the patties are even in size to promote even cooking.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice brown crust. This step adds flavor and helps the patties hold their shape while baking. You don’t need to cook the patties all the way through, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
Once browned, transfer the patties to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the beef broth and brown gravy mix. Stir to dissolve the gravy mix and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. If you’re using homemade gravy, simply combine the beef broth with the gravy ingredients and cook until thickened.
Simmer the gravy for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken. Once thickened, remove the skillet from the heat and set the gravy aside.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange the sliced potatoes in a single layer at the bottom of the dish. You may need to overlap some of the potato slices to fit them all in. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the potatoes for added flavor.
Place the browned hamburger patties on top of the potatoes in the baking dish.
Pour the prepared gravy over the patties and potatoes, ensuring everything is evenly covered. If you’re using frozen peas, sprinkle them on top of the gravy for added color and flavor.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The hamburger patties will finish cooking during this time, and the flavors will meld together.
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly and the gravy to thicken further. If you like, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy finish.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the gravy to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Serve hot, with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy the comforting, rich flavors of Amish Hamburger Steak Bake!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400-450 kcal
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Protein: 25g
Conclusion
Amish Hamburger Steak Bake offers the ultimate comfort food experience. With tender beef patties, creamy gravy, and perfectly cooked potatoes, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and filling. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with the rich flavors, makes this dish a perfect example of the wholesome, satisfying nature of Amish cooking. Enjoy every delicious bite!