There is something incredibly comforting about a home-cooked meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and the Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe does just that. This rustic dish combines juicy, well-seasoned ground beef patties with a luscious, creamy gravy baked to perfection. With simple ingredients that come together effortlessly, it promises a hearty, satisfying dinner that brings a touch of Amish country charm to your table. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy weeknight, this recipe feels like a cherished secret to comfort food done right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that build layers of comforting flavor and texture. Each element plays a starring role in creating a rich, satisfying dish that feels both nostalgic and incredibly delicious.
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend): The perfect balance between lean meat and fat for juicy, flavorful patties.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties while adding a tender crumb texture.
- 1 egg: Acts as a natural binder to keep your patties together during cooking.
- 1 onion (finely diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to both the patties and gravy.
- 3 tbsp butter: Provides richness and helps create the silky roux for the gravy.
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour: The thickening agent that transforms broth and cream into a velvety gravy.
- 2 cups beef broth: Imparts a deep, savory flavor that complements the beef patties perfectly.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess to the gravy, making it irresistible.
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder: Essential seasonings that enhance every bite with savory warmth.
How to Make Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Meat Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get it ready for baking later on. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, finely diced onion, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly—overworking can make the patties tough, so just enough to bring it all together is perfect.
Step 2: Shape and Brown the Patties
Shape the meat mixture into 6 to 8 oval-shaped patties that are not too thick; this will help them cook evenly. Let the patties rest briefly so the mixture settles. Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side—this step seals in juices and builds beautiful flavor before baking.
Step 3: Make the Gravy Base
After you remove the browned patties, use the same skillet to melt butter. Add thinly sliced onions and sauté until they become soft and fragrant. Stir in the flour to form a roux, which is the foundation for your gravy. Slowly whisk in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to keep the sauce smooth and creamy as it thickens on the stove.
Step 4: Bake the Patties in Gravy
Return the browned patties to the skillet, nestling them gently into the creamy onion gravy. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil to trap steam and bake for 45 minutes—this slow cooking infuses the patties with moisture. After that, remove the cover and bake for another 15 minutes to thicken the gravy to a perfect consistency.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the Amish Hamburger Steak Bake rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and thoroughly flavorful.
How to Serve Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top to add a burst of color and a subtle fresh note that balances the creamy gravy. For an extra treat, a dollop of sour cream on the side can add a tangy contrast that elevates every mouthful.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs spectacularly with creamy mashed potatoes, which are perfect for soaking up all that luscious gravy. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots add a vibrant crunch and a touch of sweetness that complements the savory beef wonderfully. For a heartier meal, buttery dinner rolls or crusty bread work beautifully to round it out.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or looking to add a fun twist, consider plating each patty individually on a shallow dish with a generous ladle of gravy over the top and a small side salad for a pop of freshness. For a family-style dinner, serve the skillet right at the center of the table—there’s something special about digging into a warm, bubbling dish together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Amish Hamburger Steak Bake keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the dish even more savory the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent drying out, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of beef broth or cream can refresh the gravy’s texture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, covered, stirring between to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a leaner beef blend for this Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe?
While you can use leaner beef, the 80/20 blend is ideal because it balances flavor and moisture. Leaner meat might result in drier patties, but adding a bit more butter or a touch of olive oil when browning can help.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
The traditional Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe relies heavily on ground beef, but you could experiment with plant-based ground meat substitutes. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ, so adjusting seasonings and broth type might be necessary.
Can I prepare the patties in advance?
Absolutely! You can shape the patties a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to cook. This actually helps them hold together better when browning.
What can I use instead of heavy cream in the gravy?
If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can work, but the gravy won’t be as rich or thick. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream or cashew cream may be interesting alternatives, though they will slightly change the flavor profile.
How do I know when the patties are fully cooked?
Since the patties bake in the gravy, they’ll cook thoroughly during the covered bake time. However, you can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read 160°F to ensure safety and doneness.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully timeless and inviting about the Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe that makes it an instant favorite to keep on your dinner roster. Its comforting flavors, easy preparation, and rich creamy gravy bring smiles and satisfied sighs around the table every single time. I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new go-to comfort meal!
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Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish, American
Description
This Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a comforting, hearty casserole featuring juicy ground beef patties baked in a rich, creamy onion gravy. It’s an easy one-pan dish combining tender meat with a luscious homemade gravy, perfect for family dinners and meal prep alike.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 onion (finely diced)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
Gravy Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature by the time your patties are ready for baking.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, finely diced onion, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape Patties: Form the meat mixture into 6 to 8 oval-shaped patties. Once shaped, let them rest briefly to help them hold together during cooking.
- Brown Patties: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and brown them on each side for about 3–4 minutes until a crust forms. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Gravy: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add sliced onions and sauté until softened. Stir in the flour to make a roux and cook for a minute. Slowly whisk in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth gravy.
- Bake Patties in Gravy: Return the browned patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then uncover the skillet and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the gravy to thicken nicely.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the patties rest for 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the gravy to set before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, caramelize the onions longer before adding the flour for the gravy.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring contents and to simplify the baking process.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
