If you’re searching for a comforting, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying meal that the whole family will adore, then this Amish Beef Hamburger Steak Bake is exactly what you need. This classic casserole brings together tender hamburger steaks smothered in a rich, savory gravy, all baked to perfection. It’s a simple yet deeply flavorful dish that epitomizes hearty home cooking, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Get ready to rediscover the joy of a truly delicious and easy-to-make dinner!
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Key Ingredients for Amish Beef Hamburger Steak Bake
To create this delightful Amish Beef Hamburger Steak Bake, gather the following ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s incredible flavor and texture.
For the Hamburger Steaks:
- 1 ½ lbs Ground Beef: (80/20 lean is ideal for flavor and moisture)
- ½ cup Breadcrumbs: Plain or panko work well.
- ¼ cup Milk: Any kind, helps bind and moisten patties.
- 1 large Egg: Beaten, for binding.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Or 2 cloves minced fresh garlic.
- 1 tsp Onion Powder: Or ½ small onion, very finely minced.
- ½ tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste.
- 1 tsp Salt: Or to taste.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil: For searing the patties.
For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp Butter: Unsalted.
- 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour: For thickening the gravy.
- 2 cups Beef Broth: Low sodium is preferable to control saltiness.
- ½ cup Milk: Whole milk for creaminess, but 2% works too.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a depth of umami flavor.
- ½ tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground.
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder:
- ½ tsp Onion Powder:
- Salt to taste: Start with ¼ tsp and adjust as needed.
Optional additions/Toppings:
- 1 cup Sliced Mushrooms: (Fresh or canned, drained)
- ½ cup Sliced Onions: (For layering)
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish.
How to Make Amish Beef Hamburger Steak Bake
This Amish Beef Hamburger Steak Bake is a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into something truly extraordinary. It’s an easy, delicious, and deeply satisfying casserole featuring tender, perfectly seasoned hamburger steaks swimming in a rich, creamy gravy. Its simplicity lies in its straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, while its standout feature is undoubtedly the savory, comforting flavor profile that harks back to classic home cooking. With a preparation time of just 20-25 minutes before baking, it’s a dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Hamburger Steaks: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can make the patties tough. Divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions and shape them into oval or round patties, about ½ to ¾ inch thick.
- Sear the Patties: Heat the olive oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the hamburger patties in the skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, just until nicely browned. The patties don’t need to be cooked through at this stage, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Remove the seared patties from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Gravy: In the same skillet (no need to clean it – the browned bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until a smooth, light brown roux forms.
- Whisk in Liquids: Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once smooth, slowly add the milk, again whisking until well combined. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the seared hamburger steak patties in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If using, scatter sliced mushrooms and/or onions over and around the patties.
- Pour Gravy and Bake: Carefully pour the prepared gravy evenly over the hamburger steak patties, ensuring they are well-covered.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish: Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the gravy is bubbly and the hamburger steaks are cooked through and tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Beef Hamburger Steak Bake
You’ll quickly fall in love with this Amish Beef Hamburger Steak Bake because it’s the epitome of comfort food done right. The main highlight is undoubtedly the unbelievably tender, savory hamburger steaks bathed in a rich, deeply flavored, creamy gravy that tastes like it took hours to make, but comes together effortlessly. Making this casserole at home is a fantastic way to save money, offering a hearty, restaurant-quality meal at a fraction of the cost, making it a perfect budget-friendly solution for feeding a crowd or a hungry family.
The flavorful combination of Worcestershire, garlic, and onion in the gravy creates a symphony of savory notes that elevates simple ground beef into something truly special. If you enjoy the ease and flavor of our classic Shepherd’s Pie, you’ll adore the similar comforting vibe of this dish! Don’t wait – give this Amish Beef Hamburger Steak Bake a try tonight and bring a taste of comforting tradition to your table!
What to Serve Amish Beef Hamburger Steak Bake With
This hearty Amish Beef Hamburger Steak Bake pairs beautifully with a variety of classic comfort food sides. Here are a few suggestions to create a complete and satisfying meal:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing, mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
- Fluffy White Rice: Another excellent option for absorbing the rich sauce.
- Egg Noodles: Buttered or plain egg noodles provide a wonderful texture contrast and another vehicle for the gravy.
- Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: A simple side of green vegetables adds freshness and a touch of color to balance the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, or potatoes roasted with herbs can add a rustic, earthy flavor.
- Simple Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness and provide a refreshing element.
- Crusty Bread: Great for mopping up every last drop of gravy!
Top Tips for Perfecting Amish Beef Hamburger Steak Bake
To ensure your Amish Beef Hamburger Steak Bake turns out perfectly every time, keep these valuable tips in mind:
- Don’t Overmix the Beef: When preparing the hamburger steak patties, mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense patties.
- Good Sear is Key: Don’t skip searing the patties. This step creates a delicious browned crust and helps lock in juices, adding an extra layer of flavor to the meat and the overall dish.
- Deglaze for Flavor: After searing the patties, don’t clean the skillet! The browned bits (fond) left in the pan are packed with flavor. When you make the gravy in the same skillet, scrape up these bits as you whisk in the liquids; they will enrich your gravy significantly.
- Whisk Gravy Constantly: When adding the flour and then the liquids to the butter, whisk continuously to prevent lumps. A smooth gravy is a delicious gravy!
- Adjust Gravy Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, whisk in a little more beef broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes, or make a very small slurry of flour and water, whisk it in, and simmer until thickened.
- Season as You Go: Taste the gravy before pouring it over the steaks and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Different brands of broth vary in sodium content, so continuous tasting ensures perfect seasoning.
- Optional Mushrooms/Onions: If using fresh mushrooms or onions, you can sauté them briefly in the skillet after searing the patties and before making the gravy. This will soften them and bring out their flavor.
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or a blend of ground beef and pork can be used, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
- Beef Broth: Vegetable broth can be used in a pinch, but beef broth provides the best depth of flavor.
- Milk: Heavy cream can be used for an even richer gravy. For dairy-free, use a plain, unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and ensure your broth is dairy-free.
- Breadcrumbs: Crushed crackers can be a good substitute. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Not seasoning enough: Bakes and casseroles can sometimes taste bland if not seasoned adequately. Don’t be shy with salt and pepper!
- Overcooking the patties: Since they’ll cook further in the oven, just sear them until browned, not cooked through.
- Skipping the foil: Covering with foil during the initial bake helps steam the dish, ensuring the meat stays tender and preventing the gravy from reducing too quickly.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your Amish Beef Hamburger Steak Bake leftovers just as much as the first time.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store with the gravy to keep the patties moist.
- Freezing: This dish freezes exceptionally well!
- For individual portions: Divide the cooled casserole into single-serving, freezer-safe containers.
- For the whole casserole: If you doubled the recipe or want to freeze the entire dish, you can bake it in a freezer-to-oven safe dish. Once completely cooled, cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date.
Reheating:
- From Refrigerator:
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer desired portion to an oven-safe dish, add a splash of beef broth or water if gravy seems too thick. Cover with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: For individual servings, place in a microwave-safe dish. Reheat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
- From Frozen:
- Oven (recommended): If reheating a whole casserole, unwrap and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 60-90 minutes, or until bubbling and heated through. You might want to uncover for the last 15-20 minutes. If reheating individual portions, transfer to an oven-safe dish, add a tablespoon or two of broth/water, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 30-45 minutes.
- Thawing first is best: For best results, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating via oven or microwave. This helps maintain texture and even heating.
Final Thoughts
This Amish Beef Hamburger Steak Bake is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a casserole dish. It’s the kind of honest, flavorful, and comforting food that brings families together around the dinner table, making new memories while honoring timeless traditions. The simplicity of its preparation belies the depth of flavor it delivers, making it an instant favorite for anyone seeking a wholesome, satisfying dinner without the fuss.
try also :
- Amish Canned Apple Pie Filling Recipe
- Soft & Fluffy Amish White Bread Recipe
- Classic Amish Bread Recipe
- Find more in Pinterest
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Amish Beef Hamburger Steak Bake FAQs:
Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (patties and gravy) in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from cold.
Q2: What kind of ground beef is best for hamburger steaks?
A2: An 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is generally recommended. The fat content adds moisture and flavor, preventing the patties from drying out during cooking.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
A3: Yes! Sliced mushrooms, onions, or even bell peppers can be added to the baking dish along with the hamburger steaks before pouring over the gravy. You can sauté them briefly before adding, or they’ll cook tender in the oven.
Q4: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A4: As written, no, due to the breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the gravy. Ensure your beef broth is also gluten-free.
Q5: My gravy is too thin/thick. How can I fix it?
A5:
- Too thin: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Whisk this into the simmering gravy and cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
- Too thick: Whisk in a tablespoon or two of additional beef broth or milk until the desired consistency is reached.