I still remember the first time I sat down to a warm plate of Hamburger Steak Bake. The rich aroma wafting through the house felt like a hug on the coldest of winter evenings. It was one of those comforting meals my family always looked forward to after a long day. It’s a dish that marries savory flavors and tender meat, topped with a luscious gravy that leaves you wanting more. Today, I’m excited to share an Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe that will fill your home with delightful smells and your stomach with a heartwarming meal.
What is Amish Hamburger Steak Bake?
Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a savory, comforting dish featuring ground beef patties simmered in a rich gravy and baked to perfection. Traditionally, this dish embodies the essence of hearty, farmhouse cooking. The ground beef, seasoned and shaped into patties, creates an inviting base, while the gravy, made from sautéed onions and beef broth, amplifies the flavors. When baked together, the ingredients blend seamlessly, resulting in a deliciously satisfying meal. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings, and its ease of preparation makes it a favorite among home cooks.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe:
There are numerous reasons to add this recipe to your culinary repertoire. Here are just a few:
- Quick and simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Family-friendly meal that appeals to all ages, drawing everyone to the table.
- Great for beginners, requiring minimal culinary skills while providing a big payoff in flavor.
- Versatile enough to be adjusted to suit various tastes, whether you prefer extra seasoning, varied vegetables, or different sides.
- The combination of tender beef, creamy gravy, and hearty sides makes for a complete, filling meal.
With these qualities, it’s no wonder that the Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a beloved recipe that resonates with both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Ingredients
• 2 lbs Ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
• ½ cup Breadcrumbs (Plain or seasoned)
• 1 Egg (Beaten)
• 1 Onion (Finely diced, for hamburger steaks)
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons Butter (Salted or unsalted)
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour (For thickening gravy)
• 2 cups Beef broth (Low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 Onion (Sliced, for gravy)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
Start by preparing the hamburger steaks. Finely mince the first yellow onion. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, minced onion, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of the garlic powder. Mix gently but thoroughly until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Form the mixture into 6-8 evenly sized patties, about ¾ to 1 inch thick, making a slight indentation in the center of each with your thumb. Sear the patties in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet with a bit of oil over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Transfer the seared steaks to a clean plate.
Next, sauté the gravy aromatics. In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those browned bits add flavor!), melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
Now, build the roux. Push the sautéed onion to the side, then sprinkle 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the melted butter. Whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes over medium heat until a light golden roux forms, cooking out the raw flour taste.
Make the gravy by gradually pouring in 2 cups of beef broth, whisking vigorously after each addition to ensure a smooth, lump-free gravy. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the gravy starts to thicken. Stir in the heavy cream, the remaining teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Now it’s time to assemble and bake. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the seared hamburger steaks in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the rich gravy evenly over the hamburger steaks, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
For the final baking step, bake for 30 minutes, then carefully remove the foil. Continue baking uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy is bubbling enthusiastically and the hamburger steaks are fully cooked through and tender (the internal temperature of the beef should reach 160°F/71°C). Finally, remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the gravy to set. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes, like mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Pro Tips and Variations:
To elevate your Amish Hamburger Steak Bake, consider these pro tips and variations:
Meat Variations: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can also mix in finely diced vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
Seasoning Adjustments: Feel free to experiment with seasonings. Adding Worcestershire sauce or a splash of soy sauce to the beef mixture can enhance the depth of flavor.
Gravy Enhancements: For a richer gravy, consider adding a splash of red wine or a dash of Dijon mustard. Alternatively, stirred in sautéed mushrooms can add an earthy taste.
Vegetable Additions: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or carrots into the gravy for extra flavor and color.
Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time. Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it well, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it as directed.
These tips can help you customize the dish to suit your preferences while retaining its comforting essence.
How to Serve Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
Serving Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is all about pairing it with complementary sides to create a wholesome meal. Here are a few suggestions:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, soaking up the delicious gravy perfectly.
Rice or Egg Noodles: These options add an extra layer of heartiness and work well with the sauce.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly seasoned steamed broccoli, green beans, or peas add color and nutrition to your plate.
Salads: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the steak bake.
Biscuits or Bread: Freshly baked biscuits or crusty bread can be delightful for sopping up any remaining gravy.
Combining these elements makes for a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
How to Store Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
Leftovers from the Amish Hamburger Steak Bake can be easily stored for future meals. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions. Wrap the dish tightly with aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container, allowing it to last for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for convenience. To ensure optimal texture and flavor, avoid overcooking.
Nutrition Information
While providing a hearty meal, it’s important to be aware of the nutritional aspects. Each serving of Amish Hamburger Steak Bake typically contains:
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-32 grams
- Fat: 30-35 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sodium: Variable based on broth used
This dish is rich in protein, making it satisfying and filling, ideal for a family meal. However, consider portion sizes if you’re mindful of calorie intake.
FAQs about Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Just ensure to adjust seasonings to enhance the flavor.
2. How do I know when the hamburger steaks are cooked through?
Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the beef, which should reach 160°F (71°C) for safety.
3. Can I make this recipe vegan?
While this recipe relies on meat and dairy, you can recreate a vegan version using plant-based ground protein and creamy substitutes like cashew cream or coconut milk for the gravy.
4. What sides pair best with this dish?
Traditional sides include mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or fresh salads. Steamed vegetables also complement it well, adding color and nutrition.
Conclusion
Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is not just a meal; it’s an experience, bringing warmth and comfort to the dinner table. Its simplicity, combined with the enticing flavors of seasoned beef and savory gravy, makes it a go-to recipe for gatherings or cozy nights in. I encourage you to try this delicious dish and share your experience with others. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress and create lasting memories around the table.
Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
Ingredients
Method
- Finely mince the first yellow onion.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, minced onion, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix gently but thoroughly until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 6-8 evenly sized patties, about ¾ to 1 inch thick.
- Sear the patties in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
- Transfer the seared steaks to a clean plate.
- In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Push the sautéed onion to the side, then sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour into the melted butter. Whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes until a light golden roux forms.
- Gradually pour in 2 cups of beef broth, whisking vigorously for a smooth gravy. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir in the heavy cream, remaining seasonings. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the seared hamburger steaks in a baking dish and pour the gravy over them.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until the gravy is bubbling and the internal temperature of the beef reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.