This Easy Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a comforting and hearty meal. With juicy beef patties, savory gravy, and tasty veggies, it’s perfect for a family dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 beef for a nice balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer leaner options, ground turkey or chicken can work, but the flavor may differ slightly.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds great flavor. You can substitute with shallots or green onions, or skip it if you’re not a fan. Garlic powder is also a nice addition!
Crackers/Breadcrumbs: Use crushed crackers for that classic texture. If you’re gluten-free, opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cakes. I’ve even tried oats in a pinch!
Beef Broth: Low-sodium broth gives you more control over saltiness. Chicken broth can be used if that’s what you have on hand. Homemade broth? Even better!
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking to reduce calories, half-and-half or even whole milk can be good substitutes. Coconut cream can give a unique twist if you’re dairy-free.
How Do You Achieve Tender and Flavorful Patties?
To make juicy patties, be gentle when mixing the meat mixture. Overworking ground beef can make patties tough. Just mix until everything is combined, and then shape them into oval patties.
- Start with room temperature meat for easier mixing.
- Form patties of even size to ensure consistent cooking.
- Don’t press down too hard when browning; this keeps the juices inside.
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Gravy?
First, create a roux by cooking flour in melted butter. This will help thicken the gravy nicely while keeping your sauce smooth. Whisk continuously as you add the broth and cream to avoid lumps.
- Take your time; let the mixture thicken for 4-5 minutes.
- Feel free to adjust seasoning to match your taste preferences.
- If the gravy ends up too thick, a splash of additional broth or cream can fix that.
This dish is all about comfort and flavor. Enjoy making it your way!
How to Make Easy Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Patties:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup crushed unsalted crackers or breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Gravy:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
- 3 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 45 minutes to bake, for a total of around 1 hour of cooking time. Easy, right? You’re just a short way from enjoying comfort food at its best!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is nice and hot when it’s time to bake, perfect for that golden finish!
2. Mix the Patty Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, crushed crackers or breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overwork the meat mixture for tender patties.
3. Shape the Patties:
Form the meat mixture into 4 evenly sized oval patties. They don’t have to be perfect, just try to keep them a consistent size for even cooking!
4. Brown the Patties:
In a skillet over medium heat, lightly brown each patty on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. You want them to develop a nice, flavorful crust. Once browned, remove and set aside.
5. Make the Gravy:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux without burning it!
6. Add the Liquid:
Slowly whisk in the beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. If it gets too thick, don’t hesitate to add a bit more broth!
7. Season to Taste:
Give the gravy a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You want it to be flavorful!
8. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Pour a small amount of the gravy into a baking dish to cover the bottom, creating a flavor base for the patties.
9. Arrange the Patties:
Place the browned patties evenly in the dish, then pour the remaining gravy over them, ensuring each patty is nicely covered with that delicious sauce.
10. Bake the Dish:
Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour over the top of the dish to help thicken the gravy during baking. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor before serving!
This hearty meal pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to soak up all that delicious gravy. Enjoy your homemade Easy Amish Hamburger Steak Bake!
FAQ for Easy Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a healthier alternative! Just be aware that it may yield a slightly different flavor and texture, so you might want to add extra seasoning to enhance it.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular crackers or breadcrumbs with gluten-free options. You can also use almond flour or oat flour as a binder in the meat mixture. Make sure to use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce as well!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked dish for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating and be sure to warm it thoroughly in the oven.
What is the Best Way to Reheat This Dish?
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 25 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to add a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist.
