Introduction
The Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the classic flavors of ground beef patties, thinly sliced potatoes, and a rich, creamy gravy. Topped with cheddar cheese, this dish bakes to perfection, creating a bubbly, golden finish. It’s a perfect meal for those who crave a filling, homemade dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. Whether you’re serving it to your family for dinner or preparing it for a gathering, this casserole-style meal is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
This bake draws inspiration from traditional Amish cooking, known for its simplicity, wholesome ingredients, and rich flavors. The layers of savory hamburger steaks, tender potatoes, and creamy gravy meld together beautifully in the oven, making every bite an explosion of comfort and taste.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups milk, divided
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4-5 medium Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to ensure that nothing sticks to the dish as it bakes.
Step 2: Season and Shape the Ground Beef
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together well to ensure that the seasonings are evenly distributed. Once seasoned, divide the ground beef mixture and form it into six patties. Set the patties aside.
Step 3: Brown the Hamburger Patties
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil if necessary. Brown the hamburger patties in the skillet, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned but not fully cooked through (they will finish cooking in the oven). Once browned, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Using the same skillet (don’t wash it—those flavorful bits from browning the beef add depth to the gravy), whisk 1 cup of milk with 1/4 cup of flour in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of milk, continuing to whisk until the gravy thickens. Season the gravy with additional salt and pepper if needed. Once thickened, remove from heat.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
Now, it’s time to assemble the bake. Start by arranging half of the thinly sliced potatoes and onions in an even layer at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, place the browned hamburger patties on top of the potato and onion layer. Then, layer the remaining potatoes and onions over the patties.
Step 6: Pour the Gravy
Once the layers are complete, pour the gravy evenly over the entire dish, making sure that the potatoes, onions, and hamburger patties are well-coated with the rich sauce. This will ensure the dish stays moist and flavorful while it bakes.
Step 7: Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, allowing the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld together. After an hour, remove the foil and sprinkle the top with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This rest time allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to scoop out hearty portions. Enjoy this satisfying dish with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Cooking Note:
- Cheese variety: While cheddar cheese adds a sharp and rich flavor, you can easily switch it up with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even smoked gouda for different flavors.
- Potato slices: For even cooking, try to slice the potatoes as thinly and uniformly as possible. A mandoline slicer can help you achieve perfect, consistent slices.
- Add extra vegetables: For an extra nutritional boost, you can layer in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini alongside the potatoes and onions.
Serving Suggestions:
The Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is already a meal on its own, thanks to the combination of protein, starch, and vegetables. However, you can complement it with some sides to round out the dish:
- Fresh green salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bake.
- Buttered green beans: Steamed or roasted green beans with a drizzle of butter and a pinch of salt make for a light, crisp side dish.
- Crusty bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread to help soak up all the delicious gravy from the bake.
Tips:
- Customize your patties: Feel free to add other seasonings to your hamburger patties, such as Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, or even a bit of smoked paprika for added depth of flavor.
- Make ahead: You can assemble the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. This makes it an excellent option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispness of the potatoes and cheese.
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time:
- 1 hour 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 30g
Conclusion:
This Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a warm, cozy, and filling dish that’s perfect for family dinners. The layers of juicy hamburger patties, creamy gravy, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese make every bite a comforting delight. With minimal prep and easy-to-find ingredients, this bake is an excellent option for busy nights when you want to serve something delicious without too much effort. Whether you’re familiar with Amish cooking or trying it for the first time, this dish is bound to become a household favorite!
Print
Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups milk, divided
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4–5 medium Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to ensure that nothing sticks to the dish as it bakes.
Step 2: Season and Shape the Ground Beef
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together well to ensure that the seasonings are evenly distributed. Once seasoned, divide the ground beef mixture and form it into six patties. Set the patties aside.
Step 3: Brown the Hamburger Patties
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil if necessary. Brown the hamburger patties in the skillet, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned but not fully cooked through (they will finish cooking in the oven). Once browned, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Using the same skillet (don’t wash it—those flavorful bits from browning the beef add depth to the gravy), whisk 1 cup of milk with 1/4 cup of flour in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of milk, continuing to whisk until the gravy thickens. Season the gravy with additional salt and pepper if needed. Once thickened, remove from heat.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
Now, it’s time to assemble the bake. Start by arranging half of the thinly sliced potatoes and onions in an even layer at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, place the browned hamburger patties on top of the potato and onion layer. Then, layer the remaining potatoes and onions over the patties.
Step 6: Pour the Gravy
Once the layers are complete, pour the gravy evenly over the entire dish, making sure that the potatoes, onions, and hamburger patties are well-coated with the rich sauce. This will ensure the dish stays moist and flavorful while it bakes.
Step 7: Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, allowing the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld together. After an hour, remove the foil and sprinkle the top with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This rest time allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to scoop out hearty portions. Enjoy this satisfying dish with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes