I absolutely adore this Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe because it combines juicy, flavorful hamburger steaks with a rich, creamy gravy that’s pure comfort on a plate. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, perfect for cozy family dinners or any time you crave hearty, old-fashioned American fare. The way the beef soaks up the creamy sauce while baking makes every bite irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe
What really draws me to this Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe is the beautiful balance of flavors. The savory, well-seasoned hamburger patties caramelize slightly before baking, giving that deep, satisfying meaty taste. Then the creamy gravy, made from butter, flour, beef broth, and cream, envelops each steak, adding such a luscious texture that just melts in your mouth. It reminds me of those soul-warming meals from my childhood, but with an elegant touch due to the creamy gravy.
Another thing I love is how straightforward this recipe is to prepare. You mix up a few simple ingredients, brown the patties, whip up the gravy right in the same skillet, and then let the oven work its magic. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food without spending hours cooking. Plus, it’s just a great choice when you want to impress guests with an old-fashioned, no-fuss meal that feels lovingly homemade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe are simple pantry and fridge staples, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the ground beef’s juiciness to the creamy gravy’s richness, every ingredient brings something special to the table.
- Ground beef (2 lbs, 80/20 blend): The fat content here ensures juicy and flavorful patties that won’t dry out.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup): They help bind the patties and keep them tender as they bake.
- Egg (1, beaten): Acts as a natural binder to hold everything together without making the patties dense.
- Onion (1, diced and 1 sliced): The diced onion adds texture inside the patties, while the sliced onions create sweetness and depth in the gravy.
- Salt (2 tsp) and black pepper (1 tsp): Essential seasonings that bring the beef and gravy to life.
- Butter (3 tbsp): Creates a tasty base for the gravy’s rich flavor and silky texture.
- All-purpose flour (3 tbsp): Thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Provides a savory and robust base for the sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds that creamy, luscious finish to the gravy that makes this dish so comforting.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): A subtle but delicious seasoning that complements the beef and onions beautifully.
Directions
Step 1: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, finely diced onion, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until blended to keep the patties tender and juicy.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into 6 to 8 oval patties. I like to make them evenly sized so they cook at the same rate. Let them rest on a plate while you prepare the gravy.
Step 3: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and brown the patties for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. Don’t crowd the pan—work in batches if you need to. Remove the browned patties and set them aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the sliced onions until they become soft and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. This step builds the gravy’s deep flavor.
Step 5: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Then whisk in the beef broth and heavy cream slowly to form a smooth, creamy sauce. Stir in the garlic powder, and taste for seasoning.
Step 6: Nestle the browned hamburger steaks back into the skillet, spooning some gravy over each one. Cover tightly with a lid or foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
Step 7: Uncover the skillet and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken and the steaks to finish cooking through.
Step 8: Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps all the juices settle and makes plating easier.
Servings and Timing
This Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe serves 6 hearty portions, making it perfect for a family dinner or small gathering. You’ll spend about 20 minutes prepping the ingredients and another hour baking the dish. Including the resting time, total time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, giving you a hands-off opportunity to prepare sides or just relax.
How to Serve This Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe
When I serve this Amish Hamburger Steak Bake, mashed potatoes are my number one recommendation to soak up all that creamy gravy. The contrast between the velvety potatoes and meaty steaks makes such a satisfying combination. For a bit of green, I often add steamed green beans or a simple sautéed spinach with garlic to brighten the plate and provide freshness.
Presentation-wise, I love to spoon extra gravy over each steak and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme to add color and a pop of herbal brightness. If you want to elevate this for a special occasion, a side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls is excellent for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
For drinks, a medium-bodied red wine like a Merlot pairs beautifully with the beef’s richness, while a cold glass of iced tea or a classic homemade lemonade works perfectly for a family-friendly meal. This dish is best served hot or warm straight from the oven, ensuring you get that comforting, creamy experience with every bite.
Variations
I’ve found this Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe to be wonderfully flexible. For instance, if you want a twist on the flavor, adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika to the beef mixture adds a lovely depth. You can also swap the heavy cream for half-and-half to lighten the dish, though it won’t be quite as rich.
If you need to make this gluten-free, I recommend using gluten-free breadcrumbs and substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the gravy thickening. For anyone seeking a vegetarian option, while the original is beef-based, you could experiment with plant-based ground meat alternatives and vegetable broth instead of beef broth, but be mindful that the flavor will be different.
Another variation I enjoy is cooking the hamburger steaks on the stovetop and then finishing the entire skillet bake under the broiler for a few minutes to get a crispy top on the gravy. This adds a wonderful textural contrast that some guests really love.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Amish Hamburger Steak Bake keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend transferring the leftovers to an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the gravy from drying out. Make sure to cover it well, especially if you have strong-smelling foods nearby, as the gravy easily absorbs other odors.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well too. After the bake has cooled completely, place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible. I like dividing it into meal-sized portions for convenience. It’ll keep frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, I find gently warming the bake in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven at 325°F works best to keep the gravy creamy and the meat tender. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave is fine, but be sure to cover the dish and heat in short intervals to avoid drying out the patties. Stirring the gravy halfway through helps maintain that luscious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! While I recommend 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness, you can use ground turkey or pork. Just be aware these meats may change the dish’s texture and flavor, and you might need to add a bit more fat or seasoning to compensate.
Is it necessary to brown the patties before baking?
I highly suggest browning the patties first because it develops a caramelized crust that adds incredible flavor and helps the patties stay intact during baking. Skipping this step might result in softer, less flavorful patties.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the hamburger patties and gravy up to a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready, assemble and bake as directed. This makes it a great dish for entertaining or busy days.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries! You can brown the patties in a regular skillet, then transfer the browned patties and gravy to a 9×13 baking dish for baking. Just cover tightly with foil for the bake time to keep moisture in.
How do I make the gravy thicker?
If you want a thicker gravy, you can increase the flour by an extra tablespoon or let the uncovered dish bake a bit longer at the end to reduce and thicken naturally. Just keep an eye so it doesn’t dry out.
Conclusion
I can’t recommend this Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe enough if you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s both nostalgic and delicious. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to serve guests, with flavors that never disappoint. I hope you make it soon and enjoy every rich, creamy bite just as much as I do!
Print
Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Amish Hamburger Steak Bake features juicy ground beef patties baked in a creamy, savory gravy for a hearty and comforting old-fashioned dinner. This recipe combines simple pantry ingredients with traditional Amish flavors to create a satisfying main course that’s perfect served alongside mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Hamburger Steaks
- 2 lbs Ground beef – 80/20 blend for best flavor
- ½ cup Breadcrumbs – Plain or seasoned
- 1 Egg – Beaten
- 1 Onion – Finely diced
- 2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
Creamy Gravy
- 3 tablespoon Butter – Salted or unsalted
- 3 tablespoon All-purpose flour – For thickening gravy
- 2 cups Beef broth – Low sodium preferred
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 Onion – Sliced
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, finely diced onion, salt, and black pepper until just combined to form the hamburger steak mixture.
- Shape Patties: Form the mixture into 6–8 oval-shaped patties. Set them aside to rest while you prepare the gravy base.
- Brown Patties: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the patties for 3–4 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust. Remove the browned patties from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make Gravy Base: In the same skillet, sauté the sliced onions in butter until softened and translucent. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook the flour and form a roux.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the beef broth and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture is smooth without lumps. Stir in garlic powder and cook until the gravy thickens slightly.
- Combine and Bake: Nestle the browned hamburger patties back into the creamy gravy in the skillet. Cover the skillet tightly and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the cover and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to thicken the gravy further and finish cooking.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve hot, ideally with mashed potatoes or your favorite side.
Notes
- For best results, use a high-fat ground beef blend (80/20) to keep patties juicy.
- You can use either salted or unsalted butter depending on your preference.
- Low sodium beef broth is recommended to control salt levels in the dish.
- Letting the patties rest before baking helps them hold their shape better.
- Nutrition info is an estimate; for exact values, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
