Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the rich, homey flavors of an Amish Hamburger Steak Bake. This casserole-style dish features juicy hamburger steaks baked with a savory gravy, topped with caramelized onions, and paired with hearty potatoes or rice. It’s simple, satisfying, and made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this one-pan meal captures the essence of Amish cooking—deliciously rustic, easy to prepare, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

For the Hamburger Steaks

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Gravy

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bake

• 2 medium onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2-3 large potatoes, thinly sliced (optional, or serve with rice)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Hamburger Steaks

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the steaks tender.
2. Shape the mixture into 4-6 oval patties. Set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Hamburger Steaks

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sear the hamburger steaks for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned but not fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
2. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.

Step 4: Prepare the Onions and Potatoes

1. In a separate pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
2. If using potatoes, arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, overlapping slightly to create an even layer.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

1. Place the seared hamburger steaks over the potatoes (or directly in the dish if skipping potatoes).
2. Pour the gravy over the steaks, ensuring they are well-coated.
3. Top with the caramelized onions for added flavor and texture.

Step 6: Bake the Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the hamburger steaks are cooked through.
3. Remove the foil in the last 5-10 minutes to allow the onions to brown slightly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
2. Serve hot with a side of green beans, steamed broccoli, or a simple salad.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with buttered rolls or Amish bread for a complete meal.
• Swap potatoes for cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes to soak up the gravy.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the gravy.
• Freeze: Assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Helpful Notes

1. Potato Tips: Slice potatoes thinly (about ⅛ inch) to ensure they cook evenly in the oven.
2. No Breadcrumbs? Substitute with crushed crackers, rolled oats, or panko.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a celiac-friendly version.
4. Extra Veggies: Layer mushrooms or zucchini with the potatoes for a heartier dish.
5. Spice Variation: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper to the patties for a slight kick.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Ree Drummond: For deeper flavor, add a splash of red wine to the gravy while simmering.
• Ina Garten: Use a mix of ground beef and pork for juicier patties.
• Jamie Oliver: Always taste-test the gravy before assembling to adjust seasoning to your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

2. Can I use pre-made gravy?

Absolutely! Store-bought beef gravy can save time, but homemade offers the best flavor.

3. What if I don’t have potatoes?

Serve the bake over rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes for a similar effect.

4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, though the flavor will differ slightly. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent the patties from drying out.

5. How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Make sure the mixture is well-combined but not overworked, and chill the patties for 10 minutes before cooking.

6. Can I add cheese?

For a twist, sprinkle shredded cheese over the onions in the last 10 minutes of baking.

7. What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

Soy sauce or coconut aminos are great substitutes, offering similar umami notes.

8. How do I know when the hamburger steaks are done?

Use a meat thermometer—patties should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).

9. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes! Sweet potatoes add a slightly sweeter, more complex flavor to the dish.

10. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, replace the butter in the gravy with a plant-based alternative.