Amish Hamburger Steak Bake

Introduction
The Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a comforting, hearty casserole-style dish that combines flavorful hamburger patties, savory seasonings, and a rich gravy, all baked to perfection. This dish offers a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The combination of tender hamburger patties and creamy gravy creates a dish that’s both filling and delicious. Paired with mashed potatoes or served over rice, it’s a wonderful addition to your meal rotation.

The History of
The Amish Hamburger Steak Bake has its roots in Amish comfort food, a style of cooking known for its hearty, satisfying meals. Amish recipes often rely on simple, local ingredients to create filling and nourishing dishes that bring families together. While the exact origin of this dish is unclear, it is believed to have emerged as a way to use ground beef in a satisfying and easy-to-make casserole. It reflects the Amish community’s values of homegrown food and communal dining, offering a taste of traditional American comfort cooking with a nod to rural simplicity.

Ingredients Breakdown
The ingredients for Amish Hamburger Steak Bake are designed to be both accessible and flavorful. Ground beef serves as the base, providing the protein, while seasonings such as salt, pepper, and garlic add depth of flavor. The gravy, typically made from beef broth, flour, and seasonings, ties the whole dish together with a rich, savory sauce. Optional additions like onions, mushrooms, or cheese can enhance the flavor further, making this dish adaptable to different tastes.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef with seasonings such as salt, pepper, and garlic. Shape the mixture into patties.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the hamburger patties until browned on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until softened.
5. Add flour to the skillet and stir to create a roux. Slowly add beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the gravy thickens.
6. Place the hamburger patties in a baking dish, pour the gravy over the top, and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the patties are fully cooked and the sauce is bubbling.
7. Serve hot, optionally over mashed potatoes or rice.

Tips for the Perfect Amish Hamburger Steak Bake

• Make sure to brown the hamburger patties properly to enhance the flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a little more flour or use cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
• For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms to the gravy mixture.
• You can also top the dish with shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, in the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy finish.
• Don’t overcook the patties; aim for a tender and juicy texture.

Variations and Customizations

• If you like a bit of heat, you can add some red pepper flakes to the gravy.
• For a twist, replace some of the beef with ground turkey or pork.
• Add vegetables such as peas, carrots, or green beans into the gravy for a more complete one-pan meal.
• You can swap out the beef broth for vegetable or chicken broth for a lighter version of the dish.
• Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make the gravy gluten-free.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
This dish is a great source of protein thanks to the hamburger patties. However, it is rich in calories, especially due to the gravy and optional cheese. For a healthier version, consider using lean ground beef, reducing the amount of gravy, or serving it with a side of vegetables instead of mashed potatoes. While it’s comforting and filling, portion control is key if you’re watching your calorie intake.

FAQ

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the hamburger patties and gravy ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply assemble the dish and bake.
2. Can I freeze Amish Hamburger Steak Bake?
   Yes, you can freeze the dish before or after baking. To freeze before baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Bake directly from the freezer, but you may need to increase the cooking time.
3. What should I serve with Amish Hamburger Steak Bake?
   This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the gravy. You can also add a side of vegetables, like green beans or peas, to balance the meal.
4. Can I use a different type of meat?
   Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be substituted for the beef, although the flavor and texture will differ slightly.

Amish Hamburger Steak Bake

Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a simple yet flavorful comfort dish that combines ground beef patties with savory gravy, creating a filling meal perfect for family dinners. Customize it with different meats, vegetables, or seasonings to suit your taste, and enjoy the comforting flavors of traditional Amish cooking.

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Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups crushed saltine crackers about 1 sleeve
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• All-purpose flour for dredging
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Gravy:

• 2 10.75 oz. cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350º F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and whole milk, then stir in the freshly chopped parsley. Set this mixture aside.
• In a separate large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed saltines, milk, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Season generously with salt and pepper.
• Using your hands or two forks, mix the ingredients until just combined. Gently shape the mixture into even-sized patties.
• Place 1 cup of all-purpose flour (or more, if needed) in a shallow dish and dredge the patties in the flour.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is very hot, sear the patties on both sides until golden brown. You may need to work in batches. The patties will still be undercooked inside.
• Transfer the browned patties to the prepared baking dish, then evenly pour the gravy over them. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
• Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through.