This Easy Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is comfort food at its best! With juicy hamburger patties, savory gravy, and fluffy mashed potatoes, it’s a fulfilling meal the whole family will love.
Making this dish always reminds me of home. I love how simple it is—just mix, bake, and enjoy! Perfect for those busy nights when you want something warming and tasty without too much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like to use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, use 90/10, but keep in mind the patties may be a bit drier. Turkey or chicken can also work if you’re cutting down on red meat!
Breadcrumbs: These help hold everything together. If you want gluten-free, consider using crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. I also love using seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor.
Milk: This recipe calls for both regular milk and additional milk for the gravy. Unsweetened almond milk or oat milk are great alternatives if you’re dairy-free. Just make sure they’re unflavored!
Worcestershire Sauce: This ingredient adds depth to the flavor. If you don’t have it, a splash of soy sauce can do the trick. If you’re avoiding soy, try adding a bit of balsamic vinegar.
How Do I Achieve a Thick and Creamy Gravy?
Getting the gravy just right is key! Start by making a roux, which is a mixture of flour and butter. It’s what thickens the gravy. Here’s how I do it:
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan on medium heat.
- Once melted, whisk in flour to create a smooth paste. Keep whisking for about 1-2 minutes until it’s slightly golden.
- Gradually add the milk and beef broth, stirring constantly. This helps prevent lumps from forming!
- Cook until the mixture thickens, which should take around 5-7 minutes. If it’s too thick, just add a splash more milk or broth.
Remember to keep tasting and adjusting the seasoning until it’s perfect for you!
Easy Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Patties:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to 1 hour to bake. Total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, including baking time. A wonderful meal without too much effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dish cooks evenly once you’re ready to bake it.
2. Mix the Patty Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix as this can make your patties tough.
3. Form the Patties:
With your mixture ready, shape it into 4 large oval patties. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure they are spaced well apart to allow for even cooking.
4. Prepare the Gravy Base:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Continue stirring for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes lightly golden, which will help give your gravy a rich flavor.
5. Create the Gravy:
Gradually whisk in the 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of beef broth, making sure to stir continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, until it thickens up nicely. This is your flavorful gravy!
6. Season the Gravy:
If you’re using Worcestershire sauce, stir that in now. Taste your gravy and add extra salt and pepper as needed to ensure the flavor is just right.
7. Combine Patties and Gravy:
Pour the thick gravy evenly over the patties in your baking dish. This will create a delicious, cohesive dish as it bakes.
8. Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meat is cooked through and everything is bubbling nicely.
9. Serve:
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and remove the foil. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with your favorite side, such as mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the gravy.
Enjoy your classic Amish-style hamburger steak bake! It’s hearty, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use leaner ground beef, such as 90/10, but keep in mind that the patties might be a bit drier. To keep them moist, consider adding a few extra tablespoons of milk or an additional egg to the mixture.
What Can I Use Instead of Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can substitute them with crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice. For a gluten-free option, try using crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of milk to the gravy when reheating to bring back its creamy texture!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the patties and gravy the day before and keep them covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just bake them as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re coming straight from the refrigerator.
