This Easy Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a hearty and comforting dish. It features juicy hamburger patties layered with delicious vegetables and topped with creamy gravy—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The base of this recipe is ground beef. I prefer using 80/20 beef for a good balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for healthier options, lean turkey or chicken also works well as substitutes.
Bread Crumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs help bind the patties. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal. I’ve also used panko for an extra crunch!
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds flavor. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can skip them or use onion powder instead for a milder taste.
Milk: Milk is key for a creamy gravy. If you’re lactose intolerant, try almond milk or a dairy-free alternative, but keep in mind it might alter the flavor slightly.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a nice color and flavor boost. If you don’t have it, you can use other herbs like chives or omit it altogether.
How Can I Make Sure My Gravy is Smooth?
Getting a smooth gravy can be tricky, but it’s all about technique. Follow these steps for success:
- Start by making a roux. Cook flour in melted butter for 1 minute to remove the raw taste.
- When adding milk, do it gradually while whisking. This prevents lumps from forming.
- Cook on medium heat and keep whisking until the gravy thickens. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
- If you do end up with lumps, you can blend it with an immersion blender for a super smooth texture.
With these tips, you’ll create a deliciously creamy gravy to complement your hamburger steaks! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
How to Make Easy Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/3 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Amish Hamburger Steak Bake takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 30 minutes to cook in the oven. In total, you’re looking at roughly 45 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Ingredients:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, gather all your ingredients so you’re all set to cook.
2. Make the Patty Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until fully combined—you want it to be nice and even!
3. Shape the Patties:
Now, take that mixture and shape it into 4 equal-sized patties. They’ll get cooked in the skillet, so don’t worry about perfect shapes.
4. Brown the Patties:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s sizzling, add the hamburger patties to the skillet. Brown them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remember, they don’t need to be cooked all the way through at this point.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
After browning, carefully transfer the patties to a baking dish. This will be where they take a bath in delicious gravy!
6. Make the Gravy:
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Slowly whisk in the flour, cooking it for about 1 minute to make a roux. Then gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep cooking and whisking until the gravy thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
7. Season the Gravy:
Stir in seasoned salt (if you’re using it), onion powder, and garlic powder. Taste your gravy and adjust the seasoning if needed. It should taste creamy and full of flavor!
8. Pour the Gravy:
Now, pour the creamy gravy evenly over the hamburger steaks in the baking dish, making sure each patty gets a good drizzle of goodness.
9. Bake it Up:
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want to make sure the patties are cooked through and the gravy is bubbling. It’ll smell amazing!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish for a comforting meal. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as turkey may cook faster than beef.
What Can I Use as a Binder Instead of Bread Crumbs?
If you’re out of bread crumbs or prefer not to use them, try using crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice. These alternatives will still help hold the patties together!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to the gravy if it seems too thick.
Can I Make the Gravy Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the gravy in advance. Just store it in the fridge after cooling and reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking in a bit more milk if necessary to restore its creamy texture before pouring it over the cooked patties.