This Easy Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a hearty meal bursting with flavor. Juicy hamburger patties, tasty gravy, and tender veggies come together for a cozy treat!
If you’re like me, you’ll appreciate how simple it is to whip this up on a busy night. Plus, it’s like getting a warm hug from your plate! Just serve it with mashed potatoes for the full experience. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for juiciness and flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works too, just add a bit of olive oil to keep it moist.
Crushed Crackers: Saltines give that classic taste, but feel free to swap them with breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes if you’re in a pinch!
Onion: While optional, onions add a nice flavor. You can use shallots for a milder taste or skip it entirely if you’re not a fan.
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: If you want to cut calories, use whole milk, but the cream gives a richer taste. You can also try sour cream for a tangy twist.
How Do I Make Creamy Gravy Without Lumps?
Making smooth gravy can be tricky, but here’s a foolproof method! Start by cooking flour with butter to form a roux, which will thicken the gravy. Keep whisking until it’s light golden—this cooks out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth. Adding it slowly prevents lumps from forming.
- Once the broth is mixed in, stir continuously until it simmers and thickens. If lumps form, a quick whisk will usually do the trick!
- Finally, add milk and cream to make the gravy super creamy. Heat gently to combine everything nicely.
With these tips, your Easy Amish Hamburger Steak Bake will have amazing flavors and a texture everyone will love!
Easy Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
Ingredients:
For the Patties:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 mix recommended)
- 1 cup crushed crackers (such as saltines or Ritz)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk, divided
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Gravy:
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 40-45 minutes to cook, giving you a total cooking time of approximately 60 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the patties.
2. Make the Hamburger Patties:
In a large mixing bowl, gather the ground beef, crushed crackers, optional finely chopped onion, egg, ½ cup of milk, Worcestershire sauce, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined; be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the patties tender.
3. Shape the Patties:
Form the mixture into 4 even-sized patties. They will go into the prepared baking dish, so place them evenly in the dish.
4. Bake the Patties:
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake the patties for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
5. Prepare the Gravy:
While the patties are baking, grab a medium saucepan. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color, making a roux.
6. Add the Broth:
Gradually whisk in the beef broth. Keep whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for a few minutes until it thickens up nicely.
7. Mix in the Milk and Cream:
Stir in the remaining ½ cup of milk and the heavy cream (or half-and-half). Cook until everything is heated through and smooth. Don’t forget to taste and add salt and pepper as needed!
8. Combine Patties and Gravy:
Once the patties are done baking, take them out of the oven and pour the gravy evenly over the top of each patty.
9. Dot with Butter:
Dot the top of the dish with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter – this will melt and add extra flavor!
10. Final Bake:
Return the baking dish to the oven. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the gravy is hot and bubbly and the butter has melted beautifully.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm, ideally alongside mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a comforting meal!
Enjoy this comforting Amish classic that’s simple to prepare yet full of rich flavor!
FAQ for Easy Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
Can I Use Leaner Meat for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Just be aware that leaner meats may require a bit more moisture to keep the patties juicy. You can add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture if desired.
What Can I Substitute for the Crushed Crackers?
If you don’t have crushed crackers on hand, breadcrumbs work perfectly as a substitute. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a different texture, or even oatmeal if you’re looking for a healthier option.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Hamburger Steak Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through. You may want to add a splash of milk to the gravy to refresh its creaminess.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the patties and gravy a day ahead. Just assemble everything in the baking dish and cover it with plastic wrap. When ready to cook, remove the wrap and bake; you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly for chilled ingredients.
