Amish Hamburger Steak Bake: A Hearty Comfort Food in Under an Hour
Short Introduction
Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a delightful dish that showcases the comforting flavors of home-cooked meals. Originating from Amish kitchens, this recipe combines savory hamburger patties simmered in a rich gravy with onions, providing a filling and satisfying experience for family dinners. The best part? You can prepare this comforting bake in just about an hour, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love It
You’ll love this Amish Hamburger Steak Bake for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly fast and easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal even on the busiest nights. The combination of beef and creamy gravy is indulgent yet simple, making it a family favorite for both kids and adults alike. Plus, this dish is versatile and comforting, perfect for any time of the year, whether enjoyed as a warm winter dinner or a satisfying dish any other season.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (Plain or seasoned)
- 1 Egg (Beaten)
- 1 Onion (Finely diced)
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 3 tbsp Butter (Salted or unsalted)
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour (For thickening gravy)
- 2 cups Beef broth (Low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 Onion (Sliced)
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
Substitutions & Key Variations
If you don’t have some of the ingredients on hand, don’t worry! You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef if you prefer a leaner option. Instead of heavy cream, you could use whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter sauce. If you’re short on fresh onions, onion powder can be used as an alternative, but the flavor may not be as robust.
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Patties
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, diced onion, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat. Shape the mixture into 6-8 oval-shaped patties and let them rest while you prepare the gravy base.
Step 2: Brown the Patties
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of oil if desired and then place the patties in the skillet. Brown the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side until they turn golden brown. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Once hot, add the sliced onions and sauté until they start to become translucent. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for about 2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring until the gravy becomes smooth and thick.
Step 4: Bake
Nestle the browned patties into the gravy. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45 minutes, then remove the cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Finally, take it out and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Success Tips
- Temperature: Always preheat your oven to ensure an even cooking process.
- Texture: The patties should be golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside after baking.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid overcrowding the skillet while browning the patties; cook them in batches if necessary, to ensure proper browning.
How to Serve
Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even a bed of noodles to soak up the flavorful gravy. Consider adding a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the gravy moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking step and then store it in the fridge overnight. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Q2: How can I make this dish healthier?
Consider using leaner meat, such as ground turkey or chicken, and replace heavy cream with a lighter milk option.
Q3: Can this dish be frozen?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked dish for up to 3 months. Just reheat it thoroughly from frozen when you’re ready to eat.
Q4: What can I serve this with?
It pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, along with a side of vegetables or salad.
Q5: How do I know when the patties are done?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach at least 160°F for ground beef.
Nutrition Notes / Equivalents
This recipe can be modified to fit your dietary preferences. The nutritional content will vary based on the types of substitutes used but is generally rich in protein and comfort food goodness.
Conclusion
Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is an easy yet flavorful dish that brings families together around the table. With its hearty ingredients and satisfying taste, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. So why not try this recipe tonight? You won’t be disappointed!
Links to Related Recipes
- Classic Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Beef Stroganoff
- One-Pan Chicken and Vegetables
Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
Ingredients
For the Patties
- 2 lbs Ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- ½ cup Breadcrumbs (Plain or seasoned)
- 1 large Egg (Beaten)
- 1 large Onion (Finely diced)
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
For the Gravy
- 3 tbsp Butter (Salted or unsalted)
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour (For thickening gravy)
- 2 cups Beef broth (Low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 large Onion (Sliced)
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, diced onion, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat.
- Shape the mixture into 6-8 oval-shaped patties and let them rest while you prepare the gravy base.
Cooking
- Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of oil if desired and then place the patties in the skillet.
- Brown the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side until they turn golden brown. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Once hot, add the sliced onions and sauté until they start to become translucent.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring until the gravy becomes smooth and thick.
Baking
- Nestle the browned patties into the gravy. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45 minutes, then remove the cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Finally, take it out and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.