Certainly! Here’s the complete guide to Amish Hamburger Steak Bake, a hearty one-pan dish perfect for family dinners.
At a Glance
· Preparation: 20 minutes
· Cooking: 40 minutes
· Total Time: 1 hour
· Servings: 6-8 people
· Calories: Approximately 480 per serving
🥘 The Recipe: How to Make Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
Follow these steps to create this classic comfort meal.
Ingredients
For the Hamburger Steaks:
· 2 pounds ground beef (85/15 lean is ideal)
· 1 ½ cups saltine crackers, finely crumbled (or plain breadcrumbs)
· 1 cup milk
· 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
· 1 teaspoon onion powder
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
· ½ cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
· Salt and black pepper, to taste
· 1-2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or light olive oil), for searing
For the Creamy Mushroom Gravy:
· 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
· 1 ½ cups milk
Instructions
1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled crackers, 1 cup of milk, Italian herbs, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—overworking can make the steaks tough.
3. Shape: Form the mixture into eight ½-inch-thick oval patties (steaks).
4. Coat: Dredge each patty lightly in the all-purpose flour, tapping off any excess. This helps create a golden crust.
5. Sear: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the patties for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms. They do not need to be cooked through.
6. Arrange: Place the seared steaks in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
7. Make Gravy: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and the remaining 1 ½ cups of milk until smooth.
8. Assemble & Bake: Pour the gravy evenly over the steaks. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the gravy is bubbly and the steaks are cooked through.
9. Serve: Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the gravy to thicken and the juices to settle.
📋 Recipe Variations & Customization
You can easily adapt this dish to your taste or use what you have on hand.
· Simple Swaps
· Soup Base: Cream of chicken or celery soup works well instead of mushroom.
· Binder: Use plain breadcrumbs instead of saltine crackers.
· Meat: Substitute part of the beef with ground pork or use all ground turkey.
· Flavor Twists
· Cheesy: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the top for the last 10 minutes of baking.
· Extra Savory: Stir a packet of dry onion soup mix into the gravy before baking.
· Fresh Veggies: Sauté fresh sliced mushrooms with the steaks or add thinly sliced potatoes and onions to the baking dish (as seen in some recipes).
💡 Tips for Success
· Don’t Overmix: Handle the beef mixture gently for tender steaks.
· Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing builds deep flavor and improves texture.
· Adjust Gravy Thickness: If gravy is too thick after baking, whisk in a splash of warm milk or broth. If too thin, let it rest longer or simmer uncovered.
· Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if going straight from fridge to oven.
🥗 Serving Suggestions & Nutrition
· Perfect Pairings: This rich, gravy-based dish pairs wonderfully with sides that can soak up the sauce.
· Mashed potatoes are the classic choice.
· Buttered egg noodles or white rice.
· A simple green vegetable like steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad to balance the meal.
· Crusty bread for mopping up the gravy.
· Nutritional Profile (Approximate per serving):
· Calories: 480
· Key Nutrients: Primarily provides protein from the beef, carbohydrates from the crackers and gravy, and fat. Using leaner beef or low-fat milk can adjust the profile.
🔍 Origins & Appeal
While “Amish” in the name evokes rustic, traditional cooking, recipes like this one are more a celebration of American comfort food heritage than strict Amish tradition. They embody the principles of frugality, simplicity, and hearty nourishment. The dish’s popularity stems from its “one-pan” convenience—minimal cleanup is a major win for busy weeknights—and its crowd-pleasing nature, making it a favorite for family dinners and gatherings alike.
🍽️ Why Home Cooks Love It
This recipe is a winner for several key reasons:
· Ultimate Comfort Food: Delivers the savory, satisfying flavors of meatloaf and gravy in one dish.
· Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, pantry-staple ingredients.
· Convenient: Simple to prepare, with easy cleanup.
· Feeds a Crowd: Easily serves a family, with leftovers that often taste even better the next day.
· Forgiving & Flexible: Adaptable to different tastes and ingredients.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
· Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
· Freeze either before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
· Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to keep the gravy creamy.
I hope this detailed guide helps you create a delicious and comforting meal. If you try any of the variations, I’d love to hear how it turned out!
