Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a deeply comforting, old-fashioned dish inspired by classic Amish cooking—simple ingredients, hearty flavors, and nourishing warmth. This recipe brings together seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich, savory gravy that bakes slowly into a cohesive, satisfying casserole. What I appreciate most is how economical and dependable it is; every time I make this, it turns out beautifully with very little effort. I once tried using Yukon gold potatoes instead of russet, and they held their shape especially well while absorbing the flavors even more fully. This bake is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cold weekends when you want something filling yet uncomplicated. It is a wholesome, rustic meal that feels like it came straight from a farmhouse kitchen—steady, comforting, and crafted for sharing.
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Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
- Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A comforting Amish-style casserole featuring seasoned hamburger steaks baked with onions, potatoes, and a creamy gravy for a hearty, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cups sliced potatoes (thinly sliced)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the dish)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Shape the mixture into 6 hamburger steaks and set aside.
- Layer the sliced potatoes evenly in the baking dish, then scatter sliced onions over the top.
- Place the hamburger steaks on top of the potatoes and onions.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and milk until smooth. Pour evenly over the casserole.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the gravy is bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, sear the hamburger steaks before baking.
- Substitute cream of chicken soup if preferred.
- Add sliced mushrooms for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 20 mins
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Ground beef forms the base of the hamburger steaks. It becomes tender and flavorful as it bakes beneath the gravy.
Potatoes
Sliced potatoes create a hearty foundation. They soak up the gravy and provide structure for the casserole.
Onion
Onions lend sweetness and depth, helping balance the richness of the meat and gravy.
Cream of mushroom soup
This adds creaminess and acts as the base for the gravy. It melds into the beef beautifully during baking.
Beef broth
Beef broth thins the soup mixture into a pourable sauce and enhances the savory notes.
Worcestershire sauce
A small amount adds tangy, robust flavor that elevates the hamburger steaks.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder seasons the dish without overwhelming the traditional Amish simplicity.
Salt and pepper
These essential seasonings ensure the beef and potatoes are well-balanced and flavorful.
Butter
Butter adds richness and helps the top layer brown slightly during baking.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to ensure even cooking throughout. Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. Shape the ground beef into small patties, seasoning each with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Layer thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the baking dish, followed by a scattering of sliced onions. Arrange the hamburger patties evenly on top of the potatoes and onions.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and additional seasoning if desired. Pour this mixture over the beef and potatoes, making sure the sauce settles between the layers. Dot the top with small amounts of butter to encourage a deeper, richer flavor as everything bakes.
Cover the dish tightly with foil to help the potatoes cook through. Bake until the beef is tender and the potatoes are soft. Remove the foil during the final portion of baking to thicken the gravy and allow the top to brown slightly. Let the casserole rest briefly before serving, which helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 60–75 minutes
Total time: 75–90 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions for quick reheating. This dish also freezes well; freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating to preserve texture.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Amish Bake
Add shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 15 minutes for a comforting cheesy finish.
Cream of Chicken Swap
Replace cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a milder, creamier sauce.
Herb-Infused Version
Add thyme or parsley to the gravy mixture for extra freshness.
Carrot and Pea Addition
Fold sliced carrots or peas into the potato layer for a complete one-pan meal.
Leaner Beef Option
Use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter variation.
Golden Potato Upgrade
Use Yukon gold potatoes for buttery texture and improved flavor absorption.
Garlic-Onion Boost
Incorporate minced garlic and sautéed onions for deeper flavor.
Mushroom Lovers’ Option
Add sliced mushrooms under the beef patties for richer, earthier notes.
Crisp Topping
Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter during the last bake for a crispy finish.
Creamier Gravy
Stir in a bit of sour cream during the final 10 minutes of baking for extra richness.
FAQs
Do I have to brown the beef first?
No, it bakes fully in the oven, though browning adds extra flavor if you prefer.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, thawed sliced potatoes or hash brown slices work well.
Can I substitute the cream soup?
Cream of chicken or cream of celery both work nicely.
Why are my potatoes still firm?
They may have been sliced too thick; thinner slices cook more evenly.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze the casserole before baking?
It’s best to freeze after baking to maintain texture.
What type of ground beef works best?
An 85/15 blend provides moisture without becoming greasy.
Can I add cheese?
Yes, cheese melts well on top during the last portion of baking.
Can I turn this into a full meal?
Add vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans to complete the dish.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free soup and broth to make it fully compliant.
Conclusion
Amish Hamburger Steak Bake brings classic, old-fashioned comfort straight to your table with simple ingredients and dependable results. The tender beef, creamy gravy, and soft potatoes create an inviting meal that feels like a warm embrace. This recipe is practical, budget-friendly, and easy to customize for your family’s tastes. Whether served on a chilly evening or shared at a casual gathering, this hearty casserole is sure to become a regular favorite.
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