I’m about to share with you a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart. It’s my Amish Hamburger Steak Bake, and it’s the kind of dish that just screams comfort food. Imagine juicy hamburger steaks nestled between layers of tender potatoes and onions, all bathed in a rich and creamy gravy and topped with a generous amount of melted cheddar cheese. Seriously, it’s pure comfort food heaven!

I first came across this recipe a few years ago when I was visiting some Amish friends in Pennsylvania. They were kind enough to share their family recipe with me, and I’ve been making it ever since. It’s become a staple in my household, especially during the colder months when I’m craving something warm and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Amish Hamburger Steak Bake

Hearty and Flavorful: This dish is packed with flavor and will stick to your ribs. The combination of juicy hamburger steaks, tender potatoes, and savory gravy is simply irresistible.
Easy to Make: Don’t be intimidated by the name, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow. You’ll have a delicious and comforting meal on the table in no time!
One-Pan Wonder: This dish is a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup for you.
Perfect for Leftovers: This bake tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients for Amish Hamburger Steak Bake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting dish:

Ground Beef: We’re using ground beef for the hamburger steaks.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These add a savory depth of flavor to the meat.
Salt and Pepper: To season the beef and gravy.
Milk: We’ll use milk to make the creamy gravy.
All-Purpose Flour: Flour helps thicken the gravy.
Russet Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes add a hearty and comforting element to the dish.
Onion: A thinly sliced onion adds sweetness and flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a cheesy, gooey topping.

Variations

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for some heat.
Veggie Delight: Toss in some other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cheese Lover’s Dream: Try using a different type of cheese, like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
Creamy Dreamy: Add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche to the gravy for extra richness.

How to Make Amish Hamburger Steak Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Season and Form Patties

In a large bowl, season the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then form the beef into patties.

Step 3: Brown the Patties

Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the patties on both sides until they are cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

In the same skillet, whisk together 1 cup of milk with the flour, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until the mixture thickens into a gravy, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Layer the Dish

In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes and onions. Place the browned patties on top, then add the remaining potatoes and onions over the patties.

Step 6: Pour the Gravy

Pour the gravy evenly over the layered dish. Cover the dish with foil.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 1 hour.

Step 8: Add Cheese and Bake Again

After 1 hour, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips and Tricks

Even Layers: Try to layer the potatoes and onions evenly so that they cook evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure the patties and vegetables have enough space in the baking dish to cook properly.
Cheese Choice: Feel free to use your favorite type of cheese for the topping.

How to Serve

This Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but you can also:

Side Salad: A simple green salad is a refreshing complement to this dish.
Crusty Bread: Serve it with a side of crusty bread for sopping up the delicious gravy.

Leftovers and Freezing

Leftovers

Store leftover bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer.

2. Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Try adding mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and bake it later.

4. How can I reheat the leftovers?

You can reheat the leftovers in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until warmed through.

There you have it! A delicious and comforting Amish Hamburger Steak Bake that will warm your heart and your belly. Enjoy!