
This Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a comforting and deeply flavorful casserole, perfect for a satisfying family dinner. Tender hamburger steaks are nestled with thinly sliced potatoes and onions, all smothered in a rich mushroom gravy and baked until bubbly and cheesy.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
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- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Form & Brown Patties: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Form the mixture into 4 uniform patties. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the patties on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side, just to get a good crust. Remove the browned patties from the skillet and set them aside.
- Cook Mushrooms & Make Gravy: In the same skillet (no need to clean it), add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked mushrooms and stir to combine, cooking for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth gravy.
- Layer Casserole: Lightly grease a baking dish (a 9×13 inch dish or similar size works well). Layer the thinly sliced potatoes and thinly sliced onion evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish. Place the browned hamburger patties on top of the potato and onion layer.
- Pour Gravy & Bake (Covered): Pour the mushroom gravy evenly over the entire dish, ensuring everything is well coated. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Finish Baking: Remove the foil from the dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the dish cooks evenly.
2. Form and Brown the Hamburger Patties
In a mixing bowl, combine:
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1½ lbs ground beef
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp dried thyme
Mix well and divide into 4 equal patties. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the patties for about 3–4 minutes per side, just until they form a nice crust. Remove and set aside.
Nutrition Note: According to the USDA, lean ground beef is a rich source of protein, iron, and vitamin B12.
3. Prepare the Mushroom Gravy
In the same skillet, add:
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2 cups sliced mushrooms
Cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and lightly browned. Then stir in:
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Cook the flour for about 1 minute, then slowly whisk in:
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2 cups milk
Stir continuously to prevent lumps and simmer until the mixture thickens into a smooth gravy—about 3–5 minutes.
For a dairy-free option, substitute with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk.
4. Layer the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then layer:
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3 medium thinly sliced potatoes
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1 thinly sliced yellow onion
Distribute evenly across the bottom of the dish. Place the browned hamburger patties on top of the potato-onion base.
5. Pour Gravy and Bake (Covered)
Pour the prepared mushroom gravy evenly over the entire dish, making sure everything is well coated. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and top the casserole with:
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1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the potatoes are fork-tender.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the dish to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the gravy set and makes serving easier.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is rich and filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
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Steamed green beans
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Garden salad with vinaigrette
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Buttermilk biscuits or dinner rolls
Healthier Sides: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed spinach for extra fiber and nutrients.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
Batch Tip: Prepare two casseroles—one for now, and one to freeze for later!
Variations and Substitutions
Here are a few ideas to tailor the recipe to different dietary preferences:
Variation | How to Adapt |
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Low-carb version | Swap potatoes with thin-sliced zucchini or cauliflower |
Gluten-free | Use gluten-free flour and certified GF oats |
Lighter version | Use lean ground turkey and low-fat milk |
Vegetarian option | Replace beef with plant-based patties or lentils |
Add more veggies | Layer in carrots, bell peppers, or peas |
Always check ingredient labels to ensure products align with dietary needs.
Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)
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Calories: ~480
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Protein: ~28g
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Carbohydrates: ~25g
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Fat: ~30g
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Fiber: ~3g
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Sodium: ~700mg
This recipe is high in protein and suitable for moderate-carb diets. Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cheese and seasoning blends.
Final Thoughts: Why This Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Deserves a Spot at Your Table
The Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is more than a recipe—it’s a reminder that comfort food can be both nourishing and nostalgic. It’s made from real ingredients, packed with flavor, and sure to win over everyone at your dinner table.
Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or prepping meals for the week ahead, this casserole brings warmth, ease, and satisfaction in every bite.