This Amish hamburger steak bake is a cozy, old-fashioned casserole that turns simple ground beef into a deeply comforting family dinner. Juicy beef patties are baked gently in a rich, creamy onion gravy, creating a hearty meal that feels both nostalgic and satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that fills the kitchen with warmth and brings everyone eagerly to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is all about comfort and simplicity. It uses everyday ingredients, yet the result tastes slow-cooked and special. The hamburger steaks stay tender and juicy, the gravy is smooth and flavorful, and everything comes together in one satisfying bake. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or anytime you crave a classic, filling meal that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or noodles.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Hamburger Steaks
2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
½ cup plain breadcrumbs
1 large egg, beaten
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Creamy Gravy
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 large onion, sliced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, finely diced onion, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined to keep the meat tender.
Shape the mixture into 6 to 8 oval patties, each about ¾ inch thick. Set them aside to rest briefly while you prepare the skillet.
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the hamburger patties and brown them for 3 to 4 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the sliced onions and sauté until softened and lightly golden. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the beef broth, followed by the heavy cream, stirring until the gravy is smooth and thickened. Add the garlic powder and stir well.
Nestle the browned hamburger steaks back into the gravy. Cover the skillet tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the gravy thickens further.
Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people, depending on patty size.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, cooking time is approximately 60 minutes, and resting time is 10 minutes, making the total time around 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Variations
For a mushroom version, add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions for extra depth and richness.
To make it a one-dish meal, layer thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom of a baking dish, place the browned patties on top, and pour the gravy over everything before baking.
For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the beef and use whole milk thickened with a little cornstarch instead of heavy cream.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F for 15 to 20 minutes, adding a splash of beef broth or milk if the gravy has thickened too much.
For longer storage, let the dish cool completely, then freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What is hamburger steak?
Hamburger steak is seasoned ground beef formed into individual patties and cooked with gravy, rather than grilled like burgers.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to the baking step, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day.
Why should I brown the patties first?
Browning adds flavor and helps the patties hold their shape during baking.
Can I use lean ground beef?
You can, but 80/20 ground beef gives the juiciest and most flavorful result.
What can I serve with hamburger steak bake?
Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or steamed vegetables all pair very well.
Can I make this without an oven-safe skillet?
Yes, transfer everything to a greased 9×13 baking dish before baking.
How do I prevent lumpy gravy?
Whisk constantly while adding the broth and cream, and add the liquid gradually.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well once fully cooked and cooled.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Absolutely. Adjust salt, pepper, or add a pinch of paprika to suit your taste.
How do I know when it’s done?
The patties should be fully cooked and tender, and the gravy thick and bubbling.
Conclusion
This Amish hamburger steak bake is proof that simple ingredients can create deeply comforting meals. With tender beef patties and creamy onion gravy, it’s a timeless recipe that’s easy to make and always satisfying. Whether you’re serving family or guests, this dish brings warmth, tradition, and hearty flavor to the table every single time.
This Amish hamburger steak bake features juicy ground beef patties nestled in a rich, creamy onion gravy. Baked to perfection, it’s a comforting, old-fashioned dinner ideal for family meals and perfect alongside mashed potatoes or noodles.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 large egg, beaten
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 large onion, sliced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, diced onion, salt, and pepper until just combined.
Shape into 6 to 8 oval patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Let rest while you heat the skillet.
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the patties for 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add sliced onions and sauté until soft and golden.
Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir constantly for about 2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in beef broth, then heavy cream. Stir until smooth and thickened. Add garlic powder and mix well.
Return the browned patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover with foil.
Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until gravy is thickened.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Don’t overmix the beef to keep patties tender.
Browning the patties before baking adds extra flavor.
Use a greased 9×13 dish if you don’t have an oven-safe skillet.
Gravy will thicken more as it cools; add broth when reheating if needed.
