Of course! The Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a quintessential comfort food dish. It’s hearty, simple, flavorful, and feeds a crowd with minimal fuss. It combines the savory elements of hamburger steak with the comforting richness of a creamy, potato-based casserole.
Here is a classic recipe and some tips to make it perfect.
Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
This dish is layered: a savory hamburger “steak” base, often with a creamy soup layer, and topped with shredded potatoes and cheese.
Ingredients
For the Meat Layer:
· 2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10 is ideal)
· 1 large egg
· ½ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed saltine crackers)
· ½ cup milk
· 1 small onion, finely diced
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
· 1 tsp salt
· ½ tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Layer:
· 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery/chicken)
· ⅔ cup milk or sour cream
· 1 tbsp ketchup or tomato paste (adds depth and a touch of sweetness)
For the Topping:
· 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated shredded hash browns (or 4-5 cups freshly shredded potatoes, rinsed and dried)
· 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
· Paprika and dried parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Make the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, ½ cup milk, diced onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix, or the meat layer can become tough.
3. Form the Base: Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid “crust” or base layer.
4. Create the Creamy Layer: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, ⅔ cup milk (or sour cream), and ketchup until smooth. Pour this mixture over the meat layer and spread it evenly to the edges.
5. Add the Topping: Spread the shredded hash browns evenly over the creamy soup layer.
6. Bake (First Stage): Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the dish from the oven and carefully take off the foil. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes on top are starting to turn golden at the edges.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it stand for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set, making it much easier to cut into neat squares. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and parsley if desired.
—
Tips for Success & Variations
· Potato Prep: If using fresh potatoes, shred them and make sure to rinse them in a colander under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents them from turning gray. Dry them very well with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
· Don’t Overmix the Meat: This is the key to a tender, not dense, meat layer. Mix until the ingredients are incorporated and then stop.
· Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other finely diced vegetables to the meat layer, such as green bell pepper or mushrooms. You can also add a layer of thinly sliced onions or mushrooms between the meat and the soup layer.
· Creamier Version: For an even richer dish, substitute the milk in the creamy layer with full-fat sour cream.
· “Smothered” Style: After baking, you can smother the entire casserole with a simple brown gravy instead of, or in addition to, the cheese topping.
· Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before baking as directed. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.
What to Serve With It:
This is a very complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
· A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
· Steamed green beans, broccoli, or glazed carrots.
· A slice of homemade bread to soak up any creamy sauce.
Enjoy your delicious, hearty, and comforting Amish-inspired bake