Chef's Essential Tips

Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor. Chuck beef is recommended because it has a good fat-to-meat ratio, making the patties juicy.
Binding Agents: If you want a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats to help bind the patties.
Sautéing Vegetables: Sauté the vegetables until just tender; this enhances their flavor and they will continue to cook in the oven.
Gravy Thickness: Adjust the amount of cornstarch based on how thick you prefer your gravy. More cornstarch creates a thicker texture.
Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes or rice to complement the flavorful gravy.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the patties and gravy ahead of time, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Essential Ingredients Selection

Ground Beef: The star of the dish, ground beef provides rich flavor and serves as the hearty base for the patties. Chuck beef is ideal due to its balance of fat and lean meat, ensuring juicy and flavorful patties.
Breadcrumbs: These are crucial for binding the meat mixture together while absorbing moisture, resulting in a tender and juicy steak. Choose fresh or homemade breadcrumbs for a more flavorful result.
Egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the patties together while adding moisture. This ensures that the patties remain tender and do not crumble during cooking.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth and aromatic flavor that complements the meat beautifully. Fresh garlic could be substituted for a more potent flavor.
Onion Powder: Enhances the overall umami of the dish and deepens the flavor profile of the patties without overpowering them.
Beef Broth: Forms the base of the gravy, adding richness and depth. Homemade broth is always the best option for maximum flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a unique umami flavor that enhances the richness of the dish. It adds a tangy note that balances the savoriness of the beef.
Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the gravy, it creates a smooth and velvety sauce that clings to the patties. Adjust the amount based on your desired gravy thickness.
Onion: Provides sweetness and texture, and its natural sugars caramelize during cooking, enhancing the dish's flavor.
Bell Pepper: Adds brightness and a slight sweetness, balancing the savory elements of the dish for a more rounded flavor.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Serving Methods:

Serve the Hamburger Steak Bake over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the rich gravy. This presentation not only looks appealing but also enhances the overall dining experience by balancing flavors and textures.

Resting Period:

Allow the dish to rest after removing it from the oven. This step is crucial for letting the juices redistribute within the patties, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist. A resting period of 5-10 minutes is ideal for optimal results.

Oven Cooking:

Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven. Baking ensures that all flavors meld together while cooking the patties thoroughly. The steam helps keep the meat tender and juicy, while the moisture from the gravy infuses into the ingredients.

Creating the Gravy:

Whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch until smooth. This mixture will provide flavor and act as a thickening agent for the gravy. Adding it to the skillet after browning the patties enhances the cohesive flavor profile of the dish.

Browning the Patties:

In the same skillet, brown the hamburger patties for a few minutes on each side. This step develops a flavorful crust due to the Maillard reaction, creating a savory base for the gravy. Do not cook them fully, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

Sautéing Vegetables:

Sauté the diced vegetables in olive oil until they are soft and fragrant. This initial cooking step enhances their natural sweetness and develops flavors that will infuse the dish as it bakes. This technique also prevents the vegetables from being too crunchy when the dish is served.

Shaping Patties:

Form the mixture into oval patties, about 1-inch thick. This thickness ensures even cooking without drying out the beef, allowing for a juicy interior. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.

Mixing the Meat:

Start by combining the ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can lead to tough patties. The mixture should be just combined, with visible breadcrumbs and seasonings throughout for maximum flavor.

The Complete Guide to Mastering Amish Hamburger Steak Bake

Serving Methods:

Resting Period:

Oven Cooking:

Creating the Gravy:

Browning the Patties:

Sautéing Vegetables:

Shaping Patties:

Mixing the Meat:

Master Your Recipe with These Pro Tips

This dish freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or corn for added flavor and nutrition.

If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.

Fresh parsley or chives can brighten the dish when sprinkled on top just before serving.

Savory Amish Hamburger Steak Bake with Rich Gravy and Tender Vegetables

Name: Savory Amish Hamburger Steak Bake with Rich Gravy and Tender Vegetables
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Hamburger Steaks:; 1 lb ground beef (preferably chuck for flavor and juiciness); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed); 1 large egg (binds the mixture for a tender texture); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds savory depth); 1 teaspoon onion powder (enhances the overall flavor); Salt and pepper to taste; For the Gravy and Vegetables:; 1 medium onion, diced (provides sweetness and crunch); 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (adds earthiness and moisture); 1 bell pepper, diced (for color and freshness); 2 cups beef broth (rich base for the gravy); 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (adds umami and tang); 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening the gravy); 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the vegetables)

Indulge in the comforting embrace of Amish Hamburger Steak Bake, where juicy ground beef meets a medley of fresh vegetables and a luscious gravy. Key ingredients such as onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms blend seamlessly with savory seasonings, creating a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. The flavors are a delightful mix of savory and slightly sweet, while the textures range from the tender steak to the creamy gravy coating each bite. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this dish evokes warmth and nostalgia while bringing loved ones together. Each mouthful is a reminder of home-cooked meals, making it a family favorite that’s sure to be cherished. Get ready to savor a dish that’s not only delicious but also filled with love and comforting memories.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

45 Minutes

Total Time

65 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

For the Hamburger Steaks:

1 lb ground beef (preferably chuck for flavor and juiciness)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)

1 large egg (binds the mixture for a tender texture)

1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds savory depth)

1 teaspoon onion powder (enhances the overall flavor)

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Gravy and Vegetables:

1 medium onion, diced (provides sweetness and crunch)

1 cup mushrooms, sliced (adds earthiness and moisture)

1 bell pepper, diced (for color and freshness)

2 cups beef broth (rich base for the gravy)

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (adds umami and tang)

2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening the gravy)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the vegetables)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Step 2: Form the mixture into 4-6 oval patties, about 1-inch thick, and set aside.

Step 3: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms, sautéing until they are soft, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 4: Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the hamburger patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until browned but not cooked through.

Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour the mixture over the hamburger patties in the skillet.

Step 7: Add the sautéed vegetables back to the skillet, gently nestling them around the patties.

Step 8: Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and the gravy has thickened.

Step 9: Once done, remove from the oven and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 10: Serve hot over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.