Name: Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Hamburger Steak: 1 1/2 lbs ground beef; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; For the Sauce: 2 cups milk, divided; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; For the Bake: 4-5 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Looking for a hearty and comforting dish that is simple to make and guaranteed to satisfy? Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is the answer! This one-pan dish combines the savory flavors of ground beef, tender potatoes, and rich cheddar cheese, all baked together in a creamy, savory sauce. The addition of garlic, onion, and a touch of seasoning creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting meal, this dish is easy to assemble and sure to become a family favorite.

What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to bring together common ingredients into an incredible meal. The juicy hamburger steak combines with the layers of potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce for a satisfying bite every time. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or making it ahead for a family gathering, this dish is guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Filling: With a rich combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheddar cheese, this dish is incredibly satisfying and will leave you full for hours.
Comforting and Delicious: The creamy sauce and tender potatoes give this recipe that ultimate comfort food vibe—perfect for cozy dinners.
Easy One-Pan Meal: This recipe requires minimal effort and clean-up, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this meal, as it features familiar flavors like potatoes, beef, and cheese.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasoning or add additional vegetables to suit your taste, making this recipe versatile for any occasion.

Ingredients

Ground beef
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Milk (divided)
All-purpose flour
Russet potatoes (thinly sliced)
Medium onion (thinly sliced)
Shredded cheddar cheese

Variations

Cheese Options: Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a variation in flavor.
Add Vegetables: For a more balanced meal, you can add frozen peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the layers.
Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture for some extra heat.
Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free milk and cheese for a dairy-free version of this dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

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

Step 2: Season the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add 2 cups of milk and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Layer the bottom of the prepared baking dish with the sliced potatoes, followed by the cooked ground beef, and the sliced onions. Pour the creamy sauce over the top, making sure everything is well-covered. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 6: Serve

Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. It can be served as-is or with a side of steamed vegetables or salad.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Potato Slicing: Be sure to slice the potatoes as evenly as possible to ensure they cook evenly. Using a mandoline slicer can make this step easier and more uniform.
Beef Substitutes: If you prefer leaner meat, you can use ground turkey or lean ground beef.
Layering: Layer the potatoes and beef mixture as evenly as possible so every bite is a good mix of beef, potatoes, and cheese.
Cooking the Potatoes: If you want to ensure the potatoes cook perfectly, you can pre-cook them in the microwave for a few minutes before layering them in the casserole dish.

How to Serve

This Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it can be served with a fresh salad, some steamed vegetables, or a side of bread for a more rounded meal. It’s also delicious with a dollop of sour cream or ketchup on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Hamburger Steak Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

Freezing

To freeze, let the dish cool completely and then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 60-75 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes! While russet potatoes are great for this dish, you can also use Yukon gold or red potatoes for a different texture and flavor.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for an extra kick.

4. Can I use frozen potatoes?

If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen hashbrowns or pre-sliced frozen potatoes. Just make sure they’re thawed and drained before using them in the recipe.

5. Can I substitute the milk with a dairy-free option?

Yes, you can use almond milk or coconut milk as a dairy-free substitute.

6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the layers for added nutrition and flavor.

7. How do I know when the potatoes are cooked?

Check the potatoes with a fork—if it easily pierces the potatoes, they are done.

8. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

9. What if my potatoes are still hard after baking?

If the potatoes aren’t tender after baking, cover the dish with foil and return it to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, checking for doneness.

10. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. Make sure to check the milk and cheese for gluten-free labeling as well.

Conclusion

Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is the epitome of comfort food—a rich, savory, and filling dish that combines all the flavors we love into one easy-to-make meal. The tender potatoes, hearty ground beef, and melty cheddar cheese create a perfect balance of flavors, while the creamy sauce ties everything together. Whether you make it for a family dinner or prep it ahead of time, this dish will always hit the spot and leave everyone satisfied. Enjoy!