Name: Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds Ground Beef: The star of the show, ground beef provides the hearty base for this bake. For the best flavor and texture, opt for ground beef that is around 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. This little bit of fat renders during cooking, adding moisture and richness to the hamburger steaks and the overall dish. While leaner ground beef can be used, you might find the steaks slightly drier. Consider using ground chuck for a richer flavor profile, or even a blend of ground beef and ground sirloin for a more refined taste. For those looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted, although the flavor profile will be slightly different.; 1 large Onion, chopped: Onions are the aromatic backbone of countless savory dishes, and they play a crucial role in the Amish Hamburger Steak Bake. When sautéed, onions release their natural sweetness and umami, adding depth and complexity to the flavor. Yellow onions are the most common choice for their versatile flavor, but white onions will also work well. For a slightly sweeter and milder flavor, you could even use Vidalia onions. Ensure the onion is finely chopped so it cooks evenly and blends seamlessly into the dish. Don’t be tempted to skip the onion; it truly elevates the flavor of the hamburger steaks and the sauce.; 1 can (10.75 ounces) Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This pantry staple is a key ingredient in creating the creamy and flavorful sauce that blankets the hamburger steaks. Cream of mushroom soup provides a rich, umami-packed base that perfectly complements the beef and onions. While cream of mushroom is traditional, you can experiment with other condensed cream soups to customize the flavor. Cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, or even cream of onion soup would all work well, each adding its own unique nuance to the dish. For a richer and more homemade flavor, you can even make your own cream of mushroom soup from scratch, although this will add to the preparation time. For a lighter option, consider using a “light” or “lower sodium” version of condensed cream of mushroom soup.; ½ cup Milk: Milk adds moisture and thins out the condensed soup, creating a smooth and pourable sauce. Whole milk will provide the richest flavor and creamiest texture, but 2% milk or even 1% milk can be used as well. For a dairy-free option, unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk can be substituted, although these may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the sauce. You can also use beef broth or chicken broth in place of milk for a deeper, more savory flavor profile.; 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheese adds a layer of cheesy goodness and melty texture that takes this bake to the next level. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for its sharp and savory flavor that pairs beautifully with beef. However, you can easily customize the cheese to your liking. Monterey Jack cheese, Colby cheese, mozzarella cheese, or a blend of cheeses would all be delicious. For a spicier kick, consider using pepper jack cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but shredding your own cheese from a block will melt more smoothly and often has a fresher flavor. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination.; 1 cup Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs serve as a binder for the hamburger steaks, helping them hold their shape and adding a slightly crispy texture to the top of the bake. Plain breadcrumbs or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs can be used. If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can easily make your own by toasting stale bread and then pulsing it in a food processor until it reaches a crumbly consistency. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Panko breadcrumbs will provide a coarser and crispier topping compared to finer breadcrumbs.; 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme: Thyme is a classic herb that adds a warm, earthy, and slightly lemony note to the dish. It complements the beef and onions beautifully and adds a touch of herbaceous complexity. Dried thyme is convenient and readily available, but fresh thyme can also be used. If using fresh thyme, you will need to use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme leaves. You can also experiment with other herbs such as dried rosemary, dried oregano, or dried parsley to customize the flavor profile. A pinch of dried sage would also be a lovely addition for a more savory flavor.; Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Seasoning is crucial to bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. Salt enhances the savory notes, while black pepper adds a touch of warmth and spice. Be sure to season the ground beef mixture generously before forming the patties, and also season the sauce to taste. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed to ensure the dish is perfectly balanced. Consider using kosher salt, which is less salty per teaspoon than table salt, and freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.; 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the onions and browning the hamburger steaks. It adds a subtle fruity flavor and prevents the ingredients from sticking to the pan. You can also use other cooking oils with a neutral flavor, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Butter can also be used for sautéing and browning, which will add a richer flavor, but it may burn more easily than oil.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ pounds Ground Beef: The star of the show, ground beef provides the hearty base for this bake. For the best flavor and texture, opt for ground beef that is around 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. This little bit of fat renders during cooking, adding moisture and richness to the hamburger steaks and the overall dish. While leaner ground beef can be used, you might find the steaks slightly drier. Consider using ground chuck for a richer flavor profile, or even a blend of ground beef and ground sirloin for a more refined taste. For those looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted, although the flavor profile will be slightly different.

1 large Onion, chopped: Onions are the aromatic backbone of countless savory dishes, and they play a crucial role in the Amish Hamburger Steak Bake. When sautéed, onions release their natural sweetness and umami, adding depth and complexity to the flavor. Yellow onions are the most common choice for their versatile flavor, but white onions will also work well. For a slightly sweeter and milder flavor, you could even use Vidalia onions. Ensure the onion is finely chopped so it cooks evenly and blends seamlessly into the dish. Don’t be tempted to skip the onion; it truly elevates the flavor of the hamburger steaks and the sauce.

1 can (10.75 ounces) Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This pantry staple is a key ingredient in creating the creamy and flavorful sauce that blankets the hamburger steaks. Cream of mushroom soup provides a rich, umami-packed base that perfectly complements the beef and onions. While cream of mushroom is traditional, you can experiment with other condensed cream soups to customize the flavor. Cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, or even cream of onion soup would all work well, each adding its own unique nuance to the dish. For a richer and more homemade flavor, you can even make your own cream of mushroom soup from scratch, although this will add to the preparation time. For a lighter option, consider using a “light” or “lower sodium” version of condensed cream of mushroom soup.

½ cup Milk: Milk adds moisture and thins out the condensed soup, creating a smooth and pourable sauce. Whole milk will provide the richest flavor and creamiest texture, but 2% milk or even 1% milk can be used as well. For a dairy-free option, unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk can be substituted, although these may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the sauce. You can also use beef broth or chicken broth in place of milk for a deeper, more savory flavor profile.

1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheese adds a layer of cheesy goodness and melty texture that takes this bake to the next level. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for its sharp and savory flavor that pairs beautifully with beef. However, you can easily customize the cheese to your liking. Monterey Jack cheese, Colby cheese, mozzarella cheese, or a blend of cheeses would all be delicious. For a spicier kick, consider using pepper jack cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but shredding your own cheese from a block will melt more smoothly and often has a fresher flavor. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination.

1 cup Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs serve as a binder for the hamburger steaks, helping them hold their shape and adding a slightly crispy texture to the top of the bake. Plain breadcrumbs or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs can be used. If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can easily make your own by toasting stale bread and then pulsing it in a food processor until it reaches a crumbly consistency. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Panko breadcrumbs will provide a coarser and crispier topping compared to finer breadcrumbs.

1 teaspoon Dried Thyme: Thyme is a classic herb that adds a warm, earthy, and slightly lemony note to the dish. It complements the beef and onions beautifully and adds a touch of herbaceous complexity. Dried thyme is convenient and readily available, but fresh thyme can also be used. If using fresh thyme, you will need to use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme leaves. You can also experiment with other herbs such as dried rosemary, dried oregano, or dried parsley to customize the flavor profile. A pinch of dried sage would also be a lovely addition for a more savory flavor.

Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Seasoning is crucial to bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. Salt enhances the savory notes, while black pepper adds a touch of warmth and spice. Be sure to season the ground beef mixture generously before forming the patties, and also season the sauce to taste. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed to ensure the dish is perfectly balanced. Consider using kosher salt, which is less salty per teaspoon than table salt, and freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.

2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the onions and browning the hamburger steaks. It adds a subtle fruity flavor and prevents the ingredients from sticking to the pan. You can also use other cooking oils with a neutral flavor, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Butter can also be used for sautéing and browning, which will add a richer flavor, but it may burn more easily than oil.

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Instructions

Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C): The first step is to preheat your oven to the correct temperature. This ensures that the bake cooks evenly and the cheese melts beautifully. Setting the oven to 375°F (190°C) provides a moderate heat that allows the hamburger steaks to cook through without drying out and the sauce to become bubbly and golden brown. Make sure your oven is properly preheated before you place the bake inside for optimal results.

Prepare the Hamburger Steaks: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough hamburger steaks. Overmixing develops the gluten in the breadcrumbs and proteins in the beef, leading to a denser texture. Once the mixture is combined, divide it into 6 equal portions and shape each portion into an oval-shaped patty, approximately ¾ inch thick. The oval shape is traditional for hamburger steaks, but you can also make them round if you prefer. Making them about ¾ inch thick ensures they cook through evenly without becoming dry.

Sauté the Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. An oven-safe skillet is essential for this recipe as we will be transferring the skillet directly from the stovetop to the oven. Cast iron skillets, stainless steel skillets with metal handles, or enameled cast iron skillets are all good choices. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Sautéing the onions before baking brings out their sweetness and mellows their sharpness, adding a deeper layer of flavor to the dish. Stir occasionally to prevent the onions from burning and ensure they cook evenly. They should be soft and slightly golden, but not browned or caramelized at this stage.

Brown the Hamburger Steaks: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the hamburger steaks to the skillet with the sautéed onions. Brown the hamburger steaks on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until nicely browned. Browning the meat is a crucial step for developing flavor. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates complex and savory flavors on the surface of the meat. Don’t worry about cooking the hamburger steaks all the way through at this stage; they will finish cooking in the oven. The goal here is to create a flavorful crust on the outside. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can steam the meat instead of browning it.

Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Whisking ensures that the sauce is lump-free and evenly combined. The milk thins out the condensed soup to create a pourable sauce that will coat the hamburger steaks and bake beautifully in the oven. If you find the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Bake: Pour the cream of mushroom soup mixture over the hamburger steaks and onions in the skillet. Make sure the sauce evenly coats the hamburger steaks. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the sauce. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, cheesy topping as the bake cooks in the oven. Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed for a consistent cheesy layer.

Bake in the Oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown, and the hamburger steaks are cooked through. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of the hamburger steaks. To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the center of a hamburger steak; it should read 160°F (71°C). The sauce should be bubbly and heated through, and the cheese should be melted and golden brown, indicating that the bake is ready.

Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the hamburger steaks, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. It also allows the bake to cool slightly, making it easier to serve. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic Amish Hamburger Steak Bake!

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 450-550
Fat: 25-30 grams
Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
Protein: 30-35 grams