Indulge in the rich flavors of Amish cuisine with our delectable Amish Hamburger Steak Bake. This timeless recipe is a celebration of hearty ingredients and traditional cooking methods, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Made with ground beef, saltine crackers, and a savory mushroom cream gravy, this Hamburger Steak Bake is sure to become a family favorite. Join us as we delve into the heart of Amish cooking and learn how to create this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups saltine crackers, crumbled (1 pack of crackers, approximately)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2-1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered onion
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Flour, for coating
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, as desired
For the Gravy:
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 (10.75 oz.) cans condensed mushroom cream soup
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Prepare the Hamburger Steak Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled saltine crackers, milk, Italian herbs, powdered onion, powdered garlic, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Shape the Patties:
- Divide the ground beef mixture into equal portions and shape them into oval-shaped patties, approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
4. Coat the Patties:
- Coat each patty lightly with flour, shaking off any excess.
5. Brown the Patties:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the coated patties on both sides until golden brown. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
6. Prepare the Gravy:
- In a separate saucepan, combine the milk and condensed mushroom cream soup. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
7. Assemble the Bake:
- Place the browned patties in the greased baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
- Pour the mushroom cream gravy evenly over the patties in the baking dish.
8. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and the gravy is bubbly.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the Amish Hamburger Steak Bake hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the ground beef mixture.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the patties before pouring the gravy for a cheesy twist.
- Vegetable Addition: Add diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the ground beef mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Creamy Texture: Mix in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the mushroom cream gravy for a richer and creamier sauce.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use a different type of crackers for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use any type of crackers you prefer or have on hand. Ritz crackers or buttery crackers would work well in place of saltine crackers.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this dish? A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers of Amish Hamburger Steak Bake for future meals. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the patties and gravy ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. When ready to serve, assemble the bake and bake it according to the instructions.
Q: Is there a keto-friendly version of this recipe? A: Yes, to make a keto-friendly version, substitute the saltine crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Use a low-carb mushroom cream soup or make your own keto-friendly cream sauce using heavy cream and mushrooms.
Keto-Friendly Version:
For a keto-friendly version of Amish Hamburger Steak Bake, replace the saltine crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Ensure the mushroom cream soup is low in carbs or make a keto-friendly cream sauce from scratch using heavy cream and mushrooms. Serve with low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower mash or sautéed spinach.
Low-Carb Variation:
To make a low-carb variation, omit the saltine crackers and flour coating. Use almond flour or coconut flour for coating the patties. Choose a low-carb mushroom cream soup or make your own creamy sauce using beef broth, heavy cream, and mushrooms. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice for a satisfying low-carb meal.
In conclusion, Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a timeless classic that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. With its simple yet delicious combination of ground beef, savory gravy, and aromatic spices, it’s a dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this Hamburger Steak Bake is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and savor the comforting flavors of Amish cuisine tonight!
