Welcome to a truly classic comfort food experience! This Amish Hamburger Steak Bake brings together tender, seasoned ground beef patties smothered in a rich, creamy mushroom gravy. It’s an incredibly satisfying and delicious dish that tastes like it took hours, but comes together with surprising ease. Get ready to enjoy a hearty, old-fashioned meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Amish Hamburger Steak Bake

You’ll adore this recipe for so many reasons! It’s the ultimate comfort food, wrapping you in warmth with every bite. The ingredients are incredibly budget-friendly, making it a smart choice for feeding your family without breaking the bank. Preparation is straightforward, ensuring this is a perfect weeknight meal for even the busiest schedules.
The rich, savory mushroom gravy is simply divine, transforming simple ingredients into something special. Plus, this versatile Amish Hamburger Steak Bake easily scales up for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Gather your simple ingredients to create this heartwarming Amish Hamburger Steak Bake. You likely have many of these staples in your pantry already!
- 2 pounds ground beef (85/15 lean recommended)
- 1 1/2 cups saltine crackers, finely crumbled
- 1 cup milk, divided (for beef mixture)
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Dash of cayenne pepper, optional (for a hint of warmth)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces)
- 1 cup milk (for gravy)
Notes & Substitutions
For your ground beef, 85/15 lean works wonderfully, offering flavor without excessive grease. You can use 80/20 for more richness or leaner options like 90/10 if preferred, adjusting cooking time slightly.
Instead of saltine crackers, feel free to use 1 1/2 cups of plain breadcrumbs to bind the patties. For the milk, whole milk provides the creamiest texture, but 2% or even skim milk will also work.
Experiment with other seasonings like a pinch of dried oregano or basil for an Italian twist. You can also substitute condensed cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for the mushroom soup in the gravy. A splash of Worcestershire sauce in the gravy adds a lovely umami depth.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools to create this fantastic Amish Hamburger Steak Bake.
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet (oven-safe is not necessary)
- Whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Amish Hamburger Steak Bake. This recipe is straightforward and perfect for beginners!
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent any sticking.
- Combine Beef Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely crumbled saltine crackers, 1 cup of milk, Italian herbs, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the patties tough.
- Form Patties: Divide the beef mixture into 8 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a ½-inch-thick patty. These will be your hamburger steaks.
- Dredge Patties: Place the 1/2 cup all-purpose flour on a shallow plate. Lightly coat each beef patty in the flour, tapping off any excess. This step helps create a nice crust and thickens the gravy.
- Sear Steaks: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil if your skillet is not non-stick. Brown the floured patties on each side until they develop a golden crust, about 2-3 minutes per side. You are not cooking them through, just searing the exterior for flavor.
- Arrange in Dish: Carefully transfer the seared hamburger steaks to the greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
- Prepare Gravy: In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the remaining 1 cup of milk until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free.
- Pour Gravy: Evenly pour the prepared creamy gravy over the hamburger steaks in the baking dish, ensuring they are well covered.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the steaks to cook through and become tender.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil from the dish. Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the gravy is bubbling around the edges and the hamburger steaks are fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest & Serve: Let the Amish Hamburger Steak Bake rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, flavorful steaks. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Pro Tips for Success
For the most tender patties, mix the ground beef just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough hamburger steaks. Searing the patties before baking is crucial; it locks in moisture and develops a rich, savory crust that significantly boosts the overall flavor of your Amish Hamburger Steak Bake.
When preparing the gravy, ensure you whisk thoroughly until smooth to avoid any lumps. Arrange the steaks in a single layer in the baking dish to ensure even cooking and thorough gravy coverage. If you prefer thicker gravy, reduce the milk by ¼ cup, or for a thinner consistency, add an extra splash of milk.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
This comforting Amish Hamburger Steak Bake pairs beautifully with a variety of classic side dishes. Creamy mashed potatoes are an absolute dream for soaking up that delicious gravy.
Hearty egg noodles or fluffy white rice are also excellent choices. Don’t forget some crusty bread to mop up every last drop of the rich sauce. A simple green salad or steamed green beans will add a lovely fresh counterpoint to the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Amish Hamburger Steak Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
For quicker reheating, portion it into microwave-safe containers and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. If you want to freeze, you can do so before or after baking.
Freeze the uncooked casserole, covered tightly, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Cooked leftovers also freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat as directed.
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your Amish Hamburger Steak Bake! Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust. Sauté fresh sliced mushrooms with a bit of butter and garlic, then stir them into the gravy mixture before pouring over the steaks for even more earthy flavor.
For a Tex-Mex twist, use chili powder and cumin in the patties, and add a can of drained diced green chiles to the gravy. Stirring in a packet of dry onion soup mix to the gravy can provide an extra layer of savory depth. You can also experiment with other ground meats like ground turkey or pork for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition Information
This Amish Hamburger Steak Bake offers a substantial and satisfying meal. Each serving provides a hearty calorie count, keeping you full and content.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Embrace this classic dish as a fulfilling part of your family dinner rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different kind of soup for this Amish Hamburger Steak Bake?
Absolutely! While cream of mushroom is traditional, condensed cream of chicken or cream of celery soup also work wonderfully as a base for the creamy gravy. Choose your family’s favorite for a personalized touch.
What side dishes go best with this meal?
Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, and white rice are classic pairings because they are perfect for soaking up the rich, savory gravy. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables also provide a lovely balance.
My gravy separated; what should I do?
This can happen if the gravy gets too hot too quickly, or if the milk separates. Try whisking it vigorously to re-emulsify. If it remains separated, you can sometimes blend a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) into the warm gravy to help bring it back together.
Conclusion
This Amish Hamburger Steak Bake truly delivers on its promise of comfort and flavor, proving that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. It’s a testament to the timeless appeal of a home-cooked meal, making it perfect for busy parents and beginners alike.
We encourage you to try this incredibly easy and delicious recipe soon. Share your favorite side pairings or any clever variations you discover in the comments below!

Amish Hamburger Steak Bake: A Hearty, Old-Fashioned Comfort Meal
Equipment
- oven
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large bowl
- Skillet
- Foil
- Whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups saltine crackers crumbled
- 1 cup milk for beef mixture
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- dash cayenne pepper optional
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- to taste salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup 10.5 ounces
- 1 cup milk for gravy
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled saltine crackers, 1 cup of milk, Italian herbs, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (optional), salt, and pepper; mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the beef mixture into approximately eight 1/2-inch-thick patties.
- Lightly coat each steak in flour, tapping off any excess.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the steaks on each side for about 2-3 minutes, until a golden crust develops.
- Place the browned steaks in the greased baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the remaining cup of milk until smooth, then pour the gravy evenly over the steaks.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes; then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the gravy is bubbling and the steaks are fully cooked through.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving hot, optionally with mashed potatoes or over rice.
