There’s something about the smell of sizzling beef and creamy mushroom gravy that instantly makes a home feel cozier. This Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is one of those recipes that reminds me of simple dinners shared around the table—hearty, humble, and deeply comforting.
It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t need anything fancy to shine. Just good ingredients, a warm oven, and a little patience. The golden-browned hamburger steaks soak in a rich, savory gravy as they bake, turning tender enough to cut with a fork.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
Ground beef – 2 pounds
Saltine crackers, crumbled – 1 ½ cups
Milk (for beef mixture) – 1 cup
Italian herbs – 1 teaspoon
Onion powder – 1 teaspoon
Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper – A small dash (optional, for a hint of warmth)
All-purpose flour – ½ cup
Salt and black pepper – To taste
Condensed cream of mushroom soup – 1 can (10.5 oz)
Milk (for gravy) – 1 cup
👩🍳 How to Make It
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Step 2: Mix the Beef
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed saltines, milk, Italian herbs, onion powder, garlic powder, a pinch of cayenne, and some salt and pepper. Mix just until everything comes together—overmixing can make the patties tough.
Step 3: Form and Coat the Patties
Shape the mixture into ½-inch-thick patties (you should get about eight). Dredge each one lightly in flour, shaking off any extra.
Step 4: Brown the Steaks
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Brown the patties on both sides for 2–3 minutes per side, just until they develop a golden crust.
Step 5: Arrange and Prepare the Gravy
Lay the browned steaks in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup of milk until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the patties.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes, until the gravy is bubbling and everything smells absolutely amazing.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This gives the gravy time to thicken slightly. Serve the steaks over mashed potatoes or rice—and don’t forget to spoon that rich gravy over the top.
