Description
This Amish Cheesy Hamburger Steak Bake Casserole is a hearty, comforting meal featuring seasoned ground beef patties layered with thinly sliced potatoes and onions, all smothered in a rich, creamy homemade gravy and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines simple ingredients to deliver a satisfying dish that’s both filling and flavorful.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Dairy and Gravy
- 2 cups milk (divided)
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables
- 4 – 5 potatoes, sliced thin
- 1 onion, sliced thin
Instructions
- Prepare the beef mixture: Put the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoned salt into a mixing bowl. Season further with salt and black pepper to taste, then mix well to combine evenly.
- Form patties: Shape the seasoned beef mixture into six equal patties, ensuring they hold together well for cooking.
- Brown the patties: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties into the hot skillet and cook until browned on the bottom, about 3-4 minutes.
- Flip and brown other side: Flip the patties and brown the other side for another 3 minutes. Note that the patties will not be fully cooked at this stage.
- Assemble the casserole base: In a baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes and half of the sliced onions. Season this layer lightly with garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoned salt if desired.
- Add the patties: Place the browned beef patties evenly on top of the potato and onion layer.
- Top with remaining vegetables: Add the remaining sliced potatoes and onions over the patties to complete the layering. Alternately, all potatoes and onions can be placed on the bottom before adding patties.
- Make the gravy: Using the same skillet with beef drippings, sprinkle the flour evenly and stir in 1 cup of milk while whisking to create a smooth roux.
- Finish the gravy: Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of milk, whisking continuously until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Pour gravy over casserole: Evenly pour the thickened gravy over the layered patties, potatoes, and onions in the baking dish.
- Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the cover, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, and return to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use seasoned salt but adjust overall salt accordingly.
- Thinly slicing potatoes helps them cook thoroughly during baking.
- Leaving the beef drippings in the skillet adds richness to the gravy.
- Covering the casserole during baking prevents drying and ensures tender potatoes.
- Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a robust cheesy topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 44 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish, American