Classic Comfort Food from Amish Country

When you think about Amish cooking, the first words that come to mind are hearty, simple, and comforting. The Amish are known for their traditional recipes passed down through generations, focusing on fresh ingredients and home-style methods. One of the best examples of this is the Amish Hamburger Steak Bake—a rich, oven-baked casserole that combines ground beef, potatoes, onions, and a creamy sauce topped with golden melted cheese.

This dish is a complete meal in one pan, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks. It’s budget-friendly, delicious, and guaranteed to please both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Amish classic:

2 lbs ground beef (about 900g, preferably 80/20 for flavor)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into thin slices (¼ inch thick)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
1 cup whole milk
½ cup heavy cream (optional, for richer flavor)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, adds a hint of smokiness)
2 tbsp butter
Fresh parsley (for Garnish 5 Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the beef

In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Cook until browned (about 7–10 minutes).
Drain excess fat and set aside.

2. Cook the onions

In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp butter.
Toss in the sliced onions and sauté until golden and slightly caramelized.
Remove from heat.

3. Make the creamy sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and cream until smooth.
This will form the creamy base of the casserole.

4. Assemble the bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Start with a layer of sliced potatoes.
Add a layer of onions, followed by browned beef.
Pour some of the creamy sauce over the top.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
Finish with a generous layer of shredded cheese.

5. Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

5 Serving Suggestions

This Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is filling on its own, but you can serve it with:

A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
Homemade Amish dinner rolls
Steamed green beans or buttered corn
A light cucumber and tomato salade Pro Tips for Success

Slice potatoes thinly so they cook evenly.
Mix cheeses (cheddar + mozzarella) for both sharp flavor and creamy melt.
Make ahead: Assemble the casserole in the morning, cover, refrigerate, and bake in the evening.
Add flavor boosters like Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of nutmeg to the beef.

Variations

Amish Hamburger Steak Bake with Chicken: Replace beef with ground chicken or turkey.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the beef and use sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.
Cheesy Upgrade: Add an extra layer of cheese between the potatoes and beef.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes.

FAQs

Q: Can I use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom?
A: Yes! It will change the flavor slightly but still taste amazing.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Absolutely. Bake, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F until hot.

Q: What’s the best potato to use?
A: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best because they hold their shape while baking.

Nutrition 5 (per serving, about 8 servings)

Calories: ~420
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 620mg

(Values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Amish comfort food.
One-pan meal, easy cleanup.
Budget-friendly and family-approved.
Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, and Sunday dinners.