Simple Hamburger Steak Bake: An Incredible 5-Star Recipe
Simple Hamburger Steak Bake is an amazing dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Bursting with flavors and wrapped in a comforting blend of savory ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Its wonderful combination of hamburger steak and rich gravy makes for an effortless yet satisfying meal, ideal for those busy evenings when you need something quick and delicious. If you’ve ever craved a hearty, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is just what you need. The Simple Hamburger Steak Bake is not only easy to make but also incredibly filling. Paired with your choice of sides, it becomes a complete dinner that everyone will enjoy. The best part? The ingredients are common pantry staples, making it convenient for anyone to whip up. Let’s dive into the reasons why this recipe will win a spot in your regular meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Simple Hamburger Steak Bake is designed to cater to various tastes and preferences while ensuring a delightful dining experience. Here are some reasons why you’ll absolutely love this easy dish:
- Minimal Effort Required: The straightforward preparation means you won’t have to spend all day in the kitchen.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Hamburger steak offers a comforting, filling meal that keeps you satisfied for hours.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the dish with your favorite seasonings or add vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The combination of beef, gravy, and optional toppings appeals to both kids and adults alike.
- Easy Clean-Up: One-pan cooking means fewer dishes to wash afterward, maximizing your time spent enjoying the meal.
- Great Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers, they reheat wonderfully, making for an equally delicious next-day meal.
Preparation and Cooking Time
Creating the Simple Hamburger Steak Bake is quick and simple. Here’s how the timing breaks down:- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare to enjoy a delightful meal with the following simple steps for the Simple Hamburger Steak Bake:- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into evenly sized patties, about 1-inch thick.
- Brown the Patties: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Brown the patties on both sides for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare Gravy: In the same skillet, whisk together the beef broth and onion soup mix. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Soup: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup until fully combined. Allow the mixture to heat for a few minutes.
- Assemble the Bake: In a greased baking dish, layer the browned patties. Pour the gravy mixture over the top, covering the patties completely.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and cook for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
- Optional Cheese Topping: If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking and let melt.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
How to Serve
When it comes to serving the Simple Hamburger Steak Bake, consider these tasty suggestions to elevate your dining experience:- Accompaniments: Pair it with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice to enhance the meal.
- Garnishing: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions on top can add a pop of color and freshness.
- Serving Size: Cut the patties generously for satisfaction, ensuring everyone gets enough gravy with their portion.
- Side Dishes: Consider a crisp salad or dinner rolls for added texture and variety.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For optimal flavor, select fresh ground beef and produce. Fresh ingredients can make a noticeable difference in any dish, enhancing its taste and texture.
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the patties is crucial. It adds depth of flavor and a nice sear that enhances the overall dish.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the meat mixture. Paprika, Italian seasoning, or even a dash of cayenne can elevate the flavor profile.
- Make it Spicy: For those who enjoy a kick, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the gravy for an added heat.
- Sneak in Veggies: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms into the meat mixture for added nutrition.
Recipe Variation
Ready to mix things up? Here are a few creative variations of the Simple Hamburger Steak Bake to explore:- Cheesy Mushroom Delight: Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy or mix cheese into the ground beef for a rich, savory flavor.
- Italian Style: Swap the cream of mushroom soup with marinara sauce and add Italian seasoning to the meat.
- Mexican Twist: Incorporate taco seasoning into the beef and use a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies in place of the gravy for a zesty spin.
- Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute to create a delicious vegetarian version that’s equally hearty.
- Stuffed Patties: Stuff the meat patties with a blend of cheese and chopped jalapeños before baking for a cheesy, spicy surprise.
Freezing and Storage
- Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: The Simple Hamburger Steak Bake freezes well! Portion it out, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through. If baking from frozen, add extra cooking time to ensure the patties are thoroughly heated.
Special Equipment
To make the Simple Hamburger Steak Bake, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:- Large Mixing Bowls: For combining the ingredients.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: To brown the patties before baking.
- Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Spatula: To help transfer the patties and mix the ingredients seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey can be a leaner alternative. Make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
What should I serve with the Simple Hamburger Steak Bake?
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or bread rolls. Add a side salad for a refreshing complement.
Can I prepare the dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the hamburger patties and gravy a day ahead. Simply assemble, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce for a different flavor.
Is this meal kid-friendly?
Definitely! The combination of flavors appeals to both kids and adults, making it a great family dish.