Amish Hamburger Steak Casserole: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Amish Hamburger Steak Casserole: Just the name conjures up images of hearty, home-cooked comfort food, doesn’t it? I’m thrilled to share this incredibly satisfying recipe with you, a dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Forget complicated weeknight dinners; this casserole is all about simple ingredients and maximum flavor.

While the exact origins of Amish Hamburger Steak Casserole are difficult to pinpoint, it’s clear that it embodies the resourcefulness and practicality of Amish cooking. Rooted in traditions of making the most of available ingredients, this casserole is a testament to how simple, wholesome foods can create something truly special. The Amish are known for their dedication to family and community, and meals like this are often shared and enjoyed together, fostering a sense of togetherness.

What makes this casserole so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of savory, tender hamburger steaks nestled in a creamy, flavorful sauce, all topped with a golden-brown, bubbly crust. The textures are divine – the soft steaks, the rich sauce, and the slightly crispy topping create a symphony of deliciousness in every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! You can easily assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Trust me, once you try this Amish Hamburger Steak Casserole, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Ground Beef
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped
• 1 (10.75 oz) can Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 1 (10.75 oz) can Condensed Cream of Celery Soup
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/4 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• 6 cups Frozen Tater Tots
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil

Preparing the Ground Beef Mixture:

Okay, let’s get started! First, we’re going to brown our ground beef. This is the foundation of our casserole, so we want to make sure it’s cooked through and nicely seasoned.

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want the pan hot enough so the beef browns nicely, but not so hot that it burns.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. We want to avoid large clumps, so keep breaking it down.
3. Cook Until Browned: Cook the ground beef until it’s completely browned, with no pink remaining. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Drain Excess Grease: Once the beef is browned, carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This is important to prevent the casserole from being too greasy. You can use a colander or carefully tilt the skillet and spoon out the grease.
5. Add Onion and Bell Pepper: Now, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned ground beef.
6. Sauté the Vegetables: Cook the onion and bell pepper until they are softened and translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir them frequently to prevent burning. The aroma should be amazing at this point!
7. Season the Mixture: Add the garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Stir well to combine the seasonings with the beef and vegetables. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Creating the Creamy Sauce:

Next, we’re going to make the creamy sauce that will bind everything together. This is where the magic happens, folks!

1. Combine the Soups: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the condensed cream of celery soup. Make sure to scrape out all the soup from the cans!
2. Add Sour Cream and Milk: Add the sour cream and milk to the bowl with the soups.
3. Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk all the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. There should be no lumps. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out.
4. Combine with Beef Mixture: Pour the creamy soup mixture into the skillet with the browned ground beef, onion, and bell pepper.
5. Stir Well: Stir everything together until the beef and vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Simmer Briefly: Let the mixture simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Assembling the Casserole:

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is where our casserole starts to take shape.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is properly preheated before you start assembling the casserole.
2. Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom of the dish. You can use cooking spray or a little bit of butter.
3. Pour in Beef Mixture: Pour the ground beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Arrange Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top of the ground beef mixture. You can arrange them in neat rows or just scatter them randomly. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the beef mixture.
5. Bake in the Oven: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Add Cheese: After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the tater tots.
7. Bake Until Golden Brown: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.
8. Let it Rest: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set slightly and make it easier to serve.

Serving Suggestions:

This Amish Hamburger Steak Casserole is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even better:

• Serve with a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great way to balance out the richness of the casserole.
• Add a Dollop of Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top of each serving adds a cool and creamy touch.
• Garnish with Green Onions: Sprinkle some chopped green onions over the top for a pop of color and flavor.
• Serve with Hot Sauce: If you like a little heat, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize this recipe? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

• Use Different Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the ground beef mixture, such as mushrooms, carrots, or celery.
• Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack.
• Add a Layer of Corn: For a sweeter flavor, add a layer of canned or frozen corn between the beef mixture and the tater tots.
• Use Different Soups: You can substitute the cream of mushroom and cream of celery soups with other cream-based soups, such as cream of chicken or cream of broccoli.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for a spicy kick.
• Use Sweet Potato Tots: For a healthier option, use sweet potato tots instead of regular tater tots.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Instructions: To freeze the casserole, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
• Fat: 25-35g
• Saturated Fat: 12-18g
• Cholesterol: 80-100mg
• Sodium: 800-1000mg
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 5-8g
• Protein: 20-25g

Enjoy your delicious Amish Hamburger Steak Casserole! I hope you and your family love it as much as mine does.

Conclusion:

This Amish hamburger steak casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate, a taste of simple, honest goodness that will transport you back to grandma’s kitchen. The creamy, cheesy sauce, the perfectly seasoned hamburger steaks, and the tender egg noodles all come together in a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make, look no further. This casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering.

But don’t just take my word for it – you absolutely have to try it for yourself! The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its deliciousness but also in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the hamburger mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. If you’re a mushroom lover, sauté some sliced mushrooms and add them to the casserole before baking. You could even swap out the egg noodles for rotini or penne pasta for a different texture.

Serving suggestions are endless! A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment to cut through the richness of the casserole. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli would also be excellent choices. And for dessert? A slice of apple pie or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would be the perfect ending to this comforting meal.

Here are a few more ideas to personalize your Amish hamburger steak casserole:

* Add vegetables: Mix in some frozen peas, carrots, or corn for added nutrients and color.
* Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese in the sauce, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.
* Top with breadcrumbs: Sprinkle a mixture of breadcrumbs and melted butter over the casserole before baking for a crispy topping.
* Make it ahead of time: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
* Individual servings: Bake the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

I’m confident that this Amish hamburger steak casserole will become a new family favorite. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying, perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a taste of pure comfort food bliss.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you thought of it, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite of this amazing casserole! Don’t forget to share your photos on social media and tag me – I can’t wait to see your creations!