A hearty, comforting casserole made with seasoned hamburger steaks, tender potatoes, caramelized onions, and a rich savory gravy. It’s an easy old-fashioned family dinner that tastes like classic homemade comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Hamburger Steaks:
1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef, preferably 80/20
½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup (50 g) plain breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Potato Bake:
2 lbs (900 g) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Wash and thinly slice the potatoes, about ⅛-inch (3 mm) thick. Keep the slices as even as possible so they cook at the same rate.
Make the Hamburger Steaks
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix, or the hamburger steaks can become tough.
Shape the mixture into 5–6 oval patties.
Brown the Hamburger Steaks
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil if needed.
Brown the hamburger steaks for about 2–3 minutes per side. They do not need to be completely cooked through because they will finish cooking in the oven.
Remove the patties and set aside.
Cook the Onions
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet.
Add the sliced onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Make the Gravy
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir continuously for about 1 minute.
Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking to prevent lumps.
Add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the gravy begins to thicken.
Assemble the Potato Bake
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
Season lightly with a little salt and pepper.
Spread about half of the onion gravy over the potatoes.
Add the remaining potatoes and pour the rest of the gravy evenly over the top.
Add the Hamburger Steaks
Nestle the browned hamburger steaks on top of the potatoes.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake
Bake covered for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the potatoes and hamburger steaks.
Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 20–25 minutes, until the potatoes are completely tender, the cheese is melted and golden, and the beef reaches at least 160°F (71°C) internally.
Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings:
Calories: 650
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 43 g
Fat: 37 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 1,050 mg
Nutrition can vary depending on the ground beef, cheese, broth, and other brands used.
Nut Information
Peanuts: No
Tree nuts: No
Other nuts: No
Nut-free: Yes, as written
Dairy: Yes — butter, heavy cream, cheddar, and mozzarella
Eggs: Yes
Gluten: Contains gluten from breadcrumbs and flour
For a gluten-free version: Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour, and verify that the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are gluten-free.
Q & A
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes. Ground turkey can be substituted, although the flavor will be lighter. Make sure the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q: What potatoes work best?
A: Yukon Gold potatoes give a creamy texture, while russet potatoes become soft and fluffy. Either works well.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before baking.
Q: Can I make it without cheese?
A: Absolutely. Simply leave out the cheese for a more traditional hamburger steak and potato bake.
Q: Why should I brown the hamburger steaks first?
A: Browning adds a deeper savory flavor and helps the patties hold their shape while baking.
Q: Can I add mushrooms?
A: Yes. Sliced mushrooms are excellent with the beef and gravy. Sauté them with the onions before making the gravy.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, although the potatoes may soften slightly after freezing. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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