Amish Baked Ground Beef Recipe (Old-Fashioned, Hearty & Comforting)
If you love simple, wholesome, home-style meals, this Amish Baked Ground Beef Recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Rooted in traditional Amish cooking, this dish focuses on basic pantry ingredients, slow baking, and rich, comforting flavors—no shortcuts, no fancy sauces, just honest food made with care.
What Is Amish Baked Ground Beef?
Amish baked ground beef is a classic casserole-style dish made with seasoned ground beef, onions, potatoes or noodles, and a creamy or savory sauce, all baked slowly in the oven. Amish cooking values:
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Simple ingredients
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Minimal waste
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Filling, nourishing meals
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From-scratch preparation
The result is a rich, hearty, oven-baked comfort dish that feeds the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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✔️ Budget-friendly ingredients
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✔️ Easy to prepare, beginner-friendly
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✔️ No processed flavors
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✔️ Perfect for meal prep
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✔️ Authentic old-fashioned taste
Ingredients for Amish Baked Ground Beef
Main Ingredients
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1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
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1½ cups whole milk
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1 cup beef broth
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Optional Add-Ins (Traditional Variations)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup egg noodles (instead of potatoes)
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½ cup sour cream for creamier texture
Kitchen Tools Needed
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Large skillet
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9×13 baking dish
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Saucepan
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Whisk
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Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Amish Baked Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion becomes soft and translucent. Drain excess fat.
Add garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir well and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
Slowly add milk and beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the baking dish. Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
Repeat with remaining potatoes and beef. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the entire dish.
Step 5: Bake Slowly
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is lightly golden.
If using cheese, sprinkle it on top during the last 10 minutes.
How to Serve Amish Baked Ground Beef
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Serve hot with buttered bread
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Pair with green beans or coleslaw
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Add a side of applesauce (very traditional)
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Enjoy with pickled vegetables
Traditional Amish Variations
Amish Noodle Bake
Replace potatoes with cooked egg noodles for a softer, casserole-style dish.
Cheesy Amish Beef Bake
Add sharp cheddar cheese for a richer flavor.
Vegetable-Enhanced Version
Add carrots, peas, or corn for extra nutrition while keeping it Amish-style.
Tips for Authentic Amish Flavor
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Use whole milk, not low-fat
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Avoid heavy seasoning—simple is best
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Bake slowly, never rush
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Let rest 10 minutes before serving
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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❌ Using overly lean beef (it dries out)
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❌ Skipping foil during baking
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❌ Over-seasoning
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❌ Slicing potatoes too thick
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
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Reheat in oven at 325°F for best texture
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Microwave with a splash of milk
Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving)
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 25g
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Fat: 22g
FAQs – Amish Baked Ground Beef
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze before baking for up to 2 months.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, but ground beef provides the most authentic Amish flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Amish Baked Ground Beef Recipe is the definition of comfort food done right—simple, filling, and made with love. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want a warm, satisfying meal straight from the oven.
🥘 Old-fashioned goodness, just like Amish kitchens intended.
