Description

A hearty, one-dish casserole featuring juicy ground beef patties smothered in a tangy, tomato-based zesty sauce and topped with melted cheddar cheese. This comfort food classic is quick to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs (680g) Ground Beef (80/20 blend)
1 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 large Egg, beaten
2 tbsp Milk
1/4 cup Plain dry breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1 tbsp Oil (for sautéing)
1 can (15 oz) Tomato Sauce (low-sodium)
2 tbsp Ketchup
1 tsp Brown Sugar
1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tsp Paprika (smoked)
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 cup Water or Beef Broth
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Green Onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion with a pinch of salt for 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed onions, egg, milk, breadcrumbs, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to avoid toughening the meat. Form into 6-8 oval patties.
In the same skillet, sear patties for 2-3 minutes per side to brown. Place browned patties into the prepared baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and water/broth. Pour evenly over the patties.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions if desired.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep patties tender. Browning the patties adds flavor via the Maillard reaction. For a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) to the sauce mixture before baking. Avoid freezing with cheese on top; freeze patties with sauce and add fresh cheese upon reheating.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 patty with sauce a
Calories: 475
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 650
Fat: 32
Saturated Fat: 14
Carbohydrates: 12
Fiber: 2
Protein: 28

Keywords: hamburger steak, casserole, comfort food, cheesy beef, zesty sauce, easy dinner, family meal, Amish recipe, ground beef bake