Here’s a Weight Watchers (WW) friendly version of the comforting Amish Hamburger Steak Bake that is lightened up for fewer points without sacrificing flavor. This recipe uses lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a lighter gravy to create a satisfying and hearty dish that can be enjoyed guilt-free. It’s perfect for weeknights and has that cozy, home-cooked feel.
WW Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
Ingredients:
- 1 lb 93% lean ground beef (or ground turkey for fewer points)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or reduced-fat breadcrumbs)
- 1 egg (or 1/4 cup egg substitute for fewer points)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/4 cup light sour cream
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, chopped onion, bell pepper, mushrooms (if using), minced garlic, whole wheat breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Using clean hands, gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined but avoid overworking the meat mixture, which can make the steaks tough.
Form the meat mixture into small, evenly-sized patties, similar to hamburger steaks. You should be able to make about 4-6 patties depending on the size. Lightly spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Brown the patties on both sides for about 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a nice golden crust. You don’t need to cook them through entirely as they will finish cooking in the oven.
Once browned, transfer the patties to a baking dish and set aside. In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add the low-sodium beef broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance the flavor. If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk 1 tbsp of cornstarch into the beef broth before simmering to thicken the sauce slightly. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the light sour cream until the gravy is smooth and well combined.
Pour the sour cream and beef broth mixture evenly over the hamburger steaks in the baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the hamburger steaks are cooked through and the gravy is bubbling.
Once done, remove the foil and let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve the hamburger steaks with the creamy gravy spooned over the top, and pair them with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
WW Points:
This dish is relatively low in points due to the use of lean beef, light sour cream, and whole wheat breadcrumbs. Depending on your portion size and the specific brands of ingredients you use, this recipe should come out to around 5-7 points per serving. To get an accurate point value, you can input your specific ingredients into the WW recipe builder.
This Amish Hamburger Steak Bake offers the perfect balance of a hearty, comforting meal while keeping it light enough to fit into your WW plan. The savory hamburger steaks, combined with the rich but lighter sour cream gravy, make this dish a satisfying, family-friendly option that’s full of flavor but easy on the waistline!