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If you think comfort food has to be expensive, think again. This Amish Poor Man’s Steak recipe—shared by my dear Amish friend—is the perfect example of how humble ingredients can create a truly indulgent meal. With savory ground beef patties smothered in a creamy mushroom gravy, this dish delivers all the satisfaction of a steak dinner at a fraction of the cost.
Ingredients for Poor Man’s Steak
For the Steak Patties:
2 pounds ground beef
1/2 onion, finely diced
1 cup saltine crackers, crumbled
1 cup milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons butter (for browning the patties)
For the Gravy Sauce:
1–2 cans cream of mushroom soup (use two for extra gravy)
1.5 cups milk
The saltines act as a binder and flavor booster, keeping the patties tender and juicy while soaking up all that rich mushroom gravy!
How to Make Amish Poor Man’s Steak – Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
2 lbs ground beef
1 cup crumbled saltine crackers
1 cup milk
1/2 diced onion
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until fully combined.
Avoid overmixing, as that can make the patties tough.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Form the meat mixture into oval or rectangular patties, resembling the shape of traditional steaks.
You should get about 8–10 patties, depending on size.
Step 4: Coat in Flour
Lightly coat each patty in flour, shaking off any excess.
This adds a crispy crust and helps thicken the gravy later on.
Step 5: Brown the Patties
In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
Brown each patty for about 3 minutes per side, just enough to get a nice golden crust.
Remove and transfer them to the prepared baking dish.
This step boosts the flavor by caramelizing the exterior, even though they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Step 6: Make the Gravy
In a bowl, whisk together:
1–2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1.5 cups milk
Mix until smooth. This creates a rich, creamy gravy that coats every bite of the patties.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Pour the gravy sauce evenly over the browned patties in the baking dish.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the gravy slightly and brown the top.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Let cool slightly before serving. Pair with:
Mashed potatoes
Buttered noodles
Steamed vegetables
Fresh dinner rolls
This dish is so flavorful and filling, you won’t believe it started with ground beef!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze patties with gravy in a sealed container for up to 3 months
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F or microwave in intervals until heated through
Tips & Variations
No cream of mushroom? Substitute with cream of chicken or homemade white gravy
Add mushrooms: Stir in fresh sautéed mushrooms for added texture
Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika to the meat mixture
Make it cheesy: Top with shredded cheddar before baking uncovered
Why You’ll Love Amish Poor Man’s Steak
Budget-friendly but incredibly flavorful
Family-friendly comfort food
Easy to make ahead and freeze
Perfect for cozy dinners and potlucks
Final Thoughts
This Amish Poor Man’s Steak is the kind of meal that brings back memories of old-fashioned, homemade comfort. It’s affordable, hearty, and so full of flavor that it might just make you wonder why you’d ever spend more on a traditional steak.
Try it tonight and let this cozy dish win your heart (and your family’s stomachs)!
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