Amish Poor Man’s Steak

Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a classic comfort food recipe that turns simple ingredients into a rich and flavorful dish. This budget-friendly recipe, often found in Amish kitchens, consists of ground beef patties coated in a crispy crust and smothered in a delicious brown gravy. It’s a great make-ahead meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef

• 1 cup cracker crumbs (or breadcrumbs)

• 1 cup milk

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)

• 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for frying)

For the Gravy:

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cracker crumbs, milk, diced onion, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until fully combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help the mixture firm up.

2. Shape the Patties:
   After chilling, shape the mixture into oval-shaped patties, about ½-inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and resemble traditional steaks.

3. Dredge & Sear the Patties:
   Place the flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each patty in the flour, coating both sides.

   In a large skillet, melt butter or heat oil over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, just until browned. The goal is to get a golden crust, not to fully cook them. Transfer the seared patties to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. Prepare the Gravy:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the patties in the baking dish.

5. Bake the Steaks:
   Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, until the patties are cooked through and tender.

6. Serve & Enjoy:
   Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Spoon extra gravy over the top for added flavor!

Tips & Variations:

• Use Ground Turkey: Swap ground beef for turkey for a lighter version.

• Make It Cheesier: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the beef mixture.

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms and stir them into the gravy for extra texture.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.

This Amish Poor Man’s Steak is an old-fashioned, homestyle dish that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a family favorite!