Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a traditional, comforting dish that’s budget-friendly and delicious. Often made with simple ingredients, this recipe transforms ground beef into tender “steaks” baked in a rich, flavorful gravy. It’s a perfect example of how basic ingredients can create a hearty meal for the whole family. Here’s a full, step-by-step recipe to make Amish Poor Man’s Steak, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions.
Ingredients:
For the Steaks:
2 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is ideal for flavor)
1 cup cracker crumbs (about 20 saltine crackers, finely crushed)
1 cup milk
1 small onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper (to taste)
½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for added flavor)
½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
For the Gravy:
2 cups beef broth
1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces, or substitute with cream of chicken soup for a different flavor)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Optional Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped, for a touch of color
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Steak Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cracker crumbs, milk, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried parsley. The milk and cracker crumbs will bind the meat together and keep it moist and tender.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until evenly combined, being careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the “steaks” tough.
Step 2: Shape the Steaks
Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions, shaping each portion into oval or round patties, roughly 1 inch thick. This will create “steaks” that are easy to cook and serve.
Place the steaks on a baking sheet or tray and cover them with plastic wrap. For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the patties for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). This helps the flavors meld and makes the patties easier to handle.
Step 3: Brown the Steaks
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil or butter. This will help brown the patties and give them a nice crust.
Sear each steak in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned. This step locks in juices and adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the patties. You don’t need to cook them all the way through, as they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Step 4: Prepare the Gravy
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth. This mixture will create a creamy, savory gravy for the steaks.
Taste the gravy and adjust seasonings as needed. Add a bit of salt or pepper if desired, but remember that the soup and Worcestershire sauce already add saltiness.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the browned steaks to a 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. Pour the prepared gravy mixture evenly over the steaks, ensuring they are mostly covered.
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. This will trap the steam and help the steaks become tender as they bake in the gravy.
Step 6: Bake the Dish
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the steaks are cooked through and tender. The gravy will thicken slightly as it bakes, creating a rich sauce that coats the steaks beautifully.
Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of baking if you want the tops of the steaks to brown slightly. Just keep an eye on them to prevent drying.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. The gravy will continue to thicken as it rests.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, adding a touch of color and freshness to the dish.
Serve the Poor Man’s Steak with gravy spooned over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles to soak up the delicious gravy.
Tips for Making the Best Poor Man’s Steak
Cracker Substitutes: If you don’t have saltine crackers, you can use bread crumbs, Ritz crackers, or even crushed cornflakes for a slight twist on flavor and texture.
Choosing the Beef: Ground beef with some fat content (such as 80/20) works best for this recipe, as it adds flavor and keeps the patties moist. However, leaner ground beef or ground turkey can also work, especially if you’re aiming for a lighter dish.
Resting the Patties: Chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold together and enhances the overall flavor and texture of the finished dish.
Flavor Variations:
Feel free to add other herbs and spices to suit your taste. A pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of hot sauce, or fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or chives can add unique flavor twists.
Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you prefer a homemade alternative, you can make a quick roux with butter and flour, then add milk or broth and sautéed mushrooms for a simple cream of mushroom soup substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a hearty main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Here are some classic options:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect side to soak up the rich gravy, making each bite even more comforting.
Egg Noodles: Buttered egg noodles or pasta are a great, easy option to serve with this dish, especially for kids who love noodles.
Rice: White or brown rice provides a neutral base that complements the flavors of the beef and gravy.
Vegetables: Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, broccoli, carrots, or asparagus for a nutritious, well-rounded meal.
Dinner Rolls or Biscuits: Fresh bread is ideal for mopping up the savory gravy, adding an extra layer of comfort to the meal.
Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cracker crumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 10.5 oz can water or broth
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, milk, cracker crumbs, salt, pepper and onion until well combined.
- Form the beef mixture into a loaf shape and place on a plate or baking dish.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- The next day, remove beef loaf from fridge. Slice into 1/2-inch thick slices or patties.
- Dredge or roll the beef slices/patties lightly in flour.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, pan fry the beef slices until browned on both sides.
- Transfer browned beef to a baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and 1 soup can of water/broth until smooth.
- Pour the mushroom soup gravy over the beef in the baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour until hot and sauce has thickened.
- Serve the poor man’s steak slices smothered in gravy over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Poor Man’s Steak ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the patties and gravy in advance and refrigerate them separately for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply brown the patties and proceed with baking.
Can I freeze Poor Man’s Steak?
Absolutely. Prepare the dish as directed, then let it cool completely. Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 30-35 minutes.
What can I use instead of canned cream of mushroom soup?
If you’d like a homemade option, make a quick white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and sautéed mushrooms. This homemade version is fresher and allows you to control the salt content.
How do I know when the steaks are done?
The steaks should be tender when you cut into them, and the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. If using ground turkey, ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this recipe with a different meat?
Yes, ground turkey or pork work well in this recipe. Ground chicken can also be used, but keep in mind it may be slightly drier due to the lower fat content.
Final Thoughts:
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is an ideal comfort dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. With simple ingredients, it embodies the idea of making the most of what you have while creating something delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or prepping it as a make-ahead meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Plus, the rich gravy and tender steaks pair well with a variety of sides, making it versatile enough to enjoy any time of year. Enjoy every comforting bite!