Description
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a traditional comfort food consisting of seasoned ground beef patties coated in crushed crackers and smothered in a rich mushroom gravy. This hearty, budget-friendly classic is perfect for cozy family dinners and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, noodles, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Patties
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup crushed saltine crackers (or breadcrumbs)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter for browning
Gravy
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed crackers, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined to avoid toughening the meat. Shape mixture into oval patties, about 1/2 inch thick, place on a tray, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so they hold their shape during cooking.
- Brown the Patties: Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the patties on both sides, working in batches if necessary. They do not need to be cooked through at this stage, just nicely browned for flavor and texture.
- Assemble for Baking: Transfer the browned patties to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them evenly.
- Make the Gravy: In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, beef broth, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Bake the Patties: Pour the gravy evenly over the patties. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, until the patties are fully cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed vegetables for a comforting, hearty meal.
Notes
- Refrigerating the patties before cooking helps maintain their shape and prevents them from falling apart.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce based on preference or dietary needs.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a satisfying next-day lunch.
