Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe
Deeply comforting and as humble as its name, Amish Poor Man’s Steak is one of those timeless dishes that turns simple ingredients into something unforgettable. Imagine juicy beef patties, seasoned just right and smothered in a creamy mushroom gravy, soaking up every bit of flavor as it bakes. This is the kind of meal that gathers the whole family around the table, fills your kitchen with savory aromas, and leaves everyone reaching for seconds—no fancy ingredients or complicated steps required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful thing about Amish Poor Man’s Steak is its simplicity. Every ingredient brings something to the table—whether it’s a pop of rich flavor, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, or that signature golden color. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:
- Ground beef: Use 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef for hearty, flavorful patties that hold together beautifully.
- Breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers: These act as a binder and provide subtle savory undertones; crushed saltines will give a slight salty crunch.
- Milk: The 1/3 cup that goes into the patties keeps them moist and tender.
- Large egg: Essential for binding the mixture so your patties won’t fall apart during browning or baking.
- Onion powder: Brings all the umami and gentle onion warmth without chopping or tears.
- Garlic powder: Adds a mild garlicky kick to balance the creamy and beefy notes.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance every bite; don’t skip or skimp!
- Black pepper: That little quarter teaspoon brightens up the whole mix with a gentle zing.
- Vegetable oil: Use two tablespoons to get a lovely brown crust on the patties before they bake.
- Cream of mushroom soup: The secret to the signature gravy—rich, silky, and full of classic flavor.
- Milk (for gravy): Another half cup goes into the gravy, making it perfectly pourable and luscious.
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a tablespoon gives the sauce a savory depth you can’t quite put your finger on.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkle on right before serving for a hit of fresh, green color and herbal lift.
How to Make Amish Poor Man’s Steak
Step 1: Mix and Form the Patties
Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl and combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs (or crushed saltines), 1/3 cup milk, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Using your hands is best here—it’s the quickest way to mix everything without overworking the meat. Once combined, form this mixture into 6 sturdy, rectangular patties, each about half to three-quarters of an inch thick. The rectangular shape gives them that classic Amish Poor Man’s Steak appearance and ensures they cook evenly from edge to edge.
Step 2: Brown the Patties
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the patties in batches if necessary. Brown them for 2 to 3 minutes per side to build a flavorful sear—this not only locks in the juices but also gives the final dish those irresistible crispy bits. Once browned, carefully transfer the patties to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them in a single layer so they soak up every bit of that luscious gravy later.
Step 3: Prepare the Gravy
In a separate bowl, whisk together the can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup milk, and Worcestershire sauce until perfectly smooth. This simple sauce is the magic touch of Amish Poor Man’s Steak, transforming the browned beef into something truly special. Make sure everything is well combined—there should be no lumps left in your mixture.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the gravy evenly over the patties in the baking dish, making sure each one is generously coated. Cover the dish tightly with foil and slide it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Let everything bake for 45 minutes—this gives the beef patties time to soak up the creamy gravy and get extra tender. Remove the foil, then bake for another 10 minutes so the sauce bubbles beautifully and thickens just a touch. The kitchen will smell absolutely incredible by now!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Pull the baking dish from the oven and, if you like, shower the top with a bit of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and herby flavor. Serve Amish Poor Man’s Steak hot, spooning plenty of extra mushroom gravy over each patty. Traditional sides like mashed potatoes or buttered noodles are a perfect match—and don’t forget crusty bread to mop up every last drop of that sauce.
How to Serve Amish Poor Man’s Steak
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic and never fails to brighten up the golden brown patties. If you want to give it a personal touch, try a dusting of paprika for smokiness or a spoonful of caramelized onions for extra sweetness. Don’t be afraid to get creative—the modest roots of Amish Poor Man’s Steak practically encourage a little flair!
Side Dishes
This dish begs to be paired with fluffy mashed potatoes or soft, buttered egg noodles, both of which are perfect for soaking up that creamy gravy. Simple buttered green beans or peas add some welcome freshness and color. If you want more of a homestyle dinner, consider sweet corn or a crisp green salad on the side. No matter what you choose, these sides will round out your meal in the best way possible.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful, updated presentation, serve Amish Poor Man’s Steak over individual piles of mashed potatoes in shallow bowls, allowing the gravy to pool around each patty. Or plate it family-style—bring the bubbling baking dish right to the table for everyone to dig in together. If you love leftovers, slice a patty and tuck it into a crusty sandwich roll with a bit of the gravy for an unbelievably satisfying lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Amish Poor Man’s Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen as it sits, making for an even cozier meal the next day. Be sure to spoon plenty of gravy over the patties before storing, so they stay moist and delicious.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange cooled patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, let them thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—this way, the texture stays just right.
Reheating
Reheat Amish Poor Man’s Steak gently in the microwave or covered in a 325°F oven until warmed through. If the gravy looks a little thick, stir in a splash of milk or water to return it to its silky smooth self. This dish is every bit as satisfying the second (or even third) time around!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While traditional Amish Poor Man’s Steak uses ground beef, ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork will work well. Just keep an eye on fat content—leaner meats may be a bit drier, so consider adding a splash more milk.
Can I add extra veggies to the gravy?
Definitely. Sautéed mushrooms or onions can be folded into the gravy before baking for even more savory depth. Just make sure to cook them first so they’re soft and caramelized—you’ll love the added dimension.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten free?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the binding, and use a gluten-free condensed mushroom soup for the gravy. It’s a simple swap that keeps everything just as tasty and comforting.
What’s the best way to form even patties?
For perfectly consistent Amish Poor Man’s Steak, divide the meat mixture into six equal portions, then use damp hands to shape each portion into a rectangle about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and look extra inviting.
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s a lifesaver on busy evenings! Form the patties and keep them covered in the fridge for up to a day before browning and baking. Just bring them closer to room temperature before cooking for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a hearty, homemade meal that promises comfort and brings everyone together, Amish Poor Man’s Steak is your answer. It’s simple, soulful, and packed with flavor—give it a try, and you just might find a new family favorite gracing your dinner table week after week!
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Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting Amish-inspired dish, this Poor Man’s Steak is made with seasoned ground beef patties smothered in a savory mushroom gravy. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this budget-friendly recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Beef Patties:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for browning)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk (for gravy)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup milk, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 6 patties.
- Brown the Patties: Brown the patties in oil on both sides, then transfer to a baking dish.
- Make the Gravy: Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the patties.
- Bake: Cover and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes or noodles.
Notes
- You can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate.
- Enhance the gravy with sautéed onions or mushrooms for more flavor.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a delicious meal the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty with gravy
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
