Amish Poor Man’s Steak

 

Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe: Comfort Food on a Budget

Looking for a hearty, affordable, and family-friendly dinner idea? Look no further than Amish Poor Man’s Steak — a beloved comfort food classic that’s rich in flavor, easy on the wallet, and simple to make. Traditionally made with seasoned ground beef, shaped like steak, and baked in a savory gravy, this dish is a staple in Amish and Mennonite kitchens for good reason.

It’s old-fashioned, stick-to-your-ribs cooking — the kind that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and brings everyone to the table.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love Amish Poor Man’s Steak

• Budget-friendly: Made with ground beef instead of expensive cuts.

• Comforting: Rich gravy and tender meat make this a cozy, satisfying dish.

• Make-ahead friendly: Patties can be formed in advance or frozen.

• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or feeding a hungry family.

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🧾 Ingredients

For the “Steaks”:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef

• 1 cup crushed saltine crackers (or breadcrumbs)

• 1 cup milk

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Gravy:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• ½ cup milk

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional but recommended)

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Amish Poor Man’s Steak

Step 1: Make the meat mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed crackers, milk, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined, but don’t overwork the meat.

Step 2: Shape and chill
Form the mixture into flat, oval-shaped patties — about 6 to 8, depending on size. Place the patties on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape.

Step 3: Brown the patties
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil and lightly brown each patty for 2–3 minutes per side. You don’t need to cook them through — just enough to get a nice crust.

Step 4: Make the gravy
In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup milk, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.

Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the browned patties in a baking dish. Pour the gravy mixture over the top, making sure they’re well coated. Cover with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, until cooked through and bubbling.

Step 6: Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Mashed potatoes – Classic pairing for gravy-soaked patties.

• Egg noodles or buttered rice – Great for soaking up all that savory sauce.

• Green beans or peas – For a touch of color and crunch.

• Dinner rolls or cornbread – To mop up every last bit of gravy.

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🔄 Variations & Tips

• Use cream of chicken soup if you don’t like mushrooms.

• Add garlic or herbs to the beef mixture for more flavor.

• Make it cheesy – sprinkle shredded cheese over the top before baking.

• Freeze ahead: Shape patties and freeze raw for easy meal prep.

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💡 Pro Tips

• Don’t skip chilling the patties. It helps them stay firm and steak-like during cooking.

• Use lean ground beef to reduce grease in the gravy.

• Taste-test a small piece of the meat mixture (cooked in a skillet) to check seasoning before forming all the patties.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

• Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the gravy if needed.

• Freeze baked or unbaked patties for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking.

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📝 Final Thoughts

Amish Poor Man’s Steak proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make a meal that’s rich in flavor and tradition. This simple dish is a reminder of how home-cooked meals can be affordable, comforting, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for chilly nights, Sunday suppers, or whenever you need a taste of nostalgia.