There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that’s both comforting and steeped in tradition. Amish Poor Man’s Steak is exactly that—a humble dish that originated in Amish communities, where resourcefulness and simplicity reign supreme. This recipe is proof that you don’t need expensive cuts of meat to create a meal that’s delicious, filling, and loved by all. Made from ground beef and a few pantry staples, this dish has been passed down through generations, embodying the ingenuity of Amish cooking.
Imagine sinking your fork into a tender, flavorful patty, smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. The combination of textures and flavors, especially when paired with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and buttery corn, is nothing short of comforting. Whether you’re looking to serve up a hearty dinner for your family or need a simple yet satisfying dish for a gathering, Amish Poor Man’s Steak is the perfect choice.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to whip up this classic, comforting dish:
- 2 pounds ground beef: The base of our “steak” patties, providing a tender and flavorful bite.
- 1/2 diced onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the patties.
- 1 cup crumbled saltine crackers: Helps bind the patties together and adds a slight crunch.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the patties moist and tender.
- 1/4 cup flour: For coating the patties, giving them a nice crust when browned.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a hint of savory flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors of the dish.
- 3 tablespoons butter: For browning the patties, adding richness to the flavor.
For the gravy sauce:
- 1-2 cans cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy, savory gravy that smothers the patties.
- 1.5 cups of milk: Thins the soup to the perfect gravy consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Amish Poor Man’s Steak
Follow these steps to create a dish that’s both comforting and delicious:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C): Get your oven warming up so it’s ready to bake the patties to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak Patties
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, crumbled saltine crackers, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. This mixture will be the base of your steak patties.
- Shape the patties: Form the mixture into oval or rectangular patties, mimicking the shape of a traditional steak. You should end up with 6-8 patties, depending on the size.
Step 3: Coat and Brown the Patties
- Coat the patties: Lightly coat each patty with flour, shaking off any excess. The flour helps create a nice crust when the patties are browned.
- Brown the patties: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the patties to the skillet and cook until they are browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. This step is just for color and flavor—don’t worry about cooking them through just yet.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
- Transfer to baking dish: Place the browned patties in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
- Make the gravy: In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with the milk until smooth. Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the patties, making sure they are well-covered.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes. This slow baking process allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the patties are tender and juicy.
- Finish baking uncovered: After 50 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Cool slightly and serve: Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking, allowing the flavors to settle. Serve the patties smothered in gravy, alongside your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, corn, or green beans.
Variations & Tips: Customize Your Poor Man’s Steak
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to make it your own:
Cheese Lover’s Delight
- Add cheese: Mix some shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the beef mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Mushroom-Free Option
- Try a different gravy: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead. Or, make a homemade gravy using beef broth, a bit of flour, and butter.
Healthier Substitutions
- Use ground turkey: For a leaner version, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. It’s a great way to lighten up the dish while keeping it flavorful.
Add Some Spice
- Kick it up a notch: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. This will give the dish a subtle, spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Steak
While Amish Poor Man’s Steak is hearty and satisfying on its own, here are some great ideas for sides to complete the meal:
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Classic pairing: Serve the steak patties over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The potatoes soak up the gravy beautifully, making each bite extra comforting.
Buttery Corn
- Sweet and savory: A side of buttery corn adds a sweet, fresh contrast to the rich, savory steak patties.
Steamed Green Beans
- Light and fresh: Steamed green beans or a simple green salad provide a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the dish.
Crusty Bread
- For the carb lovers: Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a dinner roll to mop up any leftover gravy. It’s indulgent but oh-so-satisfying!
Final Thoughts
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and comforting, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or add your own twist, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table.
So, next time you’re looking for a meal that’s easy to prepare but delivers big on comfort and flavor, give Amish Poor Man’s Steak a try. It might just become a new staple in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking!
Amish Poor Man's Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Steak Patties:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 onion diced
- 1 cup crumbled saltine crackers
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup flour for coating
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp butter
- For the Gravy:
- 1-2 cans 10.5 oz each cream of mushroom soup
- 1.5 cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Steak Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, crumbled saltine crackers, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Shape the mixture into 6-8 oval or rectangular patties.
- Coat and Brown the Patties: Lightly coat each patty with flour, shaking off any excess. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook until browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the browned patties in the greased baking dish in a single layer. In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth. Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the patties.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 50 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the top slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the patties smothered in gravy with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, corn, or green beans.