Amish Poor Man’s Steak

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This Amish Poor Man’s Steak recipe brings traditional farmhouse cooking to your table with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. It’s a delicious way to stretch ground beef into a comforting dish that’s smothered in creamy mushroom gravy. Serve it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a down-home dinner that feels like a warm hug.

Perfect for make-ahead meals, this recipe is budget-friendly and great for busy families or anyone craving classic comfort food with an old-fashioned twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-friendly using simple pantry staples
• Make-ahead: prep the patties the night before
• Bakes in the oven—no fuss after pan-frying
• Creamy mushroom gravy adds flavor and richness
• Feels like meatloaf meets Salisbury steak

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Ingredients

For the Patties

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup cracker crumbs
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

For the Gravy

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can water or broth

Optional for Cooking

• Flour, for dredging

Instructions

Step 1: Mix and Shape

• In a bowl, combine ground beef, milk, cracker crumbs, salt, pepper, and onion.
• Mix well and shape into a loaf.
• Place on a plate or baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

Step 2: Slice and Brown

• The next day, remove from the fridge and slice into ½-inch thick patties.
• Dredge lightly in flour.
• In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown patties on both sides.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

• Transfer browned patties to a greased baking dish.
• In a bowl, whisk cream of mushroom soup and water or broth until smooth.
• Pour over the beef patties.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, until hot and bubbly.

Step 4: Serve

• Spoon patties and creamy gravy over mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.
• Garnish with parsley if desired.

Tips for Success

• Use finely crushed crackers for better binding.
• For richer gravy, swap water for beef broth.
• Let patties rest 10 minutes after baking so sauce thickens further.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days—flavors deepen overnight!

Storage

• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze patties in gravy for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or microwave.

FAQs

Can I skip refrigerating overnight?
Yes, but chilling helps the patties hold shape better and develop flavor.

Can I use breadcrumbs instead of crackers?
Yes, just use about ¾ cup if using dry breadcrumbs.

Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken soup or make your own with a butter-flour roux and milk.

Final Thoughts

Amish Poor Man’s Steak is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few humble ingredients and a bit of prep, you get a hearty, flavorful dish that feeds the whole family. It’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or Sunday suppers—and it tastes even better the next day.

Whether you grew up eating dishes like this or you’re new to the tradition, this is one you’ll want to save, savor, and share.

Share Your Creations

Made this recipe? Tag it with #AmishSteak or #PoorMansSteak on Instagram or Pinterest—we’d love to see your cozy plates!