Introduction

Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a comforting, old-fashioned dish that stretches simple ingredients into a hearty and satisfying meal. This budget-friendly recipe transforms ground beef into tender, flavorful “steaks,” then bakes them in a creamy mushroom gravy until they’re melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s a true farmhouse favorite—perfect for family dinners or cozy weekends when you crave home-cooked comfort.

Ingredients

For the Steak Patties:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup milk
• 1 ½ cups crushed saltine crackers (or breadcrumbs)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Gravy:

• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, milk, crushed crackers, chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
2. Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 8–10 rectangular or oval-shaped patties (about ½ inch thick). Place them on a large baking sheet or shallow dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This helps the patties firm up and hold together during cooking.
3. Brown the Patties: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly brown each patty on both sides. You don’t need to cook them through—just get a nice golden crust. Transfer browned patties to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Make the Gravy: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper until smooth.
5. Bake: Pour the gravy evenly over the browned patties. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and tender.
6. Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Description

Amish Poor Man’s Steak is the definition of comfort food—tender beef patties infused with homey flavor and smothered in creamy mushroom gravy. Each bite brings nostalgia and warmth, making this dish a staple in traditional Amish kitchens. It’s hearty enough for Sunday supper but simple enough for weeknights. The slow baking process ensures juicy meat and rich, savory sauce that pairs beautifully with any side.

Tips

• Let It Chill: Chilling the patties before cooking helps them stay firm and hold their shape.
• Use Fresh Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (around 85%) works best for flavor and moisture.
• Add Mushrooms or Onions: For extra texture, sauté sliced mushrooms or onions and add them to the gravy.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish a day ahead—just cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
• Double the Gravy: If you love extra sauce for mashed potatoes, double the gravy ingredients.

Correction

If your patties come out too dry or crumbly:

• Try using a bit more milk or fewer crackers next time.
• Don’t overmix the meat—gentle mixing keeps it tender.
• Cover tightly while baking to retain moisture.

Enjoy

Serve up this classic Amish Poor Man’s Steak with creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, or a warm roll for soaking up that delicious gravy. It’s a simple meal with a rich taste of home that brings everyone to the table smiling!