My Amish Friend Showed Me This ‘Poor Man’s Steak’ Recipe – A Hearty, Budget-Friendly Classic

 

When my Amish friend first introduced me to this ‘Poor Man’s Steak’ recipe, I was instantly intrigued. She told me it was a staple in her community—an affordable yet delicious dish packed with flavor and made with simple, everyday ingredients. After trying it, I knew I had to share it with you!

This recipe transforms humble ground beef into a flavorful, tender steak-like dish smothered in a rich gravy. It’s perfect for a comforting meal that doesn’t break the bank. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this Amish classic is sure to satisfy.

---

Ingredients

For the ‘steak’ patties:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup crushed saltine crackers (or bread crumbs)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

For the coating:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

---

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak Patties

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed saltine crackers, milk, chopped onion, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley.
2. Mix everything together until just combined—don’t overwork the meat, or it can become tough.
3. Shape the mixture into oval-shaped patties, about 1/2-inch thick. Place them on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.

Step 2: Coat and Brown the Patties

1. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, and black pepper.
2. Lightly coat each patty in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
4. Brown the patties on both sides until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side). You don’t need to cook them through—just get a nice crust. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

1. In the same skillet, add the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until smooth.
2. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Bake Everything Together

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange the browned patties in a greased baking dish.
3. Pour the gravy over the patties, ensuring they are fully covered.
4. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become extra tender.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

• Serve your Amish Poor Man’s Steak with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and extra flavor.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients that are easy to find. ✔ Easy to Make: No fancy techniques—just mix, shape, brown, and bake. ✔ Comforting and Hearty: Perfect for a cozy family dinner. ✔ Great for Leftovers: The flavors develop even more the next day!

My Amish friend swears by this recipe, and now it’s a beloved favorite in my household too. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out for you!

Happy cooking!