Amish Poor Man’s Steak

Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. That’s certainly true for the Amish classic known as Poor Man’s Steak—a hearty, budget-friendly meal that’s stood the test of time. While it may lack traditional steak, this dish makes up for it with pure comfort, nostalgia, and stick-to-your-ribs goodness.

At first glance, Poor Man’s Steak resembles a dressed-up hamburger patty bathed in a rich, savory mushroom gravy. But one bite of this beloved Amish staple reveals why it has endured for generations—it tastes like home.

The Magic Behind Poor Man’s Steak

The secret to its comforting flavor starts with a simple mixture of ground beef, milk, cracker crumbs, onions, salt, and pepper. These humble ingredients are combined and shaped into a rectangular loaf, then chilled overnight to allow the flavors to meld and develop.

The next day, the loaf is sliced into thick patties, lightly dredged in flour, and pan-fried to a golden brown. The final touch? A rich, creamy mushroom gravy made from condensed cream of mushroom soup thinned with water or broth. Once smothered in this luscious sauce, the dish is baked to perfection, allowing the beef to absorb every bit of its deep, comforting flavor.

A Taste of Nostalgia

Each bite delivers a satisfying balance of juicy beef, crispy edges, and velvety mushroom gravy, with just the right hint of diner-style seasoning. It’s a meal that brings back memories of family dinners, church potlucks, and home-cooked comfort food at its finest.

Though easy on the wallet, Poor Man’s Steak is rich in flavor and deeply satisfying. Serve it with fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up that incredible gravy, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a true indulgence.

Tips for the Ultimate Poor Man’s Steak

• Extra Gravy: Love extra sauce? Double or triple the gravy portion for generous smothering and dipping.
• Herbaceous Touch: Sprinkle fresh parsley, thyme, or chives on top to add a bit of brightness and contrast to the richness.
• Perfect Pairings: Serve alongside buttery candied carrots or stewed tomatoes for a well-rounded, comforting meal.

While this dish was born out of necessity, its timeless appeal continues to bring families together around the dinner table. There’s something incredibly special about a meal that transcends its humble ingredients to become a cherished tradition.

Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup cracker crumbs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can water or broth

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, milk, cracker crumbs, salt, pepper, and onion until well combined.
2. Shape the beef mixture into a loaf and place it in a dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. The next day, slice the loaf into 1/2-inch thick patties.
4. Lightly dredge the patties in flour.
5. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and pan-fry the patties until browned on both sides.
6. Transfer the browned beef patties to a baking dish.
7. In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and water/broth until smooth.
8. Pour the gravy over the beef patties in the baking dish.
9. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour until hot and the sauce has thickened.
10. Serve the Poor Man’s Steak smothered in gravy over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.