A classic, hearty dish from Amish kitchens, Poor Man Steak features tender beef patties baked in a rich, savory gravy. It’s a budget-friendly comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners and tastes like it’s been simmering all day—but comes together quickly and easily.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- It’s economical yet feels indulgent and satisfying.
- Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- A nostalgic recipe with down-home charm.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing for later.
- Packed with flavor and pairs beautifully with classic sides.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at the essentials. You’ll find the full list of ingredients at the end of the post.
- Ground beef
- Bread crumbs
- Eggs
- Onion, finely chopped
- Cream of mushroom soup (or homemade equivalent)
- Beef broth
Directions
- Prepare the beef patties: Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, and onion in a bowl. Shape the mixture into oval patties.
- Chill the patties: For best results, refrigerate the patties for 1-2 hours to help them hold their shape.
- Sear the patties: Lightly brown the patties in a hot skillet to lock in the flavor.
- Assemble in a baking dish: Arrange the patties in a single layer.
- Make the gravy: Mix cream of mushroom soup with beef broth and pour it over the patties.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until the patties are tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Spoon gravy over the patties and serve hot.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Make it ahead: Form and sear the patties the night before, then bake when ready to serve.
- Upgrade the gravy: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of dried thyme for more depth.
- Keep it moist: Don’t overwork the meat mixture; this keeps the patties tender.
- Homemade touch: Use a homemade mushroom gravy for a scratch-made flavor.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Turkey or chicken: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Vegetarian option: Use plant-based ground meat and a vegetarian broth.
- Different gravies: Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery or onion soup.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a hint of heat.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the gravy.
- Add a side of roasted green beans or glazed carrots for color and crunch.
- Pair with warm dinner rolls to round out the meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked patties in gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in a skillet over low heat.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use fresh breadcrumbs?
Yes, fresh breadcrumbs work great. Just pulse some bread slices in a food processor.
Q2: What’s the secret to tender patties?
Don’t overmix the beef mixture and chill the patties before cooking to maintain their shape.
Q3: Can I use a different soup base?
Absolutely! Cream of celery or onion soup works wonderfully as a substitute.
Q4: Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger baking dish or two dishes to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a humble yet deeply satisfying dish that’s stood the test of time. With its tender beef patties and luscious gravy, it’s a recipe that brings warmth to the table and smiles to everyone’s faces. Try it for your next family dinner, and enjoy a taste of classic comfort.
Print
Amish Poor Man Steak
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish
Description
A classic comfort food recipe from the Amish kitchen. Amish Poor Man Steak is a deliciously tender, flavorful beef patty baked in a rich gravy. This budget-friendly dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined. Shape the mixture into oval patties, about 1 inch thick.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer to a baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth and cream of mushroom soup. Pour the mixture over the patties in the baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or a side of steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for extra flavor.
- For homemade cream of mushroom soup, use a roux-based mushroom sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg