First of all, thank you for being here. ❤️ It tells me you appreciate recipes that don’t just feed the body, but also feed the heart. This one is pure nostalgia — a dish you might have found bubbling away in a farmhouse kitchen or brought to a church potluck decades ago.
Despite its humble name, Amish Poor Man’s Steak is rich in flavor and brimming with comfort. It’s the kind of meal that makes you linger at the dinner table just a little longer, savoring both the taste and the company.
📩 Want to save this recipe for later? [Subscribe here to get it delivered straight to your inbox!]
What Is Amish Poor Man’s Steak?
Don’t let the name fool you — there’s no expensive steak here, but there is plenty of hearty satisfaction. This classic Amish-inspired recipe takes ground beef, milk, cracker crumbs, and onion, then chills the mixture overnight so the flavors meld beautifully.
The next day, the loaf is sliced into thick patties, browned for a crispy edge, and then baked in a creamy mushroom gravy until fork-tender.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly — uses simple pantry staples
- Make-ahead friendly — the overnight chill time makes busy days easier
- Versatile serving options — over potatoes, noodles, or rice
- Rich and hearty — a true comfort food classic
What Does It Taste Like?
Think Salisbury steak — but softer, richer, and more rustic. The patties are tender and juicy inside, with a savory crust from browning. The mushroom gravy soaks into every bite, making it indulgent without being fussy.
Benefits of Making It at Home
- No hidden preservatives or fillers
- Ability to control the seasoning and gravy thickness
- Perfect for batch cooking — leftovers reheat beautifully
- Customizable with different herbs, mushrooms, or cream bases
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup crushed crackers (saltines work perfectly)
- 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 beef broth
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Loaf pan or baking dish
- Skillet for browning
- Baking dish with lid (or foil)
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version
- Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery or cream of chicken
- Add chopped fresh mushrooms to the gravy for extra texture
- Sprinkle parsley or chives before serving for color and freshness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Meat — In a large bowl, combine ground beef, milk, crushed crackers, salt, pepper, and chopped onion. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape & Chill — Press mixture into a loaf shape, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- Slice & Brown — Cut loaf into thick patties. Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown each side until golden.
- Prepare the Gravy — In a bowl, whisk cream of mushroom soup with water or broth until smooth.
- Bake — Place patties in a baking dish, pour gravy over the top, cover, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes.
- Serve — Spoon extra gravy over each portion before serving.
What to Serve with Amish Poor Man’s Steak
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed green beans or peas
- Candied carrots
- Buttermilk biscuits or crusty bread
Tips for Perfect Poor Man’s Steak
- Don’t skip the overnight rest — it’s what makes the patties so tender and flavorful.
- Brown in batches — overcrowding the pan will steam instead of sear.
- Double the gravy — it’s too good not to have extra for sides.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze patties with gravy for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! The loaf can be mixed and chilled up to 24 hours in advance.
Q: Can I skip the mushroom soup?
A: Yes, but you’ll need another creamy base — cream of celery, cream of chicken, or homemade white sauce works well.
Q: Can I use fresh herbs?
A: Absolutely! Parsley, thyme, or rosemary add brightness to the dish.
Conclusion
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is proof that a few simple ingredients, treated with a little patience, can create something extraordinary. It’s affordable, deeply satisfying, and filled with the kind of homestyle flavor that never goes out of style.
If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy:
- Amish Chicken & Noodles
- Homestyle Beef and Gravy
- Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy
💌 Tried this recipe? Leave a review, pin it on Pinterest, and share your photos — I love seeing your kitchen creations!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate, based on 6 servings:
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 17g
- Carbs: 14g
- Protein: 20g
Leave a Reply