Amish Poor Man’s Steak

 Amish Poor Man’s Steak – A Comfort Food Classic

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. That’s exactly the case with Amish Poor Man’s Steak. Despite its humble name, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and deeply comforting. It’s proof that you don’t need expensive cuts of steak to enjoy a meal that tastes rich and satisfying.

This recipe has been passed down through Amish kitchens for generations, often made with affordable pantry staples. Instead of pricey steak, it uses seasoned ground beef patties that are baked until tender and smothered in a creamy gravy. The result? A budget-friendly dinner that feels like a feast.

And here’s the funny part — just like you said, you don’t feel “poor” eating it at all. The flavors are so comforting and the texture so satisfying that you’ll want to make it again and again, whether for a cozy family meal or a Sunday dinner.

 Ingredients for Amish Poor Man’s Steak

This recipe is simple and uses common pantry ingredients you probably already have:

For the Patties:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or Italian style)
• 1/4 cup milk (whole milk preferred, but any variety works)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra depth of flavor)

For the Gravy:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Patties

• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
• Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined (don’t overmix or the patties will be tough).
• Shape the mixture into oval patties, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.

2. Brown the Patties

• Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil.
• Sear each patty for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. (They don’t need to be fully cooked — just golden on the outside.)
• Transfer browned patties to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

3. Make the Gravy

• In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
• Season with a little salt and pepper.

4. Bake

• Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the patties in the baking dish.
• Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the gravy slightly.

5. Serve

• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Spoon extra gravy over the patties when plating.

 Serving Suggestions

Poor Man’s Steak is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with classic comfort sides. Try serving it with:

• Mashed potatoes (perfect for soaking up the gravy)
• Buttered noodles or egg noodles
• Steamed vegetables like green beans, carrots, or corn
• Amish-style dinner rolls
• A crisp garden salad

 Tips & Tricks

• Don’t skip browning the patties: It locks in flavor and makes the gravy richer.
• Add mushrooms or onions to the gravy: For extra flavor and texture.
• Make ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
• Double the recipe: This dish freezes well, making it a great meal prep option.

 Variations

• Cheesy Version: Add shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese into the beef mixture.
• Spicy Version: Mix in cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a kick.
• Lighter Version: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Homemade Gravy: Instead of cream of mushroom soup, make a simple gravy with butter, flour, and beef broth.

 FAQs

1. Why is it called “Poor Man’s Steak”?
Because it was originally created as a way to enjoy a steak-like dish without buying expensive cuts of beef. Ground beef was (and still is) more affordable.

2. Can I freeze Poor Man’s Steak?
Yes! Bake it fully, let it cool, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

3. Can I make it without cream of mushroom soup?
Absolutely. Substitute with cream of chicken soup or make homemade gravy.

4. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the patties first, then layer in a slow cooker with the gravy mixture. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

 Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbs: 15g

 Final Thoughts

This Amish Poor Man’s Steak proves that you don’t need expensive ingredients to make a meal that feels rich and indulgent. The tender beef patties and creamy gravy come together in a dish that’s budget-friendly, family-friendly, and utterly satisfying.