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Why You’ll Love Amish Poor Man’s Steak
- 🥩 Affordable & Filling: Made with simple pantry staples and ground beef.
 - 🍽️ Hearty Comfort Food: Tender, flavorful meat covered in creamy mushroom gravy.
 - ⏱️ Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the patties in advance for quick weeknight meals.
 - 👨👩👧👦 Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love this old-fashioned classic!
 
Ingredients
For the Steak Patties:
- 2 lbs ground beef
 - 1 cup milk
 - 1 cup crushed saltine crackers (about 25 crackers)
 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
 - 1 teaspoon salt
 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
 - 2 tablespoons oil or butter (for browning)
 
For the Gravy:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
 - ½ cup milk
 - ½ cup beef broth (optional for deeper flavor)
 
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, crushed saltines, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined — don’t overwork the meat, or it can become tough. - Shape the Patties:
Form the mixture into rectangular or oval-shaped patties, about ½-inch thick. - Brown the Patties:
Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown each side of the patties for 2–3 minutes, just until golden. (They’ll finish cooking in the oven.) - Make the Gravy:
In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk (and beef broth, if using) until smooth. - Bake Everything Together:
Arrange the browned patties in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the top.
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, until the patties are tender and cooked through. - Serve and Enjoy:
Spoon extra gravy over each serving and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. 
Serving Suggestions
This cozy dish pairs beautifully with classic comfort sides like:
- Mashed potatoes – to soak up all that creamy gravy
 - Buttered egg noodles or rice – a perfect, budget-friendly pairing
 - Steamed green beans, peas, or corn – for a pop of color and freshness
 - Homemade rolls – to complete that down-home Amish feel
 
Tips for the Best Poor Man’s Steak
- Use lean ground beef (80/20) for a juicy but not greasy result.
 - Add minced onions or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
 - Make it ahead: Assemble the patties and gravy the night before, refrigerate, and bake the next day.
 - Leftovers reheat well: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days — even better the next day as the flavors meld.
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