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Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a hearty, budget-friendly comfort food that’s been passed down through generations in Amish kitchens. Made from ground beef and pantry staples, it mimics the texture and flavor of traditional steak without the cost. This dish is baked in a creamy gravy and perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday meals. It’s old-fashioned, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet (optional, for browning)
- Foil or baking dish cover
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Steaks:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 ½ cups crushed saltine crackers (or breadcrumbs)
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 for the best flavor and moisture.
- Saltines vs. Breadcrumbs: Saltines add a nostalgic flavor, but breadcrumbs work just as well.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Can be substituted with cream of chicken or homemade mushroom gravy.
- Onion: Can be sautéed before mixing if you prefer a sweeter, milder flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed saltines, milk, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated but don’t overmix.
- Shape the mixture into rectangular “steaks” or patties (about 6–8), and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- (Optional) Brown the patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side for extra flavor.
- Mix the gravy: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Pour the gravy evenly over the steaks in the baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes to let the gravy thicken.
- Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or vegetables.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 470
- Protein: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
(Nutrition may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.)
Tips
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the steaks and gravy up to 1 day in advance. Refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Freezer-Friendly: Assemble and freeze unbaked. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Lighter Version: Use ground turkey or lean beef, low-fat milk, and a low-sodium soup.
- Homemade Gravy: Replace canned soup with a roux-based homemade mushroom or onion gravy for a from-scratch flavor.
