Amish Poor Man’s Steak

Here’s a cozy and budget-friendly comfort food classic: Amish Poor Man’s Steak — made with ground beef, simple pantry ingredients, and a creamy gravy. It’s like Salisbury steak meets meatloaf, and it’s a hit with both kids and adults.

🥩 Amish Poor Man’s Steak

📝 Ingredients:

For the “steak”:

• 2 lbs ground beef

• 1 1/2 cups cracker crumbs (saltines or butter crackers)

• 1 cup milk

• 1/2 tsp onion powder (or 1/4 cup finely diced onion)

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp pepper

For the gravy:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 1/2 cup milk or water

• Optional: a splash of Worcestershire sauce for added flavor

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Mix the “steak” patties:

   • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cracker crumbs, milk, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

   • Mix just until combined — don’t overmix.

   • Form into flattened patties (about 8).

2. Chill (optional but helpful):

   • For best results, refrigerate the patties for 30 minutes to 1 hour to help them hold their shape.

3. Brown the patties:

   • Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil or butter.

   • Brown the patties on both sides (about 2–3 minutes per side). You don’t need to cook them through — they’ll finish baking in the oven.

4. Make the gravy:

   • In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.

5. Bake:

   • Place browned patties in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

   • Pour gravy over the top.

   • Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.

6. Serve:

   • Spoon gravy over patties when serving.

   • Great with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed veggies.

📝 Tips & Variations:

• Substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if you prefer.

• Add sautéed mushrooms or onions to the gravy for extra flavor.

• Make it ahead — refrigerate overnight and bake the next day.

Would you like a from-scratch mushroom gravy version or a slow cooker method?