Description
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a comforting and hearty dish featuring ground beef patties simmered in a creamy mushroom gravy. This recipe involves preparing the beef mixture, pan-frying the patties, and then baking them in a rich mushroom sauce to tender, flavorful perfection. Perfect for a satisfying family meal served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cracker crumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Mushroom Gravy
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can water or broth
- Flour for dredging (about 1/4 cup)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together the ground beef, milk, cracker crumbs, salt, pepper, and finely chopped onion until well combined.
- Form and chill the loaf: Shape the beef mixture into a loaf shape and place it on a plate or in a baking dish. Cover it and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the loaf to set firmly.
- Slice the loaf: The next day, remove the beef loaf from the refrigerator and slice it into 1/2-inch thick slices or form the mixture into patties if preferred.
- Dredge the slices: Lightly coat each beef slice or patty in flour, shaking off any excess to ensure an even layer that will help create a nice crust when frying.
- Pan-fry the beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and pan-fry the floured beef slices until they are browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the browned beef slices to a baking dish arranged in a single layer.
- Make the mushroom gravy: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and one can of water or broth until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
- Add the gravy and bake: Pour the mushroom soup gravy evenly over the beef slices in the baking dish.
- Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 1 hour, or until the beef is heated through and the sauce has thickened nicely.
- Serve: Serve the Poor Man’s Steak slices smothered in the mushroom gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or tender egg noodles for a classic, comforting meal.
Notes
- Allowing the beef mixture to chill overnight helps the loaf hold together better and enhances the flavors.
- If preferred, chicken broth can be used instead of water for a richer gravy.
- Use gluten-free cracker crumbs and flour if you want to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For extra flavor, you can sauté the onions before mixing into the beef.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave and make great sandwiches the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
