Description
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a comforting American classic featuring ground beef patties enveloped in a creamy mushroom gravy. This easy-to-make dish combines simple pantry staples and baking to deliver a flavorful, hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Patties
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup crushed saltine crackers
- 1 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Gravy
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for browning)
Instructions
- Prepare the Patty Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed saltines, 1 cup milk, finely chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix gently until just incorporated to keep the mixture tender.
- Shape the Patties: Form the mixture into rectangular patties about ½ inch thick. Place them on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling helps the patties hold their shape during cooking.
- Brown the Patties: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown patties for 2–3 minutes on each side until nicely seared; do this in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Once browned, transfer patties to a baking dish.
- Prepare the Gravy: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup milk, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and evenly combined.
- Bake the Patties: Pour the prepared gravy over the browned patties in the baking dish. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and patties to cook through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the patties rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period ensures the meat juices redistribute for a moist bite.
Notes
- For added richness, try adding sliced mushrooms or sautéed onions to the mushroom gravy.
- Breadcrumbs can substitute crushed saltine crackers if preferred.
- Serve the dish with mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a complete, comforting meal.
- Ensure not to overmix the beef mixture to maintain tender patties.