Amish Poor Man’s Steak: A Hearty and Budget-Friendly Delight

Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a comforting, budget-friendly dish that hails from the Amish tradition of turning simple, everyday ingredients into a hearty meal. This dish combines ground beef with a creamy mushroom sauce to create a flavorful steak-like dish that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this recipe is as easy to prepare as it is satisfying. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, preparation, and cooking process, ensuring your meal turns out just right.

 

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup cracker crumbs (use saltines or plain crackers)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

For the Sauce:

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can water or broth (chicken or beef, as preferred)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

 

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, milk, cracker crumbs, salt, black pepper, and finely chopped onion.
2. Mix well using your hands or a spatula until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 2: Shape the Steaks

1. Divide the beef mixture into 4-6 equal portions, depending on your preferred size.
2. Shape each portion into a flat, oval patty, resembling a small steak.

Step 3: Chill the Patties

1. Place the patties on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper.
2. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the patties hold their shape during cooking.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

1. While the patties are chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 5: Brown the Patties

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil or cooking spray.
2. Sear each patty for 2-3 minutes per side, just until browned.
3. Transfer the browned patties to a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with water or broth.
2. Whisk until smooth and well blended.

Step 7: Bake the Patties

1. Pour the mushroom sauce over the patties in the baking dish, ensuring each patty is well coated.
2. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

Step 8: Serve

1. Remove the patties from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
2. Serve hot, topped with the creamy mushroom sauce. Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite side dishes.

Notes and Tips

• Cracker Substitution: If you don’t have cracker crumbs, use breadcrumbs or crushed oats as a substitute.
• Mushroom Soup: For a homemade touch, prepare your own cream of mushroom soup using butter, flour, milk, and fresh mushrooms.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Customization: Add herbs like parsley, thyme, or garlic powder to the beef mixture for extra flavor.

 

Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a delicious reminder of how simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. With its creamy sauce and tender patties, this dish is a family favorite that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a comforting Sunday meal, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Amish-inspired cooking at its finest!