Amish Poor Man’s Steak – Hearty, Simple & Comforting
Introduction
This Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a classic comfort food recipe that’s budget-friendly, hearty, and full of flavor. Made with simple pantry staples like ground beef, breadcrumbs, and onion, these patties are seasoned to perfection, baked in a creamy gravy, and served hot for a satisfying meal. It’s the kind of dish that feels rustic and homey, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Budget-friendly: Uses everyday ingredients you likely already have.
Family favorite: Hearty, filling, and kid-approved.
Easy to make: Simple steps with big flavor payoff.
Versatile: Great with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
Recipe Details
Yields: 4–6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Ingredients
For the Patties
1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
½ small onion, finely chopped
½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or Italian)
¼ cup milk (whole milk or any variety)
1 egg
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp paprika (optional, for extra depth)
For the Gravy (optional but traditional)
1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
½ cup milk
½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt & pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Patties
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep patties tender.
Shape mixture into oval patties, about ½ inch thick.
- Brown the Patties
Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil.
Brown patties on both sides for 2–3 minutes per side. (They don’t need to be fully cooked yet.)
- Prepare the Gravy
In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place browned patties in a baking dish.
Pour gravy mixture over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes, until patties are cooked through and gravy is bubbling.
- Serve
Spoon patties and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
Use 80/20 beef: Keeps patties juicy and flavorful.
Brown first: Adds flavor and helps patties hold shape.
Don’t overmix: Overworking the meat makes patties tough.
Make ahead: Patties can be shaped and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.
Variations
Cheesy version: Add shredded cheddar to the beef mixture.
Herb twist: Mix in parsley, thyme, or dill for extra flavor.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Different gravy: Try cream of chicken or beef broth-based gravy.
Serving Ideas
Classic pairing: Mashed potatoes and green beans.
Rustic option: Serve with buttered egg noodles.
Lighter side: Pair with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables.
Comfort food platter: Add homemade biscuits or cornbread.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze patties (with or without gravy) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in oven.
Conclusion
This Amish Poor Man’s Steak is hearty, comforting, and budget-friendly. With its tender beef patties and creamy gravy, it’s a recipe that brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table.