Amish Poor Man's Steak

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Economical: Utilizes affordable ingredients without compromising on taste.

• Comforting: Delivers rich, homestyle flavors reminiscent of classic comfort food.

• Versatile: Pairs well with various side dishes like mashed potatoes, noodles, or vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Saltine cracker crumbs

• Milk

• Onion

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Chili powder

• Garlic powder

• All-purpose flour (for dredging)

• Butter (for frying)

• Cream of mushroom soup

• Milk (for gravy)

Directions

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely crushed saltine crackers, milk, finely chopped onion, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.

2. Shape the Patties: Form the mixture into thick, oval-shaped patties. For best results, refrigerate the patties for several hours or overnight to help them hold their shape during cooking.

3. Dredge in Flour: Lightly coat each patty with all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.

4. Sear the Patties: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the floured patties and cook until browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. The goal is to achieve a nice sear; the patties will finish cooking in the oven.

5. Prepare the Gravy: In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth.

6. Bake: Place the browned patties in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the mushroom gravy over the patties, ensuring they are well-covered. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour.

7. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the patties hot, smothered in the mushroom gravy.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.

• Preparation Time: About 30 minutes (excluding refrigeration time).

• Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes.

• Total Time: Around 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Variations

• Meat Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a mix of ground meats for a different flavor profile.

• Gravy Alternatives: Use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead of mushroom soup for a different taste.

• Additional Seasonings: Incorporate herbs like parsley or thyme into the meat mixture for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover patties and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a covered baking dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

FAQs

How did Poor Man's Steak originate?

Poor Man's Steak originated in Amish communities as a budget-friendly alternative to traditional steak, utilizing ground beef and simple ingredients to create a hearty meal.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and form the patties ahead of time. Refrigerate them overnight to enhance the flavor and texture before cooking.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the patties before cooking?

Refrigerating the patties helps them hold their shape during cooking, but if you're short on time, you can proceed without this step.

Can I freeze Poor Man's Steak?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked patties with gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve with Poor Man's Steak?

This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice, along with a side of vegetables like green beans or corn.

Can I use fresh mushrooms in the gravy?

Absolutely! Sauté fresh mushrooms and add them to the gravy for enhanced flavor and texture.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs in the meat mixture and a gluten-free flour blend for dredging. Ensure the cream of mushroom soup is also gluten-free.

Can I cook this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, after searing the patties, place them in a slow cooker, cover with the gravy, and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

What can I use instead of saltine crackers?

You can substitute saltine crackers with breadcrumbs, crushed pretzels, or even oatmeal as a binder.

How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Ensuring the meat mixture is well-combined and refrigerating the patties before cooking can help them maintain their shape.

Conclusion

Amish Poor Man's Steak is a testament to the beauty of simple, hearty cooking. This dish showcases the magic of transforming basic ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal that brings comfort to the table. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, it’s a recipe that’s sure to please everyone.

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Amish Poor Man's Steak is a comforting and budget-friendly recipe featuring ground beef, saltine cracker crumbs, and a creamy mushroom gravy. This hearty meal, perfect for family dinners, is easy to prepare and deliciously filling. Ideal for weeknight meals, it combines rich flavors with simple ingredients, ensuring a satisfying meal for everyone.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking, Pan-Frying
• Cuisine: Amish, Comfort Food
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Ground beef

Saltine cracker crumbs

Milk

Onion

Salt

Black pepper

Chili powder

Garlic powder

All-purpose flour (for dredging)

Butter (for frying)

Cream of mushroom soup

Milk (for gravy)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Meat Mixture: Combine ground beef, finely crushed saltine crackers, milk, finely chopped onion, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Mix until well combined.

• Shape the Patties: Form the mixture into thick, oval-shaped patties. Refrigerate the patties for several hours or overnight.

• Dredge in Flour: Coat each patty lightly with all-purpose flour, shaking off excess flour.

• Sear the Patties: Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties until browned on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). They will finish cooking in the oven.

• Prepare the Gravy: Mix cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth.

• Bake: Place browned patties in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the mushroom gravy over the patties, covering them well. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour.

• Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the patties hot, smothered in gravy.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or other meats for a variation in flavor.

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers, breadcrumbs, or flour.

• Refrigerating the patties helps them hold their shape, but it's not necessary if you're in a rush.