This Amish Poor Man’s Steak is the perfect example of cozy, no‑fuss cooking that turns simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal. Thick, seasoned beef patties are lightly floured, browned, and baked under a rich onion gravy until tender and juicy. It’s a comforting dinner that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, noodles, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every bit of gravy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥘 Easy & budget‑friendly: Uses basic pantry staples like ground beef, crackers, milk, and onions.
- 🍽️ Comforting classic: Rich gravy and juicy beef patties make it feel like a warm hug on a plate.
- 🍲 Versatile sides: Great served with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or veggies.
- 👨🍳 Meal‑prep friendly: You can shape the patties ahead of time and bake later.
Ingredients :
(Serves about 6 people)
For the Beef Patties
- 2 pounds (about 900 g) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 blend for best flavor and juiciness)
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (or plain breadcrumbs)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ½ cup all‑purpose flour for dredging
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning
For the Onion Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced or diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (optional)
- 3 tablespoons all‑purpose flour (for gravy thickening)
- 3 cups beef broth
- ½ cup milk or half‑and‑half
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sliced mushrooms, chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions :
1. Prep the Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
2. Soften the Crackers
In a large bowl, combine the crushed crackers and milk. Let sit for a few minutes to soften.
3. Mix the Patty Ingredients
Add ground beef, egg, garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Gently combine — do not overmix to avoid dense patties.
4. Shape and Flour
Divide mixture into 6 even portions and shape into patties about ¾‑inch thick. Lightly dredge each patty in flour.
5. Sear the Patties
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Sear patties 2 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
6. Make the Onion Gravy
Lower heat, melt butter, and sauté onions (and mushrooms if using) 6–8 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Add garlic for the last 30 seconds.
Sprinkle flour over onions and stir for about one minute. Slowly whisk in beef broth and milk. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
7. Bake Everything Together
Pour gravy over patties, cover with foil, and bake 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes to thicken gravy further.
8. Rest and Serve
Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or rice to soak up the gravy. Add steamed vegetables like green beans or glazed carrots for a colorful, balanced plate.
Tips & Variations
- Make‑Ahead: Shape patties and refrigerate overnight — flavors improve.
- Swap the Meat: Ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Mushroom Lovers: Add sliced mushrooms to the gravy for extra depth.
- Slow Cooker Option: Brown patties, pour gravy over, cook low 4–5 hours.
Conclusion :
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is more than just a hearty meal — it’s comfort food at its finest. The tender, juicy patties paired with rich, flavorful onion gravy bring warmth and satisfaction to the table, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need a taste of homestyle goodness. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish proves that even the humblest pantry staples can be transformed into a memorable, crowd-pleasing meal. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation — a true reminder that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated to leave a lasting impression.
