Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a traditional, hearty dish that reflects the simplicity and ingenuity of Amish cuisine. This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a delicious, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Whether you’re familiar with Amish cooking or exploring it for the first time, this dish is a must-try for anyone seeking comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients for Amish Poor Man’s Steak
To prepare this classic recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Steaks:
- 2 pounds of ground beef
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- For the Gravy:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce (optional for added depth)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Steaks
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, salt, and pepper. Combine until just blended—avoid overmixing to keep the steaks tender.
- Shape the mixture into oval-shaped patties, about ½ inch thick.
2. Brown the Steaks
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with oil or butter.
- Brown the patties on both sides until they’re golden but not fully cooked. Transfer to a baking dish.
3. Make the Gravy
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Pour the gravy over the browned steaks in the baking dish, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the steaks are fully cooked and tender.
Serving Suggestions
Amish Poor Man’s Steak pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice. Add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to round out the meal. For a true Amish-inspired feast, serve with homemade bread or rolls.
Tips for Success
- Make Ahead: Prepare the patties and gravy in advance for a quick weeknight dinner. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Customize the Gravy: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or chicken for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Freezing: These steaks freeze well! Assemble the patties and gravy in a freezer-safe dish, and thaw before baking.
The Amish Kitchen Tradition
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is more than just a recipe—it’s a reflection of the resourceful and wholesome cooking traditions that define Amish culture. This dish showcases how simple ingredients can be elevated to create something truly special.
Try This Recipe Today!
Ready to experience the comforting flavors of Amish Poor Man’s Steak? Gather your ingredients and start cooking this beloved dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a taste of classic Amish cooking you won’t want to miss.
Serving and Storage Tips for Amish Poor Man’s Steak
Serving Tips
- Pair with Sides:
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Popular choices include:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture complements the savory gravy perfectly.
- Rice or Buttered Noodles: These starchy sides soak up the flavorful gravy, making each bite extra satisfying.
- Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, carrots, or peas add a healthy balance to the rich dish.
- Salads: A fresh, light salad with greens or coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty steak.
- Top it Off:
For a unique twist, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or grated cheese on top of the steak before serving. This adds color and an extra layer of flavor. - Family-Style Serving:
Serve this dish family-style by bringing the baking dish directly to the table. This encourages sharing and adds a cozy, homey feel to the meal.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration:
- Leftovers: Store leftover Amish Poor Man’s Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- Gravy Storage: If you have extra gravy, store it separately in a container, as it will prevent the steaks from becoming soggy when reheating.
- Freezing:
- For Long-Term Storage: Amish Poor Man’s Steak freezes well for up to 3 months. To freeze:
- Prepare the steaks and gravy as directed but stop before baking.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual, adding extra time if needed to ensure the steaks are fully heated through.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat leftovers by covering the dish with foil and placing it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that Amish Poor Man’s Steak remains delicious and convenient for future meals!
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef in Amish Poor Man’s Steak. The texture will be slightly different, and the flavor may be a bit milder, but it will still make a delicious and lighter version of the dish.
2. Can I make Amish Poor Man’s Steak in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this dish in a slow cooker. After browning the patties in a skillet, transfer them to the slow cooker, add the gravy, and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the steaks are tender.
3. Can I use homemade breadcrumbs instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade breadcrumbs will add a fresh, wholesome flavor to your Amish Poor Man’s Steak. Simply dry out some bread, crumble it, and use it in the recipe as a direct substitution for store-bought breadcrumbs.
4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Amish Poor Man’s Steak gluten-free, substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed gluten-free crackers. Be sure to check that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free or use a gluten-free alternative.
Amish Poor Man’s Steak
This Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a comforting and budget-friendly dish that transforms simple ground beef into tender, flavorful steaks. Coated in a rich brown gravy, it’s perfect served with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables for a hearty, home-cooked meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Amish, Comfort Food
Ingredients
(Serves 4-6)
For the Steaks:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed saltine crackers)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Steak Patties:
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 4-6 oval-shaped patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Place the patties on a tray, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
2. Brown the Patties:
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil or a small pat of butter.
- Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side until browned (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the gravy thickens.
4. Simmer the Patties in Gravy:
- Return the browned patties to the skillet, spooning some gravy over them.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the patties are fully cooked and tender.
5. Serve:
- Serve the steaks with the rich gravy poured over the top.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered noodles for a classic Amish-style meal.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare the patties and refrigerate them up to 24 hours in advance.
- Extra Flavor: Add sautéed mushrooms or onions to the gravy for an additional layer of richness.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.