Amish Poor Man’s Steak
why make this recipe
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a hearty and budget-friendly dish perfect for families. It is simple to prepare and uses basic ingredients you likely already have at home. This dish is great for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending too much. The combination of savory beef patties and rich gravy makes it comforting and satisfying.
how to make Amish Poor Man’s Steak
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup cracker crumbs (saltines or Ritz)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cracker crumbs, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into rectangular or oval patties, about 1 inch thick. Place the patties on a baking sheet or tray. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side, just until browned. Transfer the patties to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, onion powder, and garlic powder. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the gravy evenly over the seared patties in the baking dish. Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the gravy thicken further.
- Serve the Amish Poor Man’s Steak hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
how to serve Amish Poor Man’s Steak
Serve Amish Poor Man’s Steak hot on a plate. Pair it with comforting sides like mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered noodles. A side of steamed vegetables or a green salad can add freshness to your meal. Don’t forget to offer some bread to soak up the delicious gravy!
how to store Amish Poor Man’s Steak
To store leftover Amish Poor Man’s Steak, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
tips to make Amish Poor Man’s Steak
- For extra flavor, you can add different spices or herbs to the meat mixture, such as paprika or parsley.
- Make sure to chill the patties before cooking. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of this dish.
variation (if any)
You can customize Amish Poor Man’s Steak by adding grated cheese to the meat mixture for a cheesy twist. Some people also like to mix in diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to make a lighter version of this dish. -
How do I reheat the leftovers?
You can reheat the leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quicker option. -
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the patties and gravy a day ahead. Just store them separately in the fridge and bake them when you’re ready to serve.

Amish Poor Man's Steak
Ingredients
For the beef patties
- 2 pounds ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- 1 cup cracker crumbs (saltines or Ritz)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the gravy
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cracker crumbs, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into rectangular or oval patties, about 1 inch thick. Place the patties on a baking sheet or tray. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Cooking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side, just until browned. Transfer the patties to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, onion powder, and garlic powder. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the gravy evenly over the seared patties in the baking dish. Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the gravy thicken further.
Serving
- Serve Amish Poor Man's Steak hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. A side of steamed vegetables or a green salad can add freshness to your meal. Don’t forget to offer some bread to soak up the delicious gravy!