Amish Poor Man's Steak
A hearty and budget-friendly dish perfect for families, featuring savory beef patties smothered in rich gravy, ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
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!
Notes
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 to help them hold their shape. You can customize by adding grated cheese or diced vegetables for added texture and flavor.