Amish Poor Man’s Steak

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 ½ cups cracker crumbs (saltine crackers, finely crushed)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup milk (for gravy)
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for browning, optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the meat mixture

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cracker crumbs, 1 cup milk, onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.

Step 2: Form and chill patties

3. Shape the mixture into thick, steak-like patties (about 8–10).

4. Place them on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. (This helps them hold their shape while cooking.)

Step 3: Brown the patties (optional, for extra flavor)

5. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Quickly brown each side of the patties (they don’t need to be cooked through).

6. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Make the gravy

7. In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and ½ cup milk until smooth.

8. Pour the mixture evenly over the patties.

Step 5: Bake

9. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, until the patties are cooked through and tender.

10. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the gravy slightly.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Amish Poor Man’s Steak hot with:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Egg noodles
  • Rice
  • Steamed vegetables or buttered peas

The creamy gravy pairs perfectly with starchy sides!

Storage Tips:

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to loosen the gravy.
  • Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze patties with gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

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