If you’re craving a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs dinner that feels like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen, this Amish Poor Man’s Steak is exactly what you need. Made with seasoned ground beef and baked in a creamy mushroom gravy, this comforting classic delivers big flavor on a budget.
Inspired by traditional Amish home cooking, this dish turns simple pantry staples into a satisfying, oven-baked meal that comes out fork-tender every time. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or make-ahead meal prep.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly comfort food made with simple ingredients
- Rich, creamy mushroom gravy baked right into the dish
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping
- Pairs beautifully with potatoes, noodles, or rice
What You’ll Need
Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card at the bottom.
For the Steak Patties
- Ground beef
- Crushed saltine crackers
- Whole milk
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- All-purpose flour (for dredging)
For the Gravy
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Whole milk
- Fresh parsley
How to Make This Recipe
Below is an overview. The full step-by-step method is included in the recipe card.
- Prepare a creamy mushroom gravy and set it aside.
- Mix ground beef with crackers, milk, and seasonings, then form patties.
- Lightly dredge and sear the patties until golden.
- Arrange in a baking dish, cover with gravy, and bake until tender.
Tips & Variations
- Make it ahead: Patties and gravy can be prepared in advance and baked later.
- Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add extra depth to the gravy.
- Stretch the meal: Serve with steamed vegetables or a crisp side salad.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze uncooked patties and gravy separately for easy dinners.
Amish Poor Man’s Steak
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
For the Patties
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1½ cups crushed saltine crackers
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- All-purpose flour, for dredging
For the Gravy
- 2 cans (10.75 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1½ tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Whisk together mushroom soup, milk, and parsley until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, crushed crackers, milk, and seasonings just until combined.
- Form mixture into evenly sized patties.
- Lightly dredge patties in flour.
- Sear patties in a hot skillet over medium-high heat until golden on both sides.
- Arrange patties in the baking dish and pour gravy evenly over them.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30–40 minutes, until fully cooked and tender.
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
- Garnish with extra parsley for a fresh finish.