Description
This Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a classic comfort food made with budget-friendly ground beef, saltine crackers, and creamy mushroom gravy. Baked until tender and flavorful, these hearty beef patties are perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead freezer meals. It’s old-fashioned home cooking at its best.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 sleeve (about 30) crushed saltine crackers
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for browning)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ¼–½ cup milk or water (to thin the gravy)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed crackers, milk, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form mixture into 6–8 thick oval patties.
- Lightly dredge each patty in flour, shaking off excess.
- In a skillet, melt butter or heat oil over medium heat. Brown patties for 2–3 minutes per side (do not cook through).
- Transfer patties to prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup with milk or water until smooth. Pour over patties.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45–60 minutes, until patties are cooked through and gravy is bubbly.
Notes
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
- Try with cream of chicken or celery soup for a variation.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese in the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy finish.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice to soak up the gravy.
