Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a hearty, budget-friendly comfort food recipe that delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. Originating from traditional Amish kitchens, this dish transforms basic ground beef into tender, flavorful patties, smothered in a rich, savory gravy. It’s an ideal recipe for families seeking satisfying meals without breaking the bank.
This dish captures the essence of Amish cooking—resourceful, wholesome, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a centerpiece for a cozy weekend meal, Poor Man’s Steak pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side of crusty bread. With a few pantry staples and a little time, you’ll create a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
- Affordable: Uses ground beef, a cost-effective protein, making it perfect for feeding families on a budget.
- Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, so you won’t need to make a special trip to the store.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of sides like potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the patties and sauce in advance for easy meal prep.
- Comforting and Delicious: The combination of tender patties and rich gravy is a classic, crowd-pleasing flavor.
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a shining example of how simple cooking can yield extraordinary results. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting, this recipe is approachable and foolproof.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Equipment Used
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Large skillet
- Whisk
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Patties:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into oval-shaped patties, about ½-inch thick.
- Brown the Patties:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Brown the patties on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer them to a baking dish.
- Make the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add beef broth and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until the gravy thickens.
- Bake the Dish:
- Pour the gravy over the patties in the baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Mushroom Gravy: Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for added depth and flavor.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the patties before baking.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Incorporate fresh parsley or thyme into the gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative, but you may need to adjust seasoning to enhance the flavor.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Absolutely! Freeze the cooked patties and gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove or in the oven.
Q: How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
A: Add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the gravy, cooking until it reaches the desired consistency.
Pro Tips By Elisa
- Use a gentle hand when mixing the meat to avoid tough patties.
- For extra flavor, add finely chopped onions or garlic to the beef mixture.
- Allow the patties to rest for 5 minutes after baking to absorb the gravy.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic meal.
- Serve with a side of buttered egg noodles or rice to soak up the delicious gravy.
- Accompany with a fresh garden salad for a lighter option.
Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Large skillet
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
Prepare the Patties:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into oval-shaped patties, about ½-inch thick.
Brown the Patties:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Brown the patties on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer them to a baking dish.
Make the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add beef broth and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until the gravy thickens.
Bake the Dish:
- Pour the gravy over the patties in the baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
For extra flavor, add finely chopped onions or garlic to the beef mixture.