Description
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a comforting, homestyle dish featuring seasoned ground beef patties simmered in a rich homemade beef gravy. The patties are seared for flavor and then baked to tender perfection, absorbing the savory gravy. Ideal for a hearty family meal, this recipe pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
Ingredients
For the Patties
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 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
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, cracker crumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
- Shape Patties and Chill: Form the mixture into rectangular or oval patties about 1 inch thick. Arrange them on a baking sheet or tray, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the patties after searing.
- Sear Patties: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are browned but not fully cooked. Transfer the patties to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make Roux and Gravy: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Gradually whisk in beef broth, onion powder, and garlic powder. Let the gravy simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake Patties in Gravy: Pour the prepared gravy evenly over the seared patties in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to further thicken the gravy and complete cooking the patties.
- Serve: Serve the Amish Poor Man’s Steak hot, ideally accompanied by mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Chilling the patties before searing helps them hold their shape and results in a better texture.
- Using cracker crumbs adds moisture and tenderness to the patties; saltines or Ritz both work well.
- Be sure not to overcook the patties during searing, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth if available.
- Leftover gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
