Name: Amish Poor Man's Steak
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Amish
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup cracker crumbs (or breadcrumbs/oats as variation); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 small onion, finely chopped; All-purpose flour (for dredging); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup water or beef broth

Amish Poor Man's Steak is a delicious and budget-friendly comfort food that transforms simple pantry staples into a hearty, satisfying meal. Tender ground beef patties are seasoned, pan-fried, and baked in a creamy mushroom gravy that soaks into every bite. It's the kind of home-cooked dish that brings warmth to the table and leaves no one hungry.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and economical this recipe is. It uses basic ingredients I usually have on hand, but the result tastes like something that took hours to make. The patties turn out juicy and flavorful, and the creamy gravy is the perfect finishing touch. It’s a meal I can rely on to please everyone—especially when I serve it with mashed potatoes or noodles.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Milk
Cracker crumbs
Salt
Black pepper
Onion, finely chopped
All-purpose flour (for dredging)
Cream of mushroom soup
Water or beef broth

Directions

I combine the ground beef, milk, cracker crumbs, salt, pepper, and finely chopped onion in a mixing bowl.
I shape the mixture into a loaf and cover it, letting it chill in the fridge overnight.
The next day, I slice the loaf into thick patties.
I dredge each patty lightly in flour to help with browning.
In a skillet, I pan-fry the patties over medium heat until browned on both sides.
I place the browned patties in a baking dish.
In a separate bowl, I mix the cream of mushroom soup with water or broth until smooth.
I pour the mixture over the patties in the dish.
I bake everything at 350°F for about 1 hour until it's bubbly and the patties are cooked through.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes (not including chilling)

Variations

I sometimes add Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder to the meat for extra flavor.
If I’m out of cracker crumbs, breadcrumbs or rolled oats work just as well.
I like using cream of celery or cream of onion soup when I want to switch things up.
For a lighter version, I’ve tried using ground turkey instead of beef and it still turned out tasty.

storage/reheating

Leftovers go into an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To freeze, I let everything cool, then pack the patties and gravy in a freezer-safe container. They’re good for up to 3 months.
When it’s time to reheat, I use the microwave for quick portions or the oven for bigger batches. I make sure they’re heated through and the gravy is nice and warm again.

FAQs

Can I skip the overnight chilling step?

Yes, I can cook the patties right away, but chilling helps them hold their shape better during frying.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

I’ve used cream of celery and cream of chicken before—they both work great and change up the flavor a little.

How do I make this gluten-free?

I use gluten-free crackers or oats in place of regular crumbs and make sure the soup is gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely. I just make a bigger loaf, slice more patties, and bake everything in a larger dish.

What sides go best with this dish?

I usually serve it with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice—anything that soaks up that tasty gravy.

Conclusion

Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a go-to when I want a filling, comforting meal without spending a lot. It’s full of rich flavor and classic home-style goodness. I make it on cozy evenings, for family dinners, or any time I want to bring that old-fashioned warmth to the table. It's simple, satisfying, and always a hit.