Description

Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a comforting and hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef patties simmered in a rich, homemade beef gravy. This classic family recipe combines simple ingredients for a flavorful meal that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. The patties are seared for a savory crust and then baked in the oven with a thickened gravy for a tender, satisfying result.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

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

Gravy Ingredients

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

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cracker crumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until all ingredients are incorporated without overworking the meat.
Form Patties: Shape the mixture into rectangular or oval patties approximately 1 inch thick. Lay the patties on a baking sheet or tray, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat while preparing the patties.
Sear Patties: Heat a large skillet on medium heat. Sear the patties for 2 to 3 minutes on each side to develop a browned crust. Once seared, transfer the patties to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make Roux: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the gravy.
Prepare Gravy: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, onion powder, and garlic powder. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Combine and Bake: Pour the prepared gravy evenly over the seared patties in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake Patties: Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the gravy to thicken further.
Serve: Serve the Amish Poor Man’s Steak hot, accompanied by mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

Chilling the patties before searing helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
Use whole milk for the best moisture and flavor in the patties; you can substitute with 2% milk if preferred.
The searing step is crucial for flavor development and texture, so do not skip it.
Adjust seasoning in gravy to taste—some like it saltier, others milder.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.