Amish Poor Man’s Steak 🥩🍞
(A Depression-Era Classic—Tender, Budget-Friendly, and Full of Flavor!)
This humble Amish recipe transforms ground beef and simple pantry staples into a savory, satisfying dish that tastes like slow-cooked steak—without the price tag. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks!
📝 Ingredients
For the “Steak”:
-
1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
-
1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed saltine crackers)
-
1 small onion, finely diced
-
1 egg, beaten
-
1 cup milk (or beef broth)
-
1 tsp salt
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
For the Gravy:
-
2 cups beef broth
-
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)
-
1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thicker gravy)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the “Steak” Patties
-
In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire until combined.
-
Shape into 4–6 oval patties (like small meatloaves).
2. Brown the Patties
-
Heat a skillet with 1 tbsp oil over medium-high heat.
-
Sear patties 2–3 mins per side until golden (they’ll finish cooking in the gravy).
3. Simmer in Gravy
-
In the same skillet, whisk together beef broth, mushroom soup, and cornstarch (if using).
-
Return patties to the skillet, spooning gravy over them.
-
Cover and simmer on low heat for 30–40 mins, until tender.
💡 Pro Tips
✅ For extra tenderness: Let the patties soak in the gravy for 10 mins off-heat before serving.
✅ No cream soup? Make a roux with 2 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp flour, then add broth and mushrooms.
✅ Serve with: Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or green beans.
🌟 Why This Recipe Endures
✔️ Budget-friendly (feeds a family for under $10!).
✔️ Comfort food magic—tastes like slow-cooked beef without the cost.
✔️ Amish tradition—passed down through generations of frugal cooks.
Fun Fact: Some Amish versions use soda crackers instead of breadcrumbs for a unique texture!
🔥 “Fancy enough for Sunday supper, cheap enough for Tuesday night!”
Want a lighter version? Swap beef for ground turkey and use low-sodium broth. 😊