Amish Poor Man’s Steak
Dive into the savory world of the Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe, featuring ground beef, onions, saltine crackers, and a rich mushroom gravy. Perfect for a hearty dinner!
Every family has that one recipe that’s passed down through generations, a humble yet delicious testament to their heritage. For us, it’s the Amish Poor Man’s Steak. The story goes that during lean times, my great-grandfather, a resourceful Amish farmer, came up with this dish to satisfy his large family’s craving for a steak dinner without the steep cost. Using simple ingredients like ground beef and saltine crackers, he created a meal so satisfying it became a regular feature at family gatherings. Today, it’s more than just a meal; it’s a cherished memory of resilience and love, served up warm and hearty on our dinner plates.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Poor Man’s Steak
The Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience in frugal gourmet dining. Here’s why it stands out:
- Economical: Utilizes cost-effective ingredients like ground beef and crackers to create a steak-like experience without breaking the bank.
- Comforting: Rich in flavors with a creamy mushroom gravy that adds a touch of luxury to each bite.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with various substitutions to suit different dietary needs and preferences.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by all ages, it’s perfect for a family dinner, ensuring no one leaves the table hungry.
Ingredients Notes:
Exploring the components of the Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe reveals a blend of simplicity and cunning culinary strategy:
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for the best texture without too much grease.
- Saltine Crackers: These provide the patties with the perfect binding and a subtle crunch, enhancing the texture.
- Milk: Helps in melding the flavors and softening the crackers, lending moisture to the patties.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is a key player for the gravy, offering a silky, rich base that compliments the robust flavors of the meat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Amish Poor Man’s Steak
Creating the Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a delightful culinary project, perfect for a weekend dinner. Here’s how to bring this comforting classic to your table:
- Preparation: Start by mixing your ground beef with onions, crushed crackers, milk, and spices. This is where the flavors start to marry, forming the foundation of your patties.
- Forming and Browning: Shape the mixture into oval patties and give them a quick dredge in flour before browning them in butter. This step is crucial for developing a deep, savory crust.
- Baking with Gravy: Once browned, these patties are nestled into a baking dish, smothered in a creamy mushroom gravy, and baked until bubbling and irresistible. The slow baking melds the flavors and tenderizes the beef, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Serving: Serve hot, allowing each patty to be generously coated with gravy. Ideal with sides that complement its richness, like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Storage Options:
The Amish Poor Man’s Steak stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal option. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for a month. Just ensure it’s cooled properly and stored in airtight containers. Reheat in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warm.
Variations and Substitutions:
Tailoring the Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe to fit dietary preferences or simply to shake things up is easy:
- Soup Base: Swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken or celery for a different flavor profile.
- Meat Alternatives: Use ground turkey or even a plant-based ground meat substitute for a lighter version.
- Add-Ins: Enhance the patties with chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor and texture.
Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe
Ingredients
For the Steak Patties:
- 2 pounds of ground beef
- 1/2 of an onion finely diced
- 1 cup of saltine crackers crumbled
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour for coating
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
For the Gravy:
- 1 to 2 cans 10.5 ounces each of cream of mushroom soup
- 1.5 cups of milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting the oven to a temperature of 350°F (175°C). Proceed to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Steak Patties: In a substantial mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, crumbled saltine crackers, 1 cup of milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is uniformly combined. Following this, shape the mixture into 6-8 patties, either oval or rectangular in shape.
- Coat and Brown the Patties: Dust each patty lightly with flour, ensuring to shake off any excess. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Place the patties in the skillet and fry them until they are browned on each side, approximately 3 minutes per side.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the browned patties to the previously greased baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. In a separate bowl, blend the cream of mushroom soup with 1.5 cups of milk until the mixture is smooth. Evenly pour this gravy mixture over the patties in the baking dish.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 50 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the top of the patties to achieve a slight browning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baking is complete, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the patties generously smothered in the creamy mushroom gravy, accompanied by your preferred side dishes such as mashed potatoes, corn, or green beans.
