If you’re craving a hearty dinner that feels like it came right out of Grandma’s kitchen, Amish Poor Man’s Steak is exactly what you need. Made with simple pantry staples, seasoned ground beef, and smothered in creamy mushroom gravy, this dish is a budget-friendly twist on classic Salisbury steak. It’s big on flavor, comforting, and perfect for feeding a hungry family without breaking the bank.
Inspired by traditional Amish cooking, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a cozy, fork-tender meal that’s baked to perfection. Serve it over mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or fluffy white rice for the ultimate stick-to-your-ribs dinner.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Patties
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 2 lbs |
| Crushed saltine crackers | 1½ cups (about 1 sleeve) |
| Whole milk | 1 cup |
| Italian seasoning | ½ tsp |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
| Onion powder | ½ tsp |
| Cayenne pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Kosher salt & black pepper | To taste |
| All-purpose flour (for dredging) | As needed |
For the Gravy
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Condensed cream of mushroom soup | 2 cans (10.75 oz each) |
| Whole milk | 1½ cups |
| Fresh parsley, finely chopped | 1½ tbsp |
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Make the Gravy
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Stir in parsley and set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Patties
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed crackers, milk, and seasonings. Mix gently until just combined, then shape into evenly sized patties.
Step 4: Dredge & Sear
Lightly dredge each patty in flour. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear both sides until golden brown. (They don’t need to be cooked through yet.)
Step 5: Bake
Arrange the seared patties in the prepared baking dish. Pour the gravy evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 30–40 minutes, until the patties are tender and fully cooked.
🍽️ To Serve
Serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Sprinkle with extra parsley for a fresh finish.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Make ahead: Freeze uncooked patties and gravy separately for a quick dinner later.
- Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms are a delicious addition to the gravy.
- Stretch the meal: Add a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete dinner.