Description
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a comforting and hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef patties cooked in a rich, flavorful gravy. The patties are seared to develop a savory crust, then baked in a homemade gravy that melds beef broth, butter, and flour into a luscious sauce. This traditional Amish recipe is perfect for a family meal served alongside mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
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
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, cracker crumbs, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
- Shape Patties: Form the mixture into rectangular or oval patties about 1 inch thick. Place them on a baking sheet or tray, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up and hold their shape better while cooking.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the patties later.
- Sear Patties: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and sear the patties for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a nice brown crust. This step enhances flavor. Transfer the browned patties to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make Roux: Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a lightly golden roux which will thicken your gravy.
- Prepare Gravy: Gradually add the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the onion powder and garlic powder. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Combine Patties and Gravy: Pour the thickened gravy evenly over the seared patties in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake: Bake covered for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to allow the gravy to thicken further and the top to brown slightly.
- Serve: Serve your Amish Poor Man’s Steak hot, accompanied by classic sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Chilling the patties before searing helps them hold together better and improves texture.
- Using the same skillet for making gravy adds extra flavor from the browned bits left by the patties.
- For a thicker gravy, you can simmer it a bit longer before pouring it over the patties.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
