First things first—thank you for stopping by. You being here means the world, especially for a recipe like this one that’s close to my heart. Amish Poor Man’s Steak may not be fancy or flashy, but it’s the kind of meal that brings people back to the table again and again. It smells like Sunday dinner and tastes like something your grandma might’ve made with love.
And let me tell you… the aroma when this is browning on the stovetop and then bubbling away in the oven? Absolutely irresistible!
What Is Poor Man’s Steak?
This is one of those brilliant, old-fashioned dishes that make magic from the most basic ingredients. You mix ground beef with crushed saltines, milk, onions, and a few simple seasonings, shape it into a loaf, and let it chill overnight (yes, that part’s key!). The next day, slice it into patties, give them a quick sear, and then smother everything in creamy mushroom gravy before baking until tender.
It’s hearty, cozy, affordable—and anything but boring!!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, no-fuss ingredients – stuff you probably already have
- Make-ahead magic – prep the day before for a more flavorful result
- Ultra comforting – savory, creamy, meaty deliciousness
- Family-approved – even picky eaters go back for seconds
- Versatile sides – serve it with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice
What It Tastes Like
Think Salisbury steak meets meatloaf, but with a silky, mushroom-rich gravy. The meat is tender but holds together beautifully, and browning it first gives that irresistible golden edge. When you bake it in the sauce? It soaks up every drop. It’s a warm, comforting bite from start to finish.
Health & Budget Benefits
- Great for feeding a crowd
- Perfect for using up pantry staples
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead meals
- Affordable ingredients that stretch far
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Crushed saltine crackers | 1 cup |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 (10.5 oz) can |
| Water or beef broth | 1 (10.5 oz) can |
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Baking dish
- Foil
- Knife
- Spatula
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Swap cream of mushroom for cream of celery or cream of chicken if preferred
- Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture for umami depth
- Stir in some garlic powder or dried thyme for extra flavor
- Use breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers if you’re out of saltines
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix & Chill
In a large bowl, combine:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup crushed saltines
- 1 small chopped onion
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Mix well, shape into a loaf, and refrigerate overnight.
2. Slice & Brown
Cut the chilled loaf into thick slices. Brown each piece in a skillet over medium heat—about 2–3 minutes per side.
3. Make the Gravy
Whisk together:
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can water or beef broth
Pour half of it into a baking dish, place the browned patties inside, then pour the rest over the top.
4. Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
What to Serve With It
- Creamy mashed potatoes (a classic pairing!)
- Buttered egg noodles
- White rice
- Candied carrots
- Stewed tomatoes
- Green beans with garlic
- Buttermilk biscuits or crusty bread to sop up the sauce
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip chilling – it firms up the loaf and deepens flavor
- Sear before baking – for extra texture and flavor
- Double the gravy if you like it extra saucy (and who doesn’t?)
- Let it rest before serving to thicken the sauce and keep patties from falling apart
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze patties and sauce together in a covered container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: In the oven or stovetop—just add a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes! Just note the flavor will be lighter. Add extra seasoning for balance.
→ Is it okay to skip chilling overnight?
You can, but the texture is better when it’s chilled—it slices and cooks more evenly.
→ What kind of crackers work best?
Saltines are the classic choice, but Ritz or buttery round crackers also work great.
→ Can I make this gluten-free?
Sure—use gluten-free crackers and a gluten-free cream soup.
→ What’s the best way to reheat?
Low and slow in the oven with a little extra broth or water works best!
Final Thoughts
Poor Man’s Steak is the kind of dish that proves comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s the quintessential budget-friendly classic that still delivers big on flavor. Whether you’re serving it to your kids, your partner, or just yourself after a long day—this meal wraps you up like a warm hug.
So go ahead and give it a try… and maybe make a little extra gravy, just saying 😉
Try These Next
- Creamy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Southern Tomato & Bacon Pie
- Dump-and-Bake Meatball Pasta
- 5-Minute Chocolate Fudge (when you need dessert ASAP!)
Nutrition (Approximate, Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 21g
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it went for you! Leave a comment, share a photo with friends or family, and don’t forget—food is always better when shared. 🥘💛