Budget-Friendly Hearty Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe for All

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this hearty Amish poor man’s steak that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Home cooks cherish this budget-friendly dish for its incredible flavor and simple ingredients.

Rural kitchens have long celebrated this classic recipe that stretches humble ingredients into a delectable meal.

Tender ground beef gets mixed with pantry staples to create a memorable dinner that fills bellies without emptying wallets.

The blend of seasoned meat and rich gravy transforms an ordinary weeknight into a comforting culinary experience.

Each bite tells a story of resourceful cooking and delicious simplicity.

You’ll want to savor every morsel of this nostalgic, rustic dish that connects us to traditional home cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 87 kcal

Servings: 7

Amish Poor Man’s Steak Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty protein foundation with ideal fat content for juicy, tender patties.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients, adds subtle texture and prevents meat from becoming dense.
• Milk: Introduces moisture and softness, ensuring patties remain tender during cooking.

• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated, aromatic savory notes without raw garlic intensity.
• Onion Powder: Contributes deep, sweet umami undertones without chopping fresh onions.
• Parsley: Adds fresh, bright herbal complexity and subtle green color.
• Salt: Amplifies natural meat flavors and seasons throughout the mixture.
• Pepper: Introduces gentle warmth and mild spiciness to complement beef's richness.

What You’ll Need to Make Amish Poor Man’s Steak

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ground beef and other ingredients thoroughly.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for shaping patties.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure breadcrumbs, milk, and spices.
• Baking tray or plate: Perfect for resting and chilling patties before cooking.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for mixing ingredients gently without overworking the meat.

Prepare Amish Poor Man’s Steak Like Grandma Would

• Whip Up the Meat Mixture

Grab your ground beef and toss it into a big mixing bowl. Sprinkle in breadcrumbs, splash some milk, and season with garlic and onion powders. Toss in chopped parsley, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands until just combined – don’t overwork the meat.

• Shape Your Hearty Patties

Mold the meat mixture into thick, rustic oval-shaped patties. Keep them around half an inch thick for that perfect homestyle look. The key is to shape them with a gentle touch so they stay tender.

• Chill and Set

Pop your freshly formed patties onto a tray and slide them into the refrigerator. Let them hang out and firm up for about 30 minutes. This little rest helps them hold their shape and locks in all those delicious flavors.

• Fire Up the Cooking

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Slide those chilled patties into the pan and cook until they’re beautifully browned on both sides and cooked through. Each side should take about 4-5 minutes, depending on their thickness.

• Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your sizzling Amish Poor Man’s Steak to plates. These rustic patties are perfect alongside mashed potatoes or a crisp garden salad. Your comfort food masterpiece is ready to devour!

Variations for Changing Up Amish Poor Man’s Steak

• Refrigerating the patties before cooking helps them maintain their shape and prevents crumbling during cooking.
• Prepare the patties a day in advance and store in the refrigerator for a quick weeknight meal that saves time and effort.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to add extra depth and unique flavor to the traditional recipe.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version with reduced fat content while maintaining the classic taste.

Serve Amish Poor Man’s Steak with Sides

• Hearty Family Dinner Companion: Serve this classic Amish steak with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a comforting, balanced meal that fills everyone up.
• Rustic Sandwich Style: Transform leftovers into delicious sandwiches by placing a patty between toasted whole wheat bread with melted cheese and crisp lettuce.
• Weekend Picnic Platter: Pack these cool patties for an outdoor lunch, pairing them with tangy coleslaw and pickles for a perfect portable protein option that travels well.
• Gravy Lover's Dream: Create a rich country-style gravy to pour over the patties, enhancing their flavor and adding extra moisture for a truly traditional Amish dining experience.

Store Amish Poor Man’s Steak for Later Meals

• Assemble patties up to 24 hours before cooking, storing them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor.
• Wrap uncooked patties individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future meals.
• Keep leftover cooked steak patties in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
• Separate raw patties with small sheets of parchment paper before refrigerating or freezing, ensuring easy separation and preventing them from sticking together.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for Amish Poor Man's Steak?

Ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper are the essential ingredients that create the base for this classic recipe.

• Why do I need to refrigerate the patties before cooking?

Chilling the patties for 30 minutes helps them hold their shape, prevents them from falling apart during cooking, and allows the flavors to meld together.

• Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried parsley?

Yes, you can substitute dried parsley with fresh chopped parsley. Use about 2-3 times more fresh parsley than the dried amount to achieve a similar flavor intensity.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the patties in advance, refrigerate them, and cook them later, making it a convenient option for busy weeknight dinners or meal planning.

Hearty Amish Poor Mans Steak Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Amish Poor Mans Steak brings rustic comfort to family dinner tables across Pennsylvania farm regions. Simple ground beef patties deliver classic midwestern flavor with minimal ingredients and maximum satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp onion powder (for steaks)
• ½ tsp onion powder (for gravy)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, and seasonings in a large bowl, folding gently until ingredients are harmoniously incorporated without compressing the mixture.
2. Patty Formation: Shape the meat blend into elongated oval patties with consistent half-inch thickness, ensuring even cooking and optimal texture.
3. Chilling and Stabilizing: Place patties on a tray, cover securely, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to solidify the structure, enhance flavor cohesion, and prevent potential crumbling during cooking.
4. Coating Preparation: Dredge the chilled patties thoroughly in flour, creating a delicate protective layer that will transform into a crisp, golden exterior when cooked.
5. Searing and Browning: Heat a skillet with oil over medium-high temperature, carefully placing floured patties and cooking until a rich, caramelized crust forms on both sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per surface.
6. Gravy Creation: In the same skillet, combine beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and remaining seasonings, whisking to develop a velvety sauce that will complement the meat’s robust flavor.
7. Finishing and Simmering: Return patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy, and allow them to simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, ensuring complete internal cooking and sauce absorption.

Notes

• Prevent Crumbling: Mix meat gently and avoid overworking to maintain a tender, cohesive texture that holds together during cooking.
• Consistent Thickness Matters: Shape patties with uniform half-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Chill for Better Binding: Refrigerate patties for 30 minutes before cooking, which helps ingredients meld and stabilizes the meat’s structure for cleaner handling.
• Season Strategically: Use dry seasonings sparingly and mix thoroughly to distribute flavor evenly without creating dense protein clusters that might compromise the patty’s delicate composition.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 87
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg