If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, hearty meal that’s full of flavor, look no further than Amish Poor Man’s Steak. This dish, a classic in Amish cooking, uses ground beef, bread crumbs, and a savory gravy to create a deliciously tender and flavorful “steak” that’s easy on both the wallet and the taste buds.
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners, and it’s a great way to stretch your dollar without compromising on taste. Tender, juicy beef patties are smothered in a rich, savory gravy, creating a satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
This dish has been passed down through generations, and it’s still a beloved staple in Amish homes today. It’s an ideal recipe when you want something hearty, filling, and inexpensive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Budget-Friendly – Perfect for those on a tight budget.
✅ Easy to Make – Minimal prep and easy-to-find ingredients.
✅ Comfort Food – A cozy meal that satisfies hunger and warms the soul.
✅ Savory & Flavorful – A rich beef flavor in every bite, with a savory gravy that elevates the dish.
✅ Family Favorite – A hit with kids and adults alike!
Ingredients (in grams)
For 4 servings, you’ll need:
For the Poor Man’s Steaks:
- 500g ground beef
- 100g bread crumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (100g)
- 1 large egg (50g)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (2g)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (1g)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter (30g)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (16g)
- 500ml beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (5ml)
- ½ teaspoon salt (3g)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1g)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Poor Man’s Steaks
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, about ½ inch thick.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties to the skillet.
- Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 2: Make the Gravy
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the gravy to a simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 3: Combine & Serve
- Return the poor man’s steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
- Cover and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the steaks to absorb some of the gravy.
- Serve the steaks with the gravy poured over the top, alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
(Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.)
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Amish Poor Man’s Steak
✔️ Don’t Overwork the Beef – When mixing the beef with the other ingredients, try not to overmix, as it can make the patties tough.
✔️ Use Lean Ground Beef – For a healthier option, use lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter variation).
✔️ Customize the Gravy – Feel free to add a splash of cream for a richer gravy or onion powder for extra flavor.
✔️ Thicker Gravy – For a thicker gravy, cook it for an additional few minutes, or whisk in a little cornstarch mixed with cold water.
✔️ Add Veggies – You can add diced vegetables like carrots or peas to the gravy for more flavor and texture.
Delicious Variations to Try
🥔 Amish Poor Man’s Steak with Mashed Potatoes – Serve the steaks with a generous helping of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious gravy.
🍚 Poor Man’s Steak with Rice – Serve the steak and gravy over a bed of fluffy white rice for a filling, comforting meal.
🥦 Poor Man’s Steak with Roasted Vegetables – Pair with roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans, or broccoli for a well-rounded meal.
🍅 Amish Poor Man’s Steak with Tomato Gravy – For a twist, try making a tomato-based gravy by substituting some of the beef broth with crushed tomatoes.
What to Serve with Amish Poor Man’s Steak
🥔 With Mashed Potatoes – The gravy is perfect for pouring over creamy mashed potatoes.
🍚 With Rice – Serve over a fluffy bed of rice for a filling, comforting dish.
🥦 With Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Pair with some healthy steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots to round out the meal.
🍞 With Crusty Bread – A side of fresh, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the extra gravy.
How to Store & Reheat Amish Poor Man’s Steak
🛑 Store – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat – Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to bring back the gravy’s richness.
🧊 Freeze – You can freeze the steak and gravy for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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