Hearty Amish-Style Poor Man’s Steak

Here’s your detailed, unique article for Hearty Amish-Style Poor Man’s Steak — a comforting, budget-friendly classic packed with flavor and homestyle charm.

Hearty Amish-Style Poor Man’s Steak – Comfort Food the Old-Fashioned Way

In Amish kitchens, simplicity is an art. The recipes are often born from necessity, making use of what’s on hand to create hearty, satisfying meals that feed the whole family. One such gem is the Amish-Style Poor Man’s Steak — a dish that transforms humble ground beef into a tender, flavorful main course, smothered in a rich gravy.

This isn’t just “steak” in the fancy restaurant sense — it’s a rustic, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food, perfect for family dinners, church gatherings, or cold-weather evenings when you crave something warm and filling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Steak Patties:

2 pounds ground beef (80% lean for best juiciness)
1 ½ cups crushed saltine crackers (or plain breadcrumbs)
1 cup whole milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

For the Gravy:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1 – Make the Patty Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed crackers, milk, onion, eggs, salt, pepper, and seasonings.
Using clean hands or a spatula, gently mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Tip: Don’t overmix—this keeps the patties tender instead of tough.