1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Comforting Poor Man's Steak

Poor Man's Steak Recipe

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Juicy hamburger patties mixed with saltine cracker crumbs, milk, and spices, coated in flour, fried in butter, and smothered in creamy mushroom gravy. A classic Amish comfort food recipe perfect for hearty mains. Serve with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a satisfying family dinner. Easy to make, gluten-free adaptable, and freezer-friendly!
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Ranah
Updated on Tue, 11 Feb 2025 17:50:14 GMT
A casserole dish brimming with meatballs, representing a hearty and affordable meal known as poor man's steak. Pin it
A casserole dish brimming with meatballs, representing a hearty and affordable meal known as poor man's steak. | tastyblom.com

Transform humble ground beef into an incredibly satisfying poor man's steak that rivals the flavor of expensive cuts. This nostalgic dish combines seasoned hamburger patties with a rich mushroom gravy, creating a comforting meal that's both economical and delicious. Each bite delivers tender, juicy meat wrapped in a golden crust and smothered in creamy sauce.

Growing up on a farm, this dish was our family's special Sunday dinner. The aroma of searing meat and rich gravy would fill our kitchen, bringing everyone to the table with eager anticipation.

Essential Elements

  • Quality ground beef: Blend of chuck and round for ideal flavor
  • Fresh crackers: Saltines create perfect binding texture
  • Sweet onions: Add natural flavor and moisture
  • Pure seasonings: Simple spices enhance meat flavor
  • Creamy mushroom soup: Creates rich, velvety gravy

Creating Steak Magic

Prepare The Base
  • Combine ground beef with crushed crackers, milk, and seasonings until just mixed.
Form The Patties
  • Shape meat mixture into uniform thick patties, ensuring consistent cooking.
Create The Crust
  • Dredge each patty in flour, coating evenly for golden exterior.
Master The Sear
  • Brown patties in butter until deeply golden, developing rich flavor.
Layer The Dish
  • Arrange seared patties in baking dish for even cooking.
Create The Sauce
  • Blend soup and milk until smooth, then pour over patties.
Perfect The Finish
  • Bake until meat is tender and gravy is bubbling.

My grandmother always said the secret to perfect poor man's steak was patience during the searing step - those golden-brown edges make all the difference.

A casserole dish filled with meatballs, depicting a wholesome and affordable meal often termed poor man's steak. Pin it
A casserole dish filled with meatballs, depicting a wholesome and affordable meal often termed poor man's steak. | tastyblom.com

Serving Suggestions

Transform this humble dish into a complete comfort food experience by serving it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the rich gravy. Create an attractive presentation by garnishing with fresh parsley and serving alongside bright green vegetables like steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts. For a complete diner-style meal, add buttery corn, homemade coleslaw, and warm dinner rolls for soaking up every drop of gravy.

Creative Variations

Elevate this classic dish by experimenting with different flavor profiles. Try adding sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for extra depth, or incorporate different seasonings like Italian herbs or Cajun spices into the meat mixture. Consider using different soups for the gravy base, such as cream of onion or cream of celery. For a lighter version, try ground turkey or chicken, adjusting seasonings accordingly. Add grated cheese to the meat mixture or top with caramelized onions.

Storage Solutions

Maximize the longevity of your poor man's steak by storing it properly in airtight containers. It maintains its delicious flavor for up to three days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep. For longer storage, arrange uncooked patties between wax paper and freeze for up to three months. When reheating, add extra milk or broth to the gravy to maintain proper consistency, and warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.

A filled casserole dish showcasing meatballs, symbolizing a comforting and economical dish often referred to as poor man's steak. Pin it
A filled casserole dish showcasing meatballs, symbolizing a comforting and economical dish often referred to as poor man's steak. | tastyblom.com

Conclusion

This poor man's steak has been a family favorite for generations, proving that simple ingredients prepared with care can create memorable meals. While the recipe is straightforward, attention to detail in forming and searing the patties makes all the difference in the final result. Remember, good comfort food takes time - let each step develop fully for the most satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use breadcrumbs instead of saltine crackers?
Yes, substitute crushed saltine crackers with an equal amount of breadcrumbs.
→ Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
→ Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze the cooked patties and gravy in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Comforting Poor Man's Steak

A hearty dish of burger patties smothered in rich mushroom gravy, inspired by Amish comfort food.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
65 Minutes
Total Time
95 Minutes

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Amish

Yield: 8 Servings (8 patties)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2 lb. hamburger
02 1 cup saltine cracker crumbs (about 28 crackers)
03 1 cup milk
04 ½ small onion, finely chopped
05 1 ½ tsp. salt
06 ½ tsp. black pepper
07 ½ tsp. chili powder
08 ½ tsp. garlic powder
09 ¼–½ cup flour, for dipping
10 3 Tbs. butter, for frying

→ Gravy

11 1 or 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
12 1 soup can full of milk (about 1 ½ cups)

Instructions

Step 01

In a large bowl, mix the cracker crumbs, milk, onion, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and garlic powder. Add the hamburger and mix thoroughly to combine.

Step 02

Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions and shape them into thick burger patties.

Step 03

Roll each patty in flour, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Step 04

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the patties for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and seared.

Step 05

Place the browned patties into a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Pour the mixture over the patties.

Step 06

Cover the dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–55 minutes. Remove the cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 07

Serve hot with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. For easier preparation, crush the saltine crackers in a zip-lock bag using a rolling pin.
  2. Adjust the amount of cream of mushroom soup depending on how much gravy you prefer—use one can for less gravy or two for extra sauciness.
  3. Substitute milk with water in the gravy if desired.
  4. Freeze leftovers in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Zip-lock bag (for crushing crackers)
  • Rolling pin
  • Large skillet
  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cream of mushroom soup).
  • Gluten-free if using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 482
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 29 g