Amish Poor Man’s Steak

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean to fat ratio works best)
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (you can use regular or Italian breadcrumbs)
• 1/4 cup milk (whole milk or any variety works)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a little extra depth of flavor)

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium is ideal)
• 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening the gravy)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for a savory depth of flavor)

How to Make Amish Poor Man’s Steak

Step 1: Make the Patties

Start by preparing the ground beef patties. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.

Once mixed, form the mixture into 4 to 6 patties, depending on the size you want. Set the patties aside while you prepare the gravy.

Step 2: Brown the Patties

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil or butter. Once hot, add the patties to the skillet. Brown them on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). They don’t need to be cooked through at this point, as they will continue cooking in the gravy later. Once browned, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the thinly sliced onions. Cook the onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).

Once the onions have softened, sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. This will help thicken your gravy.

Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Simmer the Patties in the Gravy

Return the browned patties to the skillet with the gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over the patties and then cover the skillet with a lid. Let the patties simmer in the gravy over low to medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender. The gravy should thicken to a nice, pourable consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the patties are cooked through, serve them hot with plenty of gravy on top. This dish is traditionally served with mashed potatoes, but you can also enjoy it with rice, noodles, or even a piece of crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.

Tips for Perfect Amish Poor Man’s Steak

• Don’t Skip Browning the Patties: While it may seem like an extra step, browning the patties first adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the dish and gives the gravy a deeper color.
• Customize the Gravy: Feel free to add other seasonings to the gravy, like garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Make It a One-Pan Meal: To make cleanup easier, you can cook the patties, make the gravy, and simmer everything in the same pan.
• Serve with Sides: While mashed potatoes are the traditional side, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.
• Freeze Leftovers: Amish Poor Man’s Steak makes great leftovers! You can freeze any extra patties and gravy for a quick meal later.

Why Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a Staple

Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a perfect example of how home-cooked meals can be hearty, satisfying, and inexpensive. It’s the type of dish that will fill you up without breaking the bank, making it ideal for busy families, meal prepping, or anyone looking for a comforting dinner that won’t cost a fortune.

Not only is this recipe a family favorite, but it’s also a great way to stretch a pound of ground beef into a meal that feels special. The savory gravy, tender patties, and cozy flavors all come together to create a dish that’s as delicious as it is filling.

Conclusion

Whether you’re cooking for a big family or just looking for a simple yet satisfying meal, Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a fantastic choice. With its rich, savory gravy and tender beef patties, this dish will quickly become a comfort food favorite in your household. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together around the table and leaves everyone feeling content.

Give this budget-friendly recipe a try, and you’ll see why Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a cherished classic that has stood the test of time. Happy cooking! 👩‍🍳🍽