Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a traditional, hearty dish that reflects the simplicity and ingenuity of Amish cuisine. This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a delicious, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Whether you’re familiar with Amish cooking or exploring it for the first time, this dish is a must-try for anyone seeking comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients for Amish Poor Man’s Steak
To prepare this classic recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Steaks:
- 2 pounds of ground beef
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- For the Gravy:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce (optional for added depth)
Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Steaks
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, salt, and pepper. Combine until just blended—avoid overmixing to keep the steaks tender.
- Shape the mixture into oval-shaped patties, about ½ inch thick.
2. Brown the Steaks
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with oil or butter.
- Brown the patties on both sides until they’re golden but not fully cooked. Transfer to a baking dish.
3. Make the Gravy
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Pour the gravy over the browned steaks in the baking dish, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the steaks are fully cooked and tender.
Serving Suggestions
Amish Poor Man’s Steak pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice. Add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to round out the meal. For a true Amish-inspired feast, serve with homemade bread or rolls.
Tips for Success
- Make Ahead: Prepare the patties and gravy in advance for a quick weeknight dinner. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Customize the Gravy: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or chicken for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Freezing: These steaks freeze well! Assemble the patties and gravy in a freezer-safe dish, and thaw before baking.
The Amish Kitchen Tradition
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is more than just a recipe—it’s a reflection of the resourceful and wholesome cooking traditions that define Amish culture. This dish showcases how simple ingredients can be elevated to create something truly special.
Try This Recipe Today!
Ready to experience the comforting flavors of Amish Poor Man’s Steak? Gather your ingredients and start cooking this beloved dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a taste of classic Amish cooking you won’t want to miss.
Serving and Storage Tips for Amish Poor Man’s Steak
Serving Tips
- Pair with Sides:
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Popular choices include:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture complements the savory gravy perfectly.
- Rice or Buttered Noodles: These starchy sides soak up the flavorful gravy, making each bite extra satisfying.
- Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, carrots, or peas add a healthy balance to the rich dish.
- Salads: A fresh, light salad with greens or coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty steak.
- Top it Off:
For a unique twist, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or grated cheese on top of the steak before serving. This adds color and an extra layer of flavor. - Family-Style Serving:
Serve this dish family-style by bringing the baking dish directly to the table. This encourages sharing and adds a cozy, homey feel to the meal.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration:
- Leftovers: Store leftover Amish Poor Man’s Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- Gravy Storage: If you have extra gravy, store it separately in a container, as it will prevent the steaks from becoming soggy when reheating.
- Freezing:
- For Long-Term Storage: Amish Poor Man’s Steak freezes well for up to 3 months. To freeze:
- Prepare the steaks and gravy as directed but stop before baking.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual, adding extra time if needed to ensure the steaks are fully heated through.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat leftovers by covering the dish with foil and placing it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that Amish Poor Man’s Steak remains delicious and convenient for future meals!
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef in Amish Poor Man’s Steak. The texture will be slightly different, and the flavor may be a bit milder, but it will still make a delicious and lighter version of the dish.
2. Can I make Amish Poor Man’s Steak in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this dish in a slow cooker. After browning the patties in a skillet, transfer them to the slow cooker, add the gravy, and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the steaks are tender.
3. Can I use homemade breadcrumbs instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade breadcrumbs will add a fresh, wholesome flavor to your Amish Poor Man’s Steak. Simply dry out some bread, crumble it, and use it in the recipe as a direct substitution for store-bought breadcrumbs.
4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Amish Poor Man’s Steak gluten-free, substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed gluten-free crackers. Be sure to check that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free or use a gluten-free alternative.
Amish Poor Man’s Steak
Comforting, budget-friendly ‘steak’ made with Salisbury steak patties smothered in onion gravy—a hearty homestyle Amish favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet/Stovetop
- Cuisine: American/Amish Style
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 450 g (1 lb) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (for patties)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil or butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (for gravy)
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, ½ cup breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; form into 4 oval patties.
- Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side until browned and nearly cooked through; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onion and cook until softened and golden (about 5–7 minutes).
- Sprinkle flour over onions, stirring to coat and cook raw flour taste for 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in beef broth, stirring to combine and scrape up browned bits.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, season to taste, and bring gravy to a simmer until thickened (2–3 minutes).
- Return patties to skillet, spoon gravy over them, and simmer gently for 5 minutes until cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve patties with onion gravy over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
Notes
- Use milk-soaked breadcrumbs for extra tender patties.
- Make gravy ahead and refrigerate—the flavors deepen overnight.
- Add garlic powder or dried thyme to patties for more flavor.
- Leftovers keep 3–4 days; reheat with a splash of broth to refresh gravy.
- Freeze cooked patties (without gravy) for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat in gravy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty with gravy
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg