Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that brings the warmth of Amish cooking into your home. This recipe features juicy burgers, coated in flour, fried to perfection, and topped with rich mushroom gravy. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it combines simple ingredients to create an unforgettable meal that everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of savory seasonings and creamy mushroom gravy makes every bite delightful.
- Versatile Side Options: Pair it with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients like hamburger and saltines, this dish is kind on your wallet.
- Feeds a Crowd: Generously serving eight people, it’s ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe successfully, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: It allows you to fry multiple patties at once, ensuring even cooking.
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl helps you combine all ingredients thoroughly without mess.
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish: Perfect for baking the patties evenly while keeping them moist under the gravy.
Ingredients
Poor Man’s Steak are fat juicy burgers that have been dipped in flour, fried in butter, and smothered in mushroom gravy. Delicious served with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
- 2 lb. hamburger
- 1 c. saltine cracker crumbs (about 28 crackers)
- 1 scant c. milk
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 – 1/2 c. flour, for dipping
- 3 Tbs. butter, for frying
- 1 or 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 soup can full of milk (about 1 1/2 cups)
How to Make Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe
Step 1: Mix Ingredients
Start by combining the cracker crumbs, milk, onion, and seasonings in a mixing bowl. Add the hamburger meat and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Shape Patties
Shape the mixture into thick burger patties. You should yield about eight patties from this recipe.
Step 3: Dredge in Flour
Roll each patty in flour until well coated. This adds flavor and helps achieve a nice crust when frying.
Step 4: Fry Patties
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium/high heat. Fry each patty for a few minutes on each side until they are nicely browned.
Step 5: Prepare Baking Dish
Once browned, transfer the patties to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish for baking.
Step 6: Prepare Gravy Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup and milk. Pour this mixture over the patties evenly.
Step 7: Bake the Dish
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350° for about 50 to 55 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and continue to bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Once done, serve your Amish Poor Man’s Steak hot alongside mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a satisfying meal!
How to Serve Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a hearty dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides. Whether you want to keep it classic or try something new, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
With Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich mushroom gravy perfectly, making every bite delightful.
Over Buttered Noodles
- Serve the steak on a bed of buttered noodles for a comforting twist that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
Accompanied by Steamed Vegetables
- Lightly steamed vegetables add color and nutrition, balancing the richness of the steak.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnishing with parsley or chives adds freshness and enhances the overall presentation.
With a Side Salad
- A crisp green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory steak, making for a well-rounded meal.

How to Perfect Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe
To ensure your Amish Poor Man’s Steak turns out tender and flavorful, follow these tips for perfection.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh milk and onions enhance flavor and texture in your burger mixture.
- Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined; overmixing can make your patties tough.
- Sear properly – A good sear locks in juices and provides a delicious crust on your patties.
- Bake covered – Baking covered helps keep the steak moist while cooking in the oven.
- Adjust seasoning – Feel free to tweak spices like chili powder according to your taste preferences.
- Let it rest – Allowing the dish to rest before serving helps flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe
Choosing the right side dishes can enhance your Amish Poor Man’s Steak experience. Here are some fantastic options:
- Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread adds crunch and is perfect for soaking up gravy.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Their slight bitterness contrasts nicely with the savory steak flavor.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that balances the meal.
- Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac and cheese makes for a comforting side that’s always a hit.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn complements the savory notes of the steak while adding vibrant color to your plate.
- Baked Beans – The sweetness of baked beans pairs well with rich dishes, making them an excellent choice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe even more delicious.
- Using dry patties: If the mixture is too dry, add a bit more milk to ensure moist burgers.
- Not seasoning enough: Be generous with the salt and pepper to enhance flavor. Taste the mixture before cooking.
- Overcrowding the pan: Fry patties in batches to get a perfect sear. Crowding leads to steaming instead of frying.
- Skipping the resting time: Allow patties to rest after baking for juicy results. This helps redistribute juices.
- Ignoring cooking times: Keep an eye on baking time to prevent overcooking. Use a timer for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store leftover Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe in an airtight container.
- item It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe
- item Wrap each patty tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
- item The dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe
- item Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered for about 20 minutes.
- item Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
- item Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe that might help you along the way.
Can I use ground turkey instead of hamburger?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative, but adjust seasonings accordingly for flavor.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Substitute saltine cracker crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
What sides pair well with Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe?
Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles complement this dish beautifully and soak up the gravy.
How can I customize this Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe?
Add your favorite spices or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers into the meat mixture for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. Perfectly paired with mashed potatoes or noodles, you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a beloved family favorite!

Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately eight people 1x
Description
Amish Poor Man’s Steak Recipe is a classic comfort food that brings the heartwarming flavors of Amish cooking straight to your table. This dish features juicy hamburger patties, coated in flour and fried until golden brown, then generously smothered with creamy mushroom gravy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground hamburger
- 1 cup saltine cracker crumbs
- 1 scant cup milk
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup flour (for dredging)
- 3 tbsp. butter (for frying)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- Milk (to mix with soup, approximately 1 1/2 cups)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cracker crumbs, milk, onion, and seasonings.
- Add ground hamburger and mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Shape the mixture into eight thick patties.
- Dredge each patty in flour until well-coated.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry patties for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer browned patties to a baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup with milk and pour over the patties.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 50-55 minutes; remove foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: Amish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty (approximately 175g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers into the meat mixture. To make this dish gluten-free, substitute saltine crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.